TRAVEL GUIDE to FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia’s main island, Tahiti, became a French protectorate in 1842, and France took possession of French Polynesia as a whole in 1880.

The native Pomare Family ruled until December 29, 1880, when Tahiti finally became a French colony. In 1957, the islands were reconstituted into a French Overseas Territory and given the official name French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity attached to the French Republic and associated with the European Union as an overseas country or territory (OCT), as provided for in Articles 198 to 204 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Therefore, the citizens of the European Union, have the right to stay in French Polynesia without a visa unless their presence constitutes a threat to public order.

Language: French is the official language of French Polynesia. Meanwhile French is the official language of Tahiti, Tahitian te roa language is widely spoken by locals. It includes only 16 letters and 1 000 words, so it’s relatively simple to learn.

Currency:

The local currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). U.S. dollar and European euro banknotes (no coins) are widely accepted as cash in the islands, although at least favorable exchange rates than at banks. 

ATMs: You can use your credit card at most hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and shops on all the islands. However, you should always have cash on you in case it’s not possible to pay with a card. The ATMs in French Polynesia are called “billetterie”, which is French for cash. There are ATMs at the banks on the main islands as well as at the post offices.

Plugs: The power plugs are types A, B, and E. The standard voltage is 110/220 V, and the frequency is 60/50 Hz.

Safety: The islands of French Polynesia are amongst the safest on the planet. Nonetheless, be precautious and don’t leave valuables alone, and don’t walk around by yourself on deserted beaches.