Violent crime directed to tourists is also unheard of. Even petty crime like robbery or burglary are pretty minimal in Tahiti. Of course, I always recommend that you keep valuables in a safe place. Keep cameras, passports, and wallets either on your body or stashed safely.
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French Polynesia is not part of the EU (via France) or Schengen Area, but facilitated regulations are applied to these countries' citizens. EU and Schengen countries' nationals can travel to French Polynesia for an unlimited time period with their National Identity Card instead of the passport.
ENVIRONMENT. The sun can get intense during the day, so remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. There are no snakes or poisonous spiders in Tahiti, only mosquitoes and the small sand fly known as the no-no. Bring bug repellent and carry it with you when hiking through dense vegetation.
It depends on what type of beaches you're looking for. If you're expecting perfectly white sand, calm waves and bright aquamarine-colored water, Bora Bora has better beaches (bottom left photo). If you enjoy public beaches, surfing, whale watching and dolphin sightings, Tahiti has better beaches (bottom right photo).
A total of 13 tidal waves classified as a tsunami since 1837 have killed 2 people in French Polynesia. Compared to other countries, Tsunamis therefore occur rather rarely. The strongest tidal wave registered in French Polynesia so far reached a height of 20 meters.
Is Tahiti Expensive to Vacation? The short answer is more often than not, YES. In comparison to the other 20+ countries around the world that I have visited, Tahiti is definitely on the more expensive side. To give you a point of reference, a vacation in Tahiti is comparable to a vacation in Paris or London.
Tahitians are considered to be some of the most genuinely friendly and kind people of the world. But, Tahitians are also known for being a little shy as well.
Strictly prohibited imports include live animals, all plant material, flowers, fruits, and cultured pearls of non-French Polynesian origin. Naturally, any weapons, ammunition, and narcotics are prohibited outright.
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.
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.
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.
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.