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.
People Also Ask
When you think of the Islands of Tahiti, you are probably picturing stunning turquoise lagoons, powdery white sand beaches, and Polynesian culture. But did you also know that Tahiti produces its own wine, rum, and beer, and is an ideal tropical destination to drink your way through.
So if you're going to Tahiti to celebrate your 18th – don't expect to be served alcohol in this country. Drinking alcohol in public and public drunkenness is not only frowned upon – but illegal.
Another popular beer is Tabu - a Tahitian pale lager. Rum is popular and Moorea is home to the Pineapple Factory and Fruit Juice Distillery which produces fruit-infused rums with flavours like pineapple, coconut, and ginger.
The legal drinking age in French Polynesia is 18 years old. This means that individuals under 18 years of age are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. This law applies to all forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits. Anyone found breaking this law can face fines or even imprisonment.
Don't plan on buying anything other than meals and souvenirs. If you drink alcohol, you will be shocked and appalled at the $20 cocktail prices at the resorts. Liquor is really expensive in Tahiti and all has to be imported. The saving grace here though is that you can bring your own.
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.
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.
It's best to exchange money or use your credit card in Tahiti. If you can't buy some before your trip, the next best options are Australian Dollars (AUD), US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR).
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).
When packing for a trip to Tahiti, focus on casual, comfortable, warm weather clothing. Sandals are accepted everywhere and men can leave their neckties home! The dress code is very casual. However, while going out to dinner some nights in luxury hotels or fine dining restaurants, you may want to dress up.
When talking about costs, it always depends on where you stay and eat and the kind of activities you do. However, in general Hawaii is cheaper than Tahiti. Hawaii has a wider range of accommodations and eateries, with many budget homestays and street food vendors.
The official currency of Tahiti is the CFP Franc (XPF). It's best to exchange money or use your credit card in Tahiti. If you can't buy some before your trip, the next best options are Australian Dollars (AUD), US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR).
In line with France and other French territories, Bora Bora's legal drinking age is 18, which is also the age of majority in the country. As a result, anyone on the island who is at least 18 years old may legally buy and consume alcohol.