Marquesas Islands, Tahiti And French Polynesia
Vini and Vodafone are the main mobile providers in French Polynesia. You can purchase local SIM cards upon arrival at Tahiti Faa'an International Airport (PPT) or at a Vini store in Taiohae, Nuku Hiva. Data packages are recommended for internet access.
Wi-Fi is available at most guesthouses and hotels in Taiohae. Some accommodations may charge a fee or offer limited bandwidth. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are rare outside of accommodations.
French is the official administrative language. Tahitian is widely spoken. Marquesan is the local language of Nuku Hiva, a distinct part of its cultural identity. Many in tourism speak some English, but less of the general population does.
A basic French understanding is helpful. Learning a few Marquesan phrases is highly appreciated by locals and can open doors to warmer interactions. Use a translation app with offline capabilities.
Mobile data from a local SIM card generally offers the most consistent internet connectivity while exploring Nuku Hiva's more remote areas.
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF). It is pegged to the Euro. Cash transactions are common, especially in smaller villages and for local vendors.
ATMs are only in Taiohae, at banks like Banque de Tahiti and Banque de Polynésie. Plan cash withdrawals, as ATMs are non-existent outside the main village.
Shops typically open Mon-Fri (7:30 AM-12:00 PM, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM) and Sat mornings. Banks and post office have similar weekday hours. Most close Sundays.
French Public Holidays are observed in French Polynesia, including Nuku Hiva. These include New Year's Day, Easter, Labour Day (May 1st), Bastille Day, and Christmas.
While Nuku Hiva's airport is small, services exist for flight convenience and potential issues. Consider options that ease airport experiences.
Carry sufficient local currency (XPF) for smaller purchases and activities outside Taiohae. Be aware of bank and shop hours, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Your interactions with locals and your behavior at sacred sites shape your experience. Also, note Nuku Hiva's accessibility landscape.
Avoid discussing politics or sensitive historical events unless locals begin the conversation. Respect sacred sites (Me'ae, Tohua); do not touch or remove artifacts, and do not climb on structures. These places hold deep spiritual meaning.
French Polynesia is generally tolerant. Nuku Hiva is a traditional yet welcoming society. Public displays of affection for LGBTQ+ couples may be less common than in some Western countries.
Nuku Hiva presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs due to its rugged terrain and limited infrastructure. The terrain is volcanic, roads are unpaved, and sidewalks are absent.
No specific services or infrastructure are readily available for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.
