TRAVELERS TIPS - French Polynesia- Tahiti Sun Travel Network

MONEY MANAGEMENT
         Money goes fast in Tahiti and ALL the islands! Second only to Japan, French Polynesia has the next highest cost of living in the world, and if you haven't experienced it, it can be quite disconcerting. It really takes planning and a little self discipline if you want to live within your means, otherwise when you get home, you're going to be looking at a stiff credit card bill!
        Some thoughts: If you've got a lot of money: Just go have fun! Buy whatever you want, stay wherever looks good, and eat where you want...Don't skimp because livin' it up in Tahiti is good fun! If you've got limited amounts of money: Try and restrain yourself when it comes to random purchases. Stay out of the hotel gift shops! Support local artists or craftspeople when you can. When you rent a car, get a "Panda", not a Honda... Stay at mid-range Pensions or family run accomodations, as opposed to the top end luxury resorts... Eat at the road side "trucks", or smaller restaurants, or shop at the grocery stores. (The Supermercados- really, the cheapest way to go...) Also, don't be afraid to ask to see a menu's prices before committing...eat lots of baguette.
If you're really poor or broke, or super worried about spending money: Don't go to French Polynesia.

CREDIT CARDS:
        Very wise to bring one... Not only will it give you peace of mind in case you've not properly managed your cash flow, but it comes in handy time after time. Most hotels want an imprint (deposit) from your card. Car Rentals, Activities, etc, also will usually ask for your cards imprint (they dont charge it, unless you run off). By having the card, your cash stays more handy. Thats a good thing... Also, another MAJOR benefit to using your card is that you get a way better exchange rate on purchases, including cash draws from the bank if you need one. (See the next note on exchange rate for more details.)

Ahhh, Mosquitos....the insect we all love to hate... Tahiti and the islands have their share! (and other little biters too). Yes, its true, but it depends on where you are of course. They are no worse here than other areas of the world, they only "seem" worse because they're often reminding you that even "paradise" isn't perfect- and how dare they mess with your perfect vacation in paradise!? The coastlines help because of the breezes. Anytime the wind blows you're basically allright. Stay away from the jungles if you're tender. Bring lots of Mosquito repellent. Avon's "Skin So Soft" lotion works good, and doesn't make you smell like a toxic waste dump...
If you're going camping, just prepare for them like any other backpacker would, make sure your tent zipper works good, and deal with them... The locals are used to them and don't even use repellent. They seem to accept them for what they are: biting little pests that are part of the fabric of life. They burn a lot of incensce!
It seems there is really no "good or bad season" for these little buggers, but if anybody knows differently, please inform us of your insect knowledge.

HITCHHIKING:
In a word, undependable. (sometimes easy, and sometimes impossible, you can never really tell whats going to happen when you stick your thumb out: this is just fair warning...) Around Papeete, Ive been stuck on the road many hours, car after car driving by... sweating and soaking in the exhaust fumes, and at other times I've been picked up immediately. The same pattern holds true throughout the islands, it seems, but the smaller and more remote the island, the better luck you will have for sure. One positive way to look at the situation is that if you try and hitchhike, and you DON'T get picked up, you will end up walking more and observing more of what you would miss in a vehicle... As long as you look at it this way, then go ahead and stick out your thumb! For more specific thoughts on hitchhiking the individual islands, go to the "getting here" section of your desired island and bone up on the reading.

STORE HOURS: SHOPPING AND BANKING:
Papeete virtually SHUTS DOWN ALL BUSINESSES (except restaurants and bars on the waterfront) AT AROUND NOON TO 2:00 PM ON SATURDAYS! SUNDAYS ARE CLOSED TIGHT. Weekday hours are roughly 8am - 6pm. (This also holds true with other towns and villages throughout the outer islands).
It's important to do all your banking and business during the week or before noon on Saturday. THIS INCLUDES BANKING! Don't get caught with your pants down- having to exchange money at some luxury hotel just to eat a meal!

WHAT TO PACK & WHY
           Go light... French Polynesia is pretty warm, most of the time, even when its raining... Read the weather section to find more details of how your season is, but don't bring suitcases full of sweaters and jackets. I recommend: Light pants, cotton or hemp blends if possible, a few pairs of shorts, and some light button up shirts or T-shirts. Bring one sweatshirt (Ok, 2 - if you're really cold blooded), a pair of sweatpants for evening wear, and a few nice items for "going out" or sprucing up for a meeting. (Aside from a few luxury hotels and snuffity government businesses, most Tahitians dress casual most of the time) Sandals or light shoes will do you right for footware.
         Other things to bring are: sunglasses, swimming trunks and bathing suit, towel, sunhat, sunblock, and mosquito repellent. If you're a surfer or avid snorkeler, bring your reef shoes...
Note: If you're going on a sailing trip, you might want to pack a raincoat and some extra warm things. The open water winds are a bit more chilling.
SUMMARY THOUGHT: Go light on the heavy clothes. Tahiti is tropical. You'll end up dragging around clothes you'll never wear.
(Also note: Tahiti is not so remote as to not be able to ADD clothing to your bag, should the need arise- via the meeting of your wallet with a store- of which there are many...)

WEATHER ISSUES
         The climate on the island of Tahiti and the city of Papeete is considered TROPICAL and can be divided into two basic seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Read the WEATHER section of Tahiti Sun Travel in our "about the islands" pages to find out the details of these two basic seasons.

RENTING & BOOKING CARS
Without a doubt, having a car on the any island in Polynesia is a good thing. (except for the Tuamotus.) Cars offer you the most freedom and convenience to get around and see and do what you want when you want to see and do it! You'll pay for the convenience, but it's worth it if you factor in your time and the quality of your stay.
Depending on the season, AVAILABILITY of rental cars can be an issue. Even in the "off" season, it is a good idea to pre-arrange a rental car before landing on any island if you possibly can. Your hotel can do this for you if remind them when you book your room, or you can make the arrangements yourself by calling or faxing ahead. (Upon inquiry, all rental car offices CLAIM to answer and confirm their fax reservations, but this isn't always so easy to do.) In most cases, even without pre-booking a reservation, a car will be available to you, but don't take it for granted, as you may end up looking at a scooter as your next best option...

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL WANTS YOUR TIPS!
In order to have this page truly accurate and functional, TAHITI SUN TRAVEL is actively seeking any tips or information other real travelers (besides us) experience on the islands - to add to this section. If you encounter a situation or learn the ropes and want to share with other future, less experienced travelers, WE WOULD ALL GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK on the subject you've gained insight into. We will be happy to credit your name and email with your note if you want, or you can remain anonymous...

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An Internetwork of Travel and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.

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