It is important to exchange or withdraw XPF before departing the island because it is not commonly accepted outside of French Polynesia. The fact that many shops and hotels on Bora Bora also take US dollars as payment is very significant.
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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.
You'll certainly want to have some cash on hand for small purchases and the occasional tip. Euros and US Dollars are not widely accepted in the islands; therefore, local currency is best.
If you intend to use a credit card during your stay, you should be aware that only Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners and JCP (Japan) are widely accepted in French Polynesia. Holders of other cards may encounter difficulties obtaining cash and paying for goods.
Affordability. It actually costs less to stay at a resort in Tahiti than a basic hotel in Maui! Surprisingly, I found Tahiti a relatively affordable destination — at least compared to Hawaii, especially more popular islands like Maui.
Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home in French Polynesia. When greeting each other in French Polynesia, people use handshakes or a kiss on the cheek. It is considered rude to get into the room, and not greet everyone except for large crowds.
The U.S. dollar is not only widely accepted for commerce in both Canada and Mexico, but also in a host of tourist destinations including the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Sint Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and the BES Islands including Bonaire, Sint Eustatius ...
There are no visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico or European Union staying up to 90 days in French Polynesia. Citizens of all other countries may need a visa in addition to a valid passport and should consult the nearest French Consulate or French Embassy as early as possible.
For a two-week package including international flights, inter-island stopovers, lodging, activities and meals, the real price of a trip to Tahiti is about: All comfort in high season: $17,000 per couple. All comfort in low season: $13,000. Economy in high season: $11,000.
The languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourism population, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English.