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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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.
To summarize, tipping in French Polynesia is not required nor expected! Unlike places in Canada and the United States, such as Calgary and San Diego, where servers are heavily reliant on receiving tips to have a livable wage, French Polynesia automatically factors in the cost of their staff's salary in your bill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dollars or pesos? In most tourist areas in Mexico, it is acceptable to tip in either pesos or dollars, though pesos are more practical for the person being tipped. If you do tip in dollars, be sure to only tip using notes and not coins as coins cannot be exchanged.
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.
In resort restaurants, tipping approximately $2 to $3 per person is acceptable. In higher-end restaurants, plan on a $5 tip at a minimum. Tip the bartender and pool staff $2 to $3 per interaction and the concierge $5 for services. Tipping shuttle drivers is also customary.
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.
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.