Tahiti Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Essentials

Vini and Vodafone are local mobile providers. Prepaid SIM cards are available at Faa'an International Airport or in stores.

Staying Connected

Local SIM cards: Recommended for internet access.
Wi-Fi: Available in hotels and some cafes (may have a fee).
Official Languages: French and Tahitian. English is common in tourist zones.

Language Aids

Helpful Phrases

Ia Ora Na: Hello (ee-ah oh-rah nah)
Mauruuru: Thank you (mah-oo-roo-roo)
Nana: Goodbye (nah-nah)

Money & Banking

Banks generally open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Cash machines are common in Papeete and major towns.

Financial Tips

Some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
ATMs common in urban areas.
Consider Priority Pass for lounge access.

Business Hours & Holidays

Shops typically operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Supermarkets are open later.

Operating Schedules

Many smaller shops close for lunch (12 PM - 2 PM).
Restaurants: Lunch (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM), Dinner (6:30 PM - 9:30 PM).
Public holidays affect services; plan activities accordingly.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting & Attire

"Ia Ora Na" (hello) and a warm smile are standard greetings.
Casual wear accepted, but modest dress for sacred sites.
Bathing suit for beaches only, not for villages or shops.
Always ask permission before photographing people.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not customary or expected.
Service charges are often included in bills.
Avoid touching sacred sites or objects.
French Polynesia is generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors.

Communication Services:

For eSIMs, consider Airalo. For portable WiFi, look into Solis Wi-Fi. The Google Translate app can be useful for language barriers.

Airport Services

Services available at the airport for a smoother travel experience.

Airport Lounges

Travelers with Priority Pass gain access to independent airport relaxation areas for comfort before flights.

Flight Compensation

Compensair assists customers in receiving compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Connectivity

Purchase local SIM cards or pick up portable WiFi devices for staying connected upon arrival.

Language Learning

Learning basic French or Tahitian words can deepen your experience and interactions with locals.

Resources for Learning

Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Translation apps with offline language packs.
Practice phrases with locals.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility infrastructure is developing in Tahiti but has limits.

Getting Around

Sidewalks can be uneven; public transport generally not accessible.
Taxis might be a choice, but confirm vehicles with accessibility features in advance.
Some newer resorts and key attractions may have ramps and wheelchair-accessible toilets.

Local Services

Post Office

Main post office (OPT) in Papeete.
Postal services for postcards and packages.
Smaller post offices in larger towns.

Translation Tools

Smartphone translation apps.
Download offline language packs for no internet use.
Basic phrases are appreciated by locals.

Final Tips:

For communication, consider an eSIM from Airalo or a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi. Prepare for business hours affected by holidays.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Interacting respectfully with Tahitian culture enriches your experience and honors local traditions.

Cultural Preservation

Support local artisans and traditional performances that keep Polynesian traditions.

Support Local Art

Purchase authentic crafts directly from creators.
Attend traditional dance and music events.
Seek out local art galleries and shows.

Respectful Interactions

A simple "Ia Ora Na" (hello) and a smile make a difference. Dress modestly at sacred sites.

Guidelines for Respect

Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
Cover shoulders and knees in villages or churches.
Remove shoes when entering a local's home or some classic places.

Photography Ethics

Be discreet and mindful of privacy. Avoid intrusive photography in intimate moments or religious ceremonies.

Mindful Photo Taking

Respect signs prohibiting photography.
People are not tourist attractions; treat them for dignity.
A simple gesture with a smile often gets permission.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics or sensitive historical issues unless invited to by a local. Respect local customs.

Navigating Conversations

Do not engage with begging; donate to charities instead.
Avoid activities that exploit local people or animals.
Irresponsible marine interactions include touching or chasing marine life.

Important Considerations

Taboos

Do not touch sacred objects.
Avoid sensitive historical discussions without invitation.
Public displays of affection are generally discreet.

Ethical Travel

Support local businesses and communities.
Purchase authentic crafts and fair trade items.
Research reputable charities for donations.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Social Acceptance

French Polynesia is generally welcoming.
Same-sex marriage is legal.
Society is generally tolerant, less visible in rural areas.

Public Behavior

Public displays of affection are generally discreet.
Respect local norms and traditions.
A warm smile goes a long way in dealings.

Final Recommendation:

Embrace the opportunity to connect with Tahitian culture by being respectful and open to local ways of life.

Accessibility

Accessibility infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is developing but remains limited in Tahiti.

Infrastructure Overview

Tahiti's infrastructure is generally not designed for high accessibility. Sidewalks can be uneven.

Transport Challenges

Public transport ("Le Truck") is not wheelchair accessible.
Many natural attractions have uneven terrain.
Navigating outside resorts may be challenging.

Accessible Options

Some newer resorts and major attractions may have ramps or accessible restrooms.

Finding Accessible Services

Taxis are an option, but verify accessible vehicles in advance.
Inquire directly with resorts or tour operators about specific features.
Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments.

Traveling with Impairments

For travelers with disabilities, specialized services are limited.

Recommendations

Travel with a companion.
Pre-arrange support through tour operators or accommodations.
Direct communication with service providers is best.

Planning Resources

Directly contact individual resorts or tour operators for their specific accessibility features.

Contacts

Resorts can confirm accessible rooms.
Taxi companies for accessible vehicle availability.
Tour operators for accessible excursions.

General Accessibility Advice

Preparation

Thorough research on certain locations before arrival.

Companion Travel

Consider traveling with a companion for support.

Direct Contact

Call ahead to confirm specific access needs.

Important Note:

While Tahiti is generally welcoming, dedicated accessibility infrastructure is still developing. Planning ahead makes a big difference.

Tahiti Travel Tips