Suggested Length of Stay
Recommended lengths of stay in French Polynesia, stay anywhere from 4-5 days to a few weeks, depending on the level or relaxation you are after.
Modes of transport
Roads
Outside of Noumea, traffic is sparse, and the main roads are generally in good condition, though New Caledonia is very mountainous, so there are lots of very winding roads.
Buses
The colourful, old le trucks (trucks with bench seats in the back for passengers) have now been replaced by a more modern fleet of air-con buses. Buses (often still called le trucks) stop at designated spots (which are marked with a blue sign) and supposedly run on a schedule – although times are hardly regular.
Car Rentals
If you want to explore the larger islands of the Society group at your own pace, your best bet is to hire a car or a scooter, particularly given the price of taxis and the dismal state of public transport outside Pape’ete.
By Boat
Boat travel within the Society group isn’t as easy as you’d hope unless you’re only going to Mo’orea or taking a cruise or sailboat. A number of companies shuttle back and forth between Tahiti and Mo’orea each day; other routes between the islands are less frequent but served at least twice a week by cargo vessels.
Bicycle
Cycling around the smaller islands of French Polynesia is a sheer pleasure, particularly if it’s not too hot. The distances are rarely great, the traffic is rarely heavy (except in Tahiti) and the coastal roads are rarely hilly.
By Air
Air is the main way to cover long distances in French Polynesia. Domestic flights are run by the national carrier Air Tahiti, which flies to 48 islands in all five of the major island groups. Window seats on its modern fleet of high-wing turboprop aircraft offer great views, but for the nervous flyer these flights can be rather hair-raising.
Health Precautions
The Islands of Tahiti are known for the quality of its health services, thanks to the hospital in Tahiti, equipped with the best of facilities, and its network of clinics, private medical surgeries, dispensaries, infirmaries and first-aid posts on each inhabited island (according to the number of inhabitants), backed up by medical transfers to Tahiti in case of emergency.
Food and Drink
Modern Tahitian food is a balanced mélange of French, Chinese and Polynesian influence; béchamel, soy sauce or coconut milk all have an equal chance of topping your meal.
Money
The currency used in French Polynesia is the Pacific franc
Time Zone
French Polynesia uses three time zones. GMT –10 / -9.30 / -9
Visas
French Polynesia tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia for a stay up to 30 days.
Embassy & Consulate contacts for French Polynesia
The Australian Consulate-General in New Caledonia is responsible for Australian affairs in French Polynesia.
Australian Consulate General in Noumea
2eme étage, 11 Rue Georges Baudoux, Nouméa 98800, New Caledonia
Phone: +687 27.24.14
French Polynesia Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia
The Embassy of France in Australia is responsible for French Polynesian affairs in Australia.
All Australian capital cities have a French Consulate who can assist you.
Electricity
French Polynesia is 220V, 60Hz. It is recommended that you bring your own converter (French-style plugs with two round pins)
Getting there (stopovers)
Air Tahiti Nui flies direct to Papeete from Auckland
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia. Feel free to round up the bill at a restaurant or in a taxi, although it’s not expected
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