GENERAL INFORMATION

GREAT VALUE VACATIONS

Tahiti Value Escape Ideas

AIR-LAND INCLUSIVE

STAYS OF DISTINCTION

STOP OVER TRAVEL IDEAS

ONE STOP REZ CENTRE

Please help us improve our site by sending us feedback to .

Goway IslandsEscapes can arrange for you to stay at any of Tahiti's hotels and resorts.

TRAVEL TIP

Phone calls from Tahiti to North America are very expensive. We recommend you call your party and then have them call you back as calls from Canada/U.S.A. are not as costly.

FUN FACTS

• The Chinese population (about 10 percent) monopolizes the retail trade, so when Tahitians talk about going shopping, they say they are going to "La Chine" or to the Chinese.

• It's common to put a tiare (Tahiti's national flower, a fragrant white blossom) behind one's ear - left side you're taken, right side you're looking.

• Moorea means "yellow lizard" which is a name taken from a family of chiefs.

GET A FREE TRAVEL QUOTE

or call 1-800-387-8850

Tahiti & Her Islands

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Clothing
Tahiti is very casual. Pack lightweight, loose-fitting cotton washables. Synthetic fabrics can be too hot and sticky. Women wear shorts, skirts or casual slacks during the day and cool dresses at night. Bring reef walkers or old sneakers so you don't cut your feet when walking amidst the coral. Most importantly, be sure to bring a swimsuit, a hat, and a backpack for carrying any necessities. You may want to pack a light sweater or jacket. You probably won't use it except maybe on the plane. Casual resort attire (eg: wraps, bathing suits) are worn around the hotels.

Other Important Items to Pack
Make sure to pack any medications you are taking. While there are medical facilities, some medications may not be readily available. Pack lots of film since film is more expensive in Tahiti. You are allowed to bring 10 rolls through customs. You may also want to purchase a disposable underwater camera as the sea life is beautiful. A disposable panorama camera would be fun too. And make sure to pack an extra battery for your camera or video camera! Don't forget toiletries, sunscreen and insect repellant as these are also expensive to purchase in Tahiti. You will want to bring an adapter for any appliances you bring with you. The current is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Tahiti.

Electricity
Most hotels use 110 or 220 volts, a.c. 60 cycles. Check with your hotel before plugging in appliances. Power outlets for shavers are provided in most hotels.

Currency
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc XPF. Notes are used in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 francs, coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 francs. There are international banks in Tahiti, with branch offices in the resort islands of French Polynesia, including a bank at the Tahiti-Faaa International Airport. Hotels will also exchange various currencies for XPF. Banking hours are from 8:00am to 3:30pm, with branch offices open until 5:00pm. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and other tourist establishments. Canadian and US dollar traveller's cheques are widely accepted. U.S. dollars are widely accepted too.

Tahitian lady Medical & Health
Tap water in hotels & restaurants is safe to drink. It is a good idea to wear sandals or running shoes when in the ocean. It is recommended that comprehensive medical insurance is purchased prior to your departure.

Transportation
In Tahiti, the famous "le truck" runs a bus service between Papeete and the outerlying districts. Taxis and buses are available everywhere and fares are controlled by the government. Ferries operate from Tahiti to Moorea several times a day and there are numerous daily flights to the outer islands.

Taxes
There is no sales tax in Tahiti. However, an 8% tax is added to the cost of hotel rooms (This tax does not apply to pensions and family lodgings), and room and meal packages - both American Plan (3 meals) and Modified American Plan (breakfast and dinner). A 4% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. And a 6% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurant involving meals not included in a room-meal package.

Accommodations
More than 4,000 rooms in more than 40 hotels catering to a wide range of budgets and personal preferences, as well as lodging in hospitable family pensions and private homes.

Tahitian lady Popular Activities
Some of the world's best snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing are found in Tahiti. Also popular are outrigger canoeing, bicycle and horseback riding, four-wheel jeep safaris, spear and deep sea fishing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, tennis, island tours, shark and ray feeding, helicopter rides, museums, ancient maraes (temples), and other cultural experiences. Sunset watching, beach strolling, relaxing in the sand, enjoying exquisite French Polynesia cuisine, walking through beautiful fragrant gardens, and simply getting to know the friendly and hospitable Tahitian people are memorable highlights of any visit to French Polynesia.

Shopping
Shops are generally open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. except on Saturdays when many close at noon and only hotel shops are open on Sunday. Long lunch breaks are common in French Polynesia. Duty Free shopping is mainly available on Tahiti. Black pearls, mother-of-pearl shell carvings, coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, colourful pareos, and woven hats and baskets are among the most popular items.

Entertainment
Music and dancing tell the story of the Tahitian people. Beautifully costumed dancers demonstrate beauty, strength and grace in traditional dances which have been passed on for generations.