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Interesting Facts:
-
While one hotel in Hawaii has as many as
2,000 rooms, French Polynesia combined has about 4,300 rooms
in total.
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Hawaii has more visitors in 10 days than Tahiti has in one year.
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Tahiti
has more hours of sun each month than Honolulu, Dallas, Chicago,
San Francisco, Seattle or Toronto.
Getting There
- Honeymooners complete their journey in just about eight hours from
Los Angeles, California (only Two and a half hours more than flying
to Hawaii).
Entry Requirements
- For a stay of up to one month, citizens of the U.S. and Canada
will need a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds and onward
passage. Passports should be valid for at least six months after
the date of entry. Reconfirm travel document information with your
carrier before departure.
Yellow-fever certificate is required if arriving from an infected
area. Contact health authorities for the latest information.
Luggage Weight
Allowances
International flights - baggage limit per passenger:
-
For first-class or
business-class passengers: 66 lbs.
-
For economy-class
passengers: 44 lbs.
-
Carry-on bag: cannot
exceed total measure of 45 inches (H + W + L)
-
Small handbag,
portable computer, camera bag… : less than 15 lbs.
Domestic
flights - baggage limit per passenger:
No Tipping!
- Tipping is not customary in Tahiti. Consider this savings when
comparing Tahiti with other destinations.
Clothing
- Tahiti is very informal. Lightweight, washable cottons will serve
well. Men will be comfortable in shorts, slacks for dinner, sport
shirts and sandals, while ladies may wear shorts, skirts and sun
dresses. We recommend at least two swimsuits per person, comfortable
rubber-soled shoes for walking on coral (a necessity on the shark
feeding excursion), a hat or visor, sunglasses and a waterproof bag
to protect your camera equipment from salt and spray.
Sports Activities
- Snorkeling, diving, tennis, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing,
outrigger canoeing, para-sailing, horseback riding, biking, hiking
and climbing are activities available on most islands in French
Polynesia. Game fishing is also widely available, though true
aficionados recommend December through July as the best months for
this sport. Golfers will find a spectacular course on the island of
Tahiti; there are no other courses in French Polynesia at this time.
Many hotels offer snorkeling equipment free, but it is advisable to
pack your own snorkel, fins and mask (and regulator if you are a
serious scuba diver).
Time Difference
- Tahiti
is in the same time zone as Hawaii, making it two hours behind the
West Coast during Pacific Standard Time, and three hours behind
during Pacific Daylight Time.
Language -
While each island group has its own native language, French and
Tahitian are the official languages of French Polynesia. Early
missionaries chose to work in Tahitian, thus spreading the language
to about 100 islands. English is also widely spoken.
Currency -
French Polynesian currency is called the French Pacific franc (CFP).
The rate of exchange is fixed to the French franc (FF).
The
best place to exchange money is at the Faa'a International Airport
upon arrival, or at Westpac or Socredo banks. Always ask whether the
price being quoted is U.S. or CFP dollars.
American currency is accepted throughout the islands; however, you
are likely to receive change back in CFP dollars. Other foreign
currencies can be exchanged at banks and some hotels.
Automatic teller machines are easy to find on the more populated
islands. Should you wish to use your ATM card, check with your bank
before you leave to ensure that your card's PIN number is valid for
use in French Polynesia. Four-digit pin numbers are commonly used
overseas; any pin numbers with more or less digits might be refused.
You may be charged for ATM transactions.
Most
major establishments in French Polynesia accept travelers' checks.
Most
establishments accept major credit cards like MasterCard, Visa, or
American Express. As in your home country, any credit-card cash
advance usually carries a set charge along with interest beginning
the day you receive the money.
Time Zone -
French Polynesia is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (GMT/UTC
minus 10 hours), which is the same time zone as Hawaii. The
Marquesas are 30 minutes behind the rest of French Polynesia. The
islands fall east of the international date line, marking the days
the same as that of the United States, but a day behind Australia
and Fiji.
Phone Code -
The country code for French Polynesia is 689. This does not need to
be dialed when phoning from island to island.
Electricity - Voltage:
220V AC
Electrical Plugs
- Plugs are a European standard and have two round prongs.
Heavy-duty plugs have a third round prong.
Electrical Conversion
- If you come from the United States, you should bring a small
converter. |
