See what the experts are saying about French Polynesia. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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The best scuba diving
All the islands have excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, and all but a few of the resorts have their own dive operations or can easily make arrangements with a local company. The lagoons in French Polynesia are known less for colorful s... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
Thanks to many tons of euros pouring in from Paris, French Polynesians enjoy a relatively high standard of living. The flip side of that coin is that everyone pays high prices for almost everything, locals and visitors alike. As one resident... Continue reading »
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Fast facts
The following facts apply to French Polynesia in general. American Express-- The territory's one full-service representative is in Papeete. Bookstores-- Only Tahiti and Moorea have well-stocked bookstores. Many hotel boutiques sell colo... Continue reading »
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Visitor information
The best source of up-to-date information in advance is Tahiti Tourisme, B.P. 65, 98713 Papeete, French Polynesia (tel. 50.57.00; fax 43.66.19; www.tahiti-tourisme.pf). You can also contact Tahiti Tourisme's overseas offices or representat... Continue reading »
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When to go
There is no bad time to go to French Polynesia, but some periods are better than others. The weather is at its best -- comfortable and dry -- in July and August, but this is the prime vacation and festival season. July is the busiest month be... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
January Chinese New Year. Parade, musical performances, demonstrations of martial arts, Chinese dances, and handicrafts. Between mid-January and mid-February. International Oceania Film Documentary Festival (FIFO). More than 100 films p... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane A few cruise ships stop in the islands on their way across the Pacific Ocean, yet today all but a handful of visitors arrive by air. All international flights arrive at Tahiti-Faaa International Airport (PPT), on Tahiti's north... Continue reading »
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Package deals
Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices. They usually provide t... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Passports The websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current processing fees. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement"... Continue reading »
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Getting around
By Plane Air Moorea (tel. 86.41.41; fax 86.42.99; www.airmoorea.com) provides shuttle service between Tahiti-Faaa International Airport and Temae Airport on Moorea. Its small planes (and I do mean small) leave Faaa on the hour and half-hou... Continue reading »
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Money
Currency Although the local government wants to shift French Polynesia to the European euro, the official currency will continue to be the French Pacific franc (CFP) through at least 2007. The CFP comes in coins up to 100CFP and in colo... Continue reading »
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The 21st-century traveler
Internet Access E-mail is as much a part of life in French Polynesia as it is anywhere else these days. Although ADSL connections are available here (ADSL is not as fast as DSL or cable access in the U.S. and other countries, but is much s... Continue reading »
