Guests traveling to smaller or remote islands should ask their Tahiti Travel Specialist about ATM availability. The amount of cash that a traveler exchanges is a personal preference but a good guideline is approximately $100-$500 per week of travel.
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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).
Use of Credit and Debit CardsIn 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.
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).
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).
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.
The overall high season in French Polynesia extends from May 1 to October 31, although some resorts change their prices starting April 1. The low season covers November 1 to April 30.
If you decide to tip people in Bora Bora, you can do so using either XPF (preferred) or US dollars. It is easy for locals on the island to exchange US dollars for the local currency.
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. Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its seaside luxury resorts.
An average nonstop flight from the United States to Bora Bora takes 28h 40m, covering a distance of 5200 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Vaitape with an average flight time of 10h 30m.
Not outrageous at the hotels and restaurants.... around $7-8....but certainly cheaper to buy your own at the markets. Beer at the market will vary depending on size and sales... usually in the $12-18 range for 6.