Is tipping customary in Tahiti?

Tipping. Tipping is not customary in the Islands of Tahiti and therefore not expected. It is left at your discretion for exemplary service.



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Tipping your taxi driver in Tahiti is not mandatory or expected. Although, you can always leave a 5 to 10% tip if you enjoyed your ride.

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Compared to the United States where tipping is always expected, regardless of the kind of service you receive, tipping is not required or expected in French Polynesia. It's similar to the culture in France and most places in Europe.

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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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Traditionally, tipping has been contrary to the Tahitian custom of hospitality. It is neither required nor expected.

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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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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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For drivers spending the majority of the day with you, as is the case with a limo or moving between airports, hotels, and events, 10 to 15 percent of the total bill is custom. You may find drivers go above and beyond and provide extra service to ensure safety or comfort.

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The standard tip for a private driver is typically 15-20% of the total hourly cost of the ride, which is consistent with the general tipping practices and rule of thumb in the service industry.

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Inside the resorts, local people in Tahiti dress in casual beachy attire: sundresses, tropical button-ups, khaki shorts and sandals. Outside the resorts, local people in Tahiti dress very casually: tee shirts, shorts and flip flops.

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We suggest a light jacket and comfortable shoes with casual Aloha attire, i.e. a casual Aloha shirt and jeans or shorts.

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One last note about respect; and please, we cannot emphasize this enough: Unless you are Hawaiian or are very intimately familiar with the culture, do not throw or attend a party deemed a “luau.” Culture is an identity- not a party theme.

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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.

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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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It's little wonder, therefore, that the islands are inhabited for the most part by friendly, peaceable, and extraordinarily courteous people. The ancient Tahitians worshiped a hierarchy of gods. At its head stood Taaroa, a supreme deity known as Tangaroa in the Cook Islands and Tangaloa in Samoa.

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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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