Travel tips · Tahiti · French Polynesia
Tahiti travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Tahitian culture blends Polynesian traditions, French administration and a long-established Chinese community. Dance, tattooing, va'a (outrigger canoe) racing and tiare flowers are everyday parts of life, and the Tahitian language is used alongside French. Life outside Papeete moves at a relaxed pace, and families and church are central.
Key facts
- Language
- French and Tahitian
- Currency
- XPF
- Plugs
- Type C and E sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz; some hotels also have US-style sockets
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated in Papeete and many hotels, but bottled water is widely…
- Emergency
- 15 (ambulance), 17 (police), 18 (fire)
Plan a trip to Tahiti
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Things to know
- Greet people with 'ia ora na' and a smile; a light handshake or a kiss on the cheek is common among acquaintances.
- Many beaches and coastal plots are private land or family property; use marked public access points.
- Do not climb on marae stones or remove anything from sacred sites.
- Dress modestly away from the beach; swimwear is not worn in shops or towns.
- Ask before photographing people, especially during church or family gatherings.
- Eat at roulottes and snack bars rather than resorts; the difference can be several times the price.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia and is never expected, though leaving a little for exceptional service is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ia ora na | Hello |
| Māuruuru | Thank you |
| Nana | Goodbye |
| Bonjour | Hello (French) |
| Merci | Thank you (French) |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothes, reef shoes for beaches and rivers, and something to cover shoulders for churches. A light rain jacket helps in the wet season.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and E sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz; some hotels also have US-style sockets
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated in Papeete and many hotels, but bottled water is widely used and advisable in rural areas.
- Emergency number
- 15 (ambulance), 17 (police), 18 (fire)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good on most of Tahiti; data is relatively expensive, and hotel Wi-Fi can be slow.
- Time zone
- Pacific/Tahiti
Tahiti is generally a relaxed destination. Take care with strong currents in reef passes and at surf beaches, slippery trails after rain, and the intense tropical sun. Petty theft from hire cars occurs at some beaches and trailheads, so leave nothing visible.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check French Polynesia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Tahiti?
Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia and is never expected, though leaving a little for exceptional service is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Tahiti?
Tap water is treated in Papeete and many hotels, but bottled water is widely used and advisable in rural areas.
+What plugs are used in Tahiti?
Type C and E sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz; some hotels also have US-style sockets
+What language is spoken in Tahiti?
French and Tahitian.