| Airlines |
A number of airlines travel to Tahiti, including Air France, Air Tahiti Nui and Air New Zealand. Flights from Europe include a stop-over in Los Angeles |
| Money |
The local currency is the Pacific Franc (XPF). 120 XPF are equal to 1 Euro. This rate is fixed. You can change your money and carry out regular transactions without difficulty at any of Polynesia’s banks. |
| Shopping |
In Papara there are 2 shopping precincts, one supermarket and a number of small shops. |
| Polynesia’s Airlines |
French Polynesia’s international airline is Air Tahiti Nui. All inter-island flights are operated by Air Tahiti. |
| Cost of living |
Life in Polynesia is quite expensive. Allow sufficient funds for the numerous interesting excursions, activities and purchases. |
| Eating Out |
Dining out is possible at any hour of the day, thanks to the infinite number of small restaurants and snack bars that line the island’s coastal road. A wide variety of cuisines is available, from traditional Tahitian food, to Chinese and classical European. |
| Electricity |
Alternating current (220V/60Hz) |
| World Time Zone |
GMT-10. French Polynesia is 11 hours behind Paris in winter, 12 in summer. |
| Opening Hours |
Administrative services, banks and post offices are open from 7.30am until 5pm with a break at lunchtime. |
| Internet |
Free internet access is available at the school. There are also a number of internet cafes in Papeete, and on most of Polynesia’s islands, especially in large hotels. |
| PK |
You will never be lost in Tahiti! Location is determined by the “points kilométriques” system (PK). This system tells you how far you are from “PK 0″, the Notre Dame Cathedral in central Papeete. |
| Health |
No vaccines are required for entry into French Polynesia. Polynesia has Western standards of healthcare. There is one national hospital, 6 general hospitals, and 22 medical centres situated in towns and rural areas throughout Polynesia. There are also a number of private clinics, the main ones being situated in Papeete. Most types of medication are easy to obtain in the numerous pharmacies. General Practitioners and Specialist Consultants can be found easily, especially in Tahiti itself. |
| Telephone |
The country code for French Polynesia is + 689. Telephone boxes are easy to find, and there are numerous shops selling mobile/cell phones. Clickhere for more information regarding French Polynesia’s mobile telephone network. A mobile phone is known as a Vini. |
| Public Transport |
Buses and ‘Trucks’, Polynesia’s traditional buses, serve most areas of the island on a regular basis. Alternatively, you can hire a car from one of the many large hire-car companies. (To hire a car you must be over 21 years old, and have had a full licence for at least one year). |
