Indeed, the islands have multitudes of mosquitoes, roaches, ants, houseflies, and other insects. Ants are omnipresent here, so don't leave crumbs or dirty dishes lying around your room.
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Additional French Polynesia packing essentials include bug spray, sun screen, an adapter, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes.
Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns -- Living among the friendly Tahitians are some of the world's friendliest ants, roaches, geckos, crabs, and insects. Indeed, the islands have multitudes of mosquitoes, roaches, ants, houseflies, and other insects.
ENVIRONMENT. The sun can get intense during the day, so remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. There are no snakes or poisonous spiders in Tahiti, only mosquitoes and the small sand fly known as the no-no. Bring bug repellent and carry it with you when hiking through dense vegetation.
You can drink tap water in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora and in all the international resorts. It is usually fine in family hotels and in the other islands but we recommend that you ask your hosts for confirmation.
French Polynesia uses the Global System for Mobiles (GSM) technology. Check with your wireless company before traveling to see if you have a GSM phone. If so, you may be able to use it in the islands if your home provider has an international roaming agreement with the mobile network Vinia (www.vini.pf).
U.S. dollar and European euro notes (but not coins) are widely accepted as cash in the islands, although at less favorable exchange rates than at banks. You will probably get a more favorable rate if you change your money in French Polynesia rather than before leaving home.
Theft and other petty crime is most common in the capital Papeete. Make sure you keep a good grasp on your bag as you move around town, especially in crowded areas. The main streets with bars and clubs can get rowdy at night, so be careful, especially if you are a woman. Some beaches on Tahiti are a bit dangerous.
You'll find one of the top Tahitian white sand beaches, Plage de Toaroto, west of Papeete. It's sensational for most beach activities including paddleboarding, snorkeling and swimming or sunbathing.
The legal drinking age is 18, and individuals under 18 years of age are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. Additionally, French Polynesia has strict laws in place to prevent drunk driving, and the legal age to purchase cigarettes is 21 years old.
French Polynesia is also great for animals. And that is quite strange because since the islands are so far away from the inhabited world, there are not that many animals at all. You will not find monkeys, deadly spiders or snakes and no crocodiles here.