Last updated on January 13th, 2024
Visit French Polynesia – Plan Your Trip
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The warm weather, picturesque islands and isolation in the South Pacific make French Polynesia a popular tourist destination, especially for honeymooners and anniversaries. Although temperatures are consistently comfortable on a year round basis, the rainy season and high humidity from November to April tend to make these months less desirable. The most popular months for visitors are September and October, so expect higher prices during those months. You will find it’s still quite expensive even in the rainy season though. Christmas holiday bookings drive up prices at that time especially.
September is the best month for whale watching. The chances are good to see newborn calves swimming with their mothers then.
Access to French Polynesia – by Air
Access by air to French Polynesia is through Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui is the main airline servicing the islands and has regular service to Los Angeles and Auckland. Hawaiian Air also has flights to Papeete. A few airlines may also offer direct flights from San Francisco and Seattle at some times.
Air Tahiti is not the same as Air Tahiti Nui. If you can remember that Nui means big, you will have no trouble remembering which one gets you to the small islands. You can book online directly with Air Tahiti to fly from Papeete to Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and lots of other small islands. A ferry also operates between Papeete and Moorea which is cheaper than flying and it doesn’t take very long.
Access to French Polynesia – by Cruise Ship
Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises operate year round in French Polynesia. Cruises all start in Papeete and are typically one week long through the Society Islands such as Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Moorea. Their 10 day cruises add stops such as Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotus or Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas. Paul Gaugin includes alcoholic beverages in their fees, so their entry level pricing is always higher than Windstar. Oceania Cruises offers a few cruises in the winter. Other major cruise lines stop occasionally during transits of the Pacific.
Cell Phone Use
The airport in Papeete now offers wifi rental devices from Tahiti Wifi. Place your order in advance and then pick up your device at the airport. Tahiti Wifi provides coverage on most of the French Polynesian islands. This can work out to be slightly cheaper than the high daily travel rates with major cell phone providers. You will find eSim online data services, such as Airalo, will work in French Polynesia, but it’s very difficult to address any issues that might impact you when you switch coverage areas between various islands.
French Polynesia Visa Requirements
Visits of less than 90 days do not require a travel visa. Travelers retain a small, stamped piece of paper during their stay. Visitors from the European Economic Union get priority at customs and immigration even though French Polynesia is not part of the Schengen Zone. Check your specific country at VisaHQ. For a list of exempt countries, visit Project Visa.
Language in French Polynesia
The Tahitian language has survived the attempts of the missionaries to anhiliate it and is thriving. Be prepared to use the two most important phrases all the time and to pronouce every vowel (say the letter “a” three times for Faa’a Airport):
- Ia Orana – hello, goodbye.
- Mauruuru – thank you, your welcome.
While English will work in many situations, French is the language of choice in French Polynesia.
Currency
The French Pacific Franc is the standard currency for French Polynesia. Credit cards are widely accepted, but have some Pacific Francs ready for tipping and souvenirs.
Electrical Adapters
Drinking Water for French Polynesia
You should stick to bottled water in French Polynesia. Tap water is fine in Papeete, but isn’t considered safe elsewhere on the French Polynesian islands.
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