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How do you pay in French Polynesia?

You should use a credit card in French Polynesia. The ones that are accepted on our main islands are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, etc. However, only cash will be accepted in Tubuai, Ua Pou, Mangareva, or on other small islands.



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Traditionally, tipping has been contrary to the Tahitian custom of hospitality. It is neither required nor expected. However, if you receive particularly good service from someone the gesture will be appreciated. Mind you, they may not accept it but you will not be insulting them either.

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In Bora Bora, many lodging establishments, eateries, and retail stores accept credit and debit cards. Visitors should be warned, though, that some neighborhood shops and tiny sellers only accept cash.

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French Polynesia is an expensive destination. You must pick and choose your battles or you'll blow through your budget within the first couple of days. Here are a few ways you can save money while you're here: Look for package deals – You can often find package deals on sale that include hotels, food, and activities.

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While meal prices in Tahiti can vary, the average cost of food in Tahiti is F5,740 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Tahiti should cost around F2,296 per person.

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Drinking water:
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.

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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.

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Both locations are $$$. There is no getting around it. French Polynesia's food and drinks are more expensive than Maldives.

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Tahiti is a relatively cheap island because it is the main island. Many local people live here and there are big supermarkets on the island. Because the island is not that popular with tourists, you also pay relatively little for accommodation here. Huahine is also a relatively cheap island.

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Do You Tip at Bora Bora Resorts? Even if you're staying in a fancy overwater bungalow or one of the luxury Bora Bora resorts, tipping is not expected by hotel staff. The reason is that in 2007, service charges became automatically included in hotel bills.

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There is no standard tip amount in Bora Bora.
You can tip whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you receive, similar to how it works in Europe. Continue reading this guide to find out what is generally considered a good tip for each type of service.

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Gas is also a little expensive, but luckily, you won't need too much. The gas station attendants pump gas for you in Tahiti!

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