LOCATION

Tahiti is only 8 hours by air from Los Angeles.  It lies as far south of the equator as Hawaii is north & halfway between California and Australia. It is on the same side of the International Date Line as North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Tahiti’s airport, known as Faa’a International airport, serves both International and Domestic flights. It is located approximately 4 miles from the center of Papeete.

VISITOR VISAS

Visitors to Tahiti require a valid passport, a return ticket to the country of their origin and sufficient funds for their entire stay. American and Canadians do not require a visa for stays up to one month.

As entry requirements are subject to change without notice, it is advisable to check with your travel agent prior to departure.

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

Each traveler over the age of 18 can bring the following into Tahiti. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.

Item                               Limit

Cigarettes                      200
Cigars                            50
Alcohol/Wine                 2 litres                                                                 

CLIMATE

Both the air and the water temperature in Tahiti average about 79°F year around. It is a tropical destination blessed with lots of sun and enough rain to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming! 

From November through May the temperature is slightly warmer with higher levels of humidity. From June to October the temperatures are a bit cooler and drier.

POPULATION

The population of Tahiti is approximately 242,000. The population is made up of 78% Polynesian, 12% Chinese and 10% French and European people.

LANGUAGE

French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings are appreciated.

CURRENCY

Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF) and the Euro.

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday to Friday:                             8.00am to 5.30pm
Saturday:                                          8.00am to noon

A long lunch hour is observed in Tahiti – at its most extreme this could be from 11.00am to 1.30pm.

SHOPPING

With several international retail outlets in Papeete, shopping, especially for European labels, is very interesting. The Papeete Public Market is open daily and is a favorite with visitors.

Among the most popular products are black pearls, tiare and coconut soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets, and the colorful hand dyed pareu fabric worn by the island natives.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS       2008

Date                               Holiday

January 1                               New Year's Day

March 5                                  Missionary Day

March 21                               Good Friday

March 24                               Easter Monday

May 1                                     Labour Day

May 8                                     Victory Day

May 12                                   Whit Monday

June 29                                  Internal Autonomy Day

July 14                                   Bastille Day

August 15                             Assumption Day

November 1                         All Saints' Day

November 11                       Armistice Day  

                       
December 25                      Christmas Day

ELECTRICITY

Hotels use either 110 or 220 volts, depending on the location. A converter/adapter is often required for appliances you bring, including computers.

DRIVING

Driving is on the right hand side of the road. Roads are narrow but paved and ideal for renting a car and sightseeing. Papeete has peak hour traffic jams.

LOCAL TRANSPORT

Just flag down the big white bus called Le Truck. This is the most common mode of transportation in and around the islands of Tahiti. They are easily caught at any of the blue signposts and are often one of the highlights of your stay.

Taxis are also available in the city, however they can be expensive. Those with a white Tiare flower on their illuminated sign have drivers who speak English.

Rental car companies operate from the airport and are readily available for all visitors.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water is good in most hotels and restaurants. Bottled water is also available everywhere in stores, markets, and hotels.

HEALTH

No shots or certifications are required from North America. Regardless of the traveler's nationality, entry from an infected area of the world as defined by the World Health Organization requires certifications.

NIGHTLIFE

There are many nightclubs, bars and discos scattered throughout Tahiti and their traditional Tahitian ‘tamaraa’ feast is available at many of the hotels and resorts. This feast, cooked in an underground oven, features pork, native foods and breadfruit as well as a traditional dance performance.

DINING OUT

There is a strong French influence in Tahiti but all the larger hotels have their own restaurants offering Italian, American, Vietnamese and Polynesian dishes. In downtown Papeete the ‘Roulottes’ or food vans offer a wonderful variety of delicacies.

TIPPING

Tipping is not customary in Polynesian culture and is not expected. However, tipping is welcomed for exemplary service.

The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.