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Questions About Tahiti

What is Tahiti?
Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that constitute what is officially known as French Polynesia. The island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete are located in the Society Islands, an archipelago that includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora. Other dramatic island groups are the Tuamotu Atolls with the slender coral wreaths of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava and the Marquesas - with the massive mountains on the islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.

Where is Tahiti & Her Islands and How Long Does it Take to Get There?
The islands are located south of the equater, in the same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California and Australia. Papete's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles.

What is the Time Difference?
The islands are just two hours behind Pacific Standard Time. During Daylight Saving Time they are three hours behind. Time in the Marquesas is half an hour ahead of the rest of the islands.

Will I need to Exchange Money?
Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific Franc

Will I Need a Passport/Visa?
A valid passport and a roundtrip or return ticket are required for all visitors entering Tahiti. Visas are not required for North America citizens for stays of less than one month.

Is English Spoken?
French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings are appreciated.

What About Tipping?
Tipping is not customary in Polynesian culture and is not expected. However, tipping is welcomed for exemplary service.

What Are the Seasons and Climate?
Cooled by gentle ocean breezes, the climate is ideal. Being tropical but moderate, the climate features sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly air and water temperature of 80-F. Summer is from November through April, when the climate is slighlty warmer and more humid. Winter is from May through October, when the climate is slighlty cooler and dryer.

What Should I Wear?
The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics and plenty of shorts. Pareus and swimsuits can be worn during the daytime at the resorts, while casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during island explorations. For dinner, casual slacks and sport shirts are the best choice for men while cool sundresses are most appropriate for women.

What Are the Essentials to Bring?
Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef-walking shoes, bug repellent, prescription medicine, and a camera with plenty of film.

Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water is good in most hotels and restaurants. Bottled water is also available everywhere in stores, markets and hotels.

What is the Voltage?
Hotels use either 110 or 220 volts, depending on the location. A converter/adapter is often required for appliances you bring, including computers.

How Do I Use the Telephone in Tahiti?
Direct dialing international call is available in most hotels and phone booths. Phone cards are easily purchased in Tahiti. When calling from the U.S. to Tahiti, dial 011 and then the country code of 689 along with the local number. Your cell phone with U.S. service may not work in Tahiti depending on the type of phone you have and your service provider. There are also rental options.

Do Rooms Have Air Conditioners?
Many do, particularly on the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Most bungalows are cooled by ceiling fans that draw in the fresh trade winds.

Do I Bargain When Shopping?
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.

What Kind of Shopping Is There? What Souvenirs Should I Buy?
Among Tahiti's most popular products are black pearls, tiare and coconut soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, ahell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets, and the colorful hand dyed pareu fabric worn by the island natives. The Papeete public market is a favorite with visitors. Shops usually open about 7:30am and close at 5:30pm. (Noon on Saturdays) but there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels, all shops are usually closed on Sundays.

How Do I Get Around?
The most inexpensive and common form of transportation is the public bus system. On Tahiti there are now two types of buses; the open-air trucks called LeTruck and the RTC large white coaches. Both operating frequently in Papeete and around the island. LeTruck also operates on most other islands. Taxis can be hired at most hotels, airports, and ferry terminals. For scenic tours around the islands, try escorted excursions by boat, 4X4 safari, bus, or helicopter.

What Activities Are There to Do?
Tahiti is the pefect place to do everything or nothing at all. Popular activities include 4X4 safaris, nature hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, wind-surfing, surfing, bike riding, tennis, golf on the island of Tahiti, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, shopping, circle-island tours, helicopter tours, museums stops and archaeological tours.

Can Rent a Car?
Rental cars are available at most airports for drivers over 21 years of age with a valid driver's license. Major credit cards are usually required for drivers under 25. Because of the small size of many islands, and the uniqueness of many circle island tours, you may find renting a car unnecessary.

Can I Charter a Boat?
If you are an experienced sailor, yacht and sailboat charters are available on most of the major islands for short or long term voyages. Some can come complete with a captain and crew. Fishing boats can also be chartered for deep-sea fishing for big species.

What Kind of Diving Can I Expect?
The islands of Tahiti offer world-class diving and are famous among divers for the large marine life, drift dives, warm and pristine waters, and uncrowded sites. The clear lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs all create an abundant aqua-culture with infinite sealife.



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