Money

1. Currency Exchange

The currency used in French Polynesia is the Franc of the Compagnie Française du Pacifique, which is also known as French Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP). It is not valued the same as the euro. Bank notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. 1 franc is divided into 100 centimes. The exchange rate in Tahiti is rather constant as it is linked to the Euro.

Currency can be exchanged at all major cities in banks, first-class hotels or with street changers. Changing money with street changers is an option, however, it is not advisable to do so owing to their dubious reputation and illegal standing. Exchange currency is possible in hotels but they may give you a less rate as compared to banks. Banks usually provide you with the best exchange rate. They are located at Faaa Airport and you will also see them on most of the islands. The central banks include Bank of French Polynesia, Bank of Polynesia and the Banque de Socredo. They have outlets around French Polynesia, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora. Banks throughout the islands work only on weekdays, from 8 to 11:45am and 1:30 to 4:30pm. However, you may come across only a few banking facilities that are found near the outer islands.

US dollars are commonly exchanged in most of the tourist places. U.S. currency is accepted as direct payment in hotels, restaurants and large shops, but will get a low rate of exchange rate. It is advisable to exchange your home currency into French Pacific francs either at Tahiti international airport or at any bank of Papeete. However you might need local cash for Le Truck, the roulettes, any souvenirs or just incase you want to make any small purchases.

The most widely accepted credit cards in Tahiti are Visa and MasterCard, and are accepted in large shopping malls and hotels. Keep in mind that most credit cards charge a fixed amount of fee for cash advances so the best option is to use the bank debit card for a cash advance at an ATM or bank.

Traveler checks are widely accepted. Usually, a better exchange rate is given for traveler checks than for cash. When traveler checks are concerned, banks will provide you with the best exchange rate. Most hotels and resorts will exchange travelers checks in US$ or Euros. Keep in mind to carry traveler's checks of 100 amounts. You can cash traveler's checks at one of the outlets of Banque de Polynésie, Banque de Tahiti, and Banque Socredo, which are located on boulevard Pomare and in many suburban locations. You also have to pay a fee of at least $3.75 for each transaction. However, there are a very few resorts that exchange traveler's checks and allow payments by credit cards.

ATM machines, which are known as DAB's in French are mostly found around the main island of French Polynesia and on Moorea. ATM machines are accessible but often break down of if you use U.S. issued bankcards. So it is suggested that you use it only if there is an emergency.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

French Polynesia is considered to be one of the most expensive countries in the world. Almost all the products are imported and transportation charges are further added to most of the goods prices.

Draft beer = $4.81

Coffee = $2.35

Sandwich: =$3.74

3. Telecommunications

The international calling code of Tahiti is 011 + 689 following the phone number.

To make international calls from Tahiti dial 00 followed by the country code, the area code and the telephone number.

The telecommunications sector in Tahiti is outstanding. You will find several public phones located all around the islands and also in the remotest area. Most of them accept phone cards, which are also known as Telecarte.

Phone cards can be bought at the airport coffee shop, in some bars (bar- tabacs), magazine stalls and Post Office. The cards are generally priced at 1, 2 and 5 thousand Pacific Francs depending on the number of units.

If you are accommodated in one of the hotels then there is a direct dial option from the room phone that you can avail of. The charges might be up to $10 per minute to the USA.

There are exceptional cell phone services, which are available in French Polynesia. It uses the GSM 900 system which might not be compatible with most US cell phones. Some multiband unlocked phone may work if you buy the connection kit that cost about $75 in Tahiti. You will also need to obtain airtime, which is at the cost of $55 for 45 local call minutes.

It is advisable that you ask the store seller to test a local sim card in your phone before you plan to buy it. There are many GSM phones, which are not compatible or may be locked by the respective provider. If you do not have a cell phone and need one, it can be rented for a short period of time as well.

There are many hotels that charge extremely high rates for long distance calls to the US and Canada.

4. Cab Fares

Taxi fares are fixed by the government and are placed in the main concourse at Tahiti-Faaa International Airport and also on a board at the Centre Vaima taxi stand on boulevard Pomare. The cab fares generally increase by at least 20% from 8pm to 6am.

From Hotel Tiare Tahit Noa Noa to Papeete

Day $10.68

Night $12.82

From Hotel Tiare Tahit Noa Noa to airport

Day $16.03

Night $26.71

From Hotel Kon Tiki to Papeete

Day $10.68

Night $12.82

From Hotel Kon Tiki to airport

Day $16.03

Night $26.71

From Hotel Royal Papeete to Papeete

Day $10.68

Night $12.82

From Hotel Royal Papeete to airport

Day $16.03

Night $26.71

The taxi fare for a trip of 6km trip is $20.30 to $ 29.53.

A trip from downtown Papeete during the day starts at $10. It can go up till $1.20 for every kilometer after the first one during the day. At night it can go up by $2.40.

From the Papeete hotels to the airport or vice versa is about $17during the day.

From the west coast hotels to the airport, is $10.

A trip to the Gauguin Museum on the south coast costs is $100 one-way.

The fare for a 4-hour journey all the way around Tahiti is $160.

Drivers may charge an extra 50¢-$1 per bag of luggage.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

French Pacific Franc is the official currency of French Polynesia, which is denoted as (XPF or CFP). $1 is equivalent to100 CFP.

Currency Exchange Rates

XPF/ CFP 1.00 = USD 0.01 GBP 0.01 CAD 0.01 AUD 0.01 ZAR 0.06 EUR 0.01 NZD 0.02

U.S. Dollar XPF/ CFP U.S. Dollar XPF/ CFP

$10 934.79 $200 18,696.99

$20 1869.59 $300 28045.09

$50 4674.58 $500 46,741.81

$100 9348.50 $1000 93,477.63

6. Taxes

There is no sales tax in Tahiti. A 6% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all rented accommodations. A 5% VAT is added for room tax, 16% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques and 10% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurants involving meals not included in a room-meal package.

Tourism taxes are levied for accommodation and activities and there is no departure tax in French Polynesia

7. Tipping

Tipping is not expected or mandatory in Tahitian customs. However, tipping is always welcome for excellent service. Tipping should not be encouraged on a routine basis.