Last update: 22 Oct 2026
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French Polynesia Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
French Polynesia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
CFP Franc (XPF) £1 ≈ CFPF 143 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is often preferred in more rural locations. Credit cards are commonly used in resorts and hotels.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in French Polynesia but appreciated. A 10% tip is common in restaurants, and small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are welcome. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not permitted in many areas of French Polynesia, and alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but is allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| French National Day (14 July) |
Celebrates France's national holiday |
|---|---|
| Heiva Festival (July) |
A celebration of traditional Polynesian culture and dance |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 15 (Ambulance), 18 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | French Polynesia is known for its stunning islands, crystal-clear waters, and overwater bungalows. It's a popular destination for luxury tourism, snorkelling, diving, and experiencing Polynesian culture. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for French Polynesia, French Polynesia
Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora) are wettest November to April, the Tuamotus are drier, all islands stay warm year-round
Heiva i Tahiti, the dance and canoe festival, runs late June to mid-July
Don't miss
- 🏝️ Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
- 🤿 Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa
- 🐠 Snorkel the coral gardens of Moorea’s turquoise lagoon
- 🏞️ Hike to the waterfalls and lush valleys of Tahiti
- 💃 Join a Polynesian dance show under the stars
- 🥥 Taste fresh poisson cru at a seaside café
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to French Polynesia?
Traveling to French Polynesia is entering a world of unparalleled beauty – from world-famous overwater bungalows to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whether exploring the cultural richness of Tahiti, snorkeling with manta rays in Bora Bora or hiking remote islands' volcanic trails, the archipelago captivates visitors with its unique charm and tranquility. That said, French Polynesia is one of the more expensive travel destinations, with limited infrastructure on smaller islands and long travel times between them. Visitors should also be prepared for tropical weather variations including occasional heavy rains and strong sun exposure.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Bora Bora
An isolated atoll in French Polynesia, Bora‑Bora offers turquoise lagoons, volcanic cliffs and overwater bungalows. The island’s clear waters support vibrant marine life, while its small size makes it ideal for intimate, luxury retreats and unforgettable experiences. -
2
Tahiti
A tropical archipelago in the South Pacific, Tahiti offers lush volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches and vibrant marine life. Visitors can explore traditional villages, hike waterfalls and experience Polynesian culture through music and dance together in the heart of the islands.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
-
1
Belvedere Lookout
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Fachoda Falls
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Easy Market
🎈Events
-
Heiva i Tahiti Festival
-
Tahiti Pearl Regatta
-
Bora Bora Music Festival
-
Moorea Fish and Seafood Festival
-
Tahitian Tattoo Festival
-
Pareu Festival
-
Tahiti International Triathlon
-
Polynesian Canoe Festival
-
Fakarava Diving Festival
-
Raiatea Cultural Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen; coral reefs are protected and sensitive.
- Arrive early for island tours, as ferries often depart before 8 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy calmer seas.
- Check local weather forecasts; tropical storms can disrupt travel plans, especially during the wet season from November to April.
- Explore lesser-known atolls by booking a small group dive; these sites offer pristine marine life and fewer tourists than popular islands.
How to travel to French Polynesia
Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti is the main gateway, with international flights primarily from Los Angeles, Japan and New Zealand. Inter‑island flights operate regularly from Tahiti’s airport connecting major islands.
Access summary
- Tahiti (Papeete): Fly to PPT from LAX, Paris, Tokyo.
- Moorea: 10-min flight from PPT; ferries from Tahiti.
- Bora Bora: Air Tahiti flights from PPT via Moorea/Raiatea.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in French Polynesia
Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and overwater bungalows to smaller guesthouses and pensions. Bora Bora and Tahiti offer the most luxury options, while quieter islands provide rustic and eco-friendly stays.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Tahiti Airport Motel
Manava Beach Resort and Spa - Moorea
Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
Manava Suite Resort Tahiti
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Moorea Sunset Beach Residence
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa By IHG
Royal Bora Bora
InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa By IHG
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
How to get around French Polynesia
Travel within islands is commonly by scooter, rental cars or taxis, depending on island size. Boats and ferries connect neighboring islands, but flights are necessary for longer distances among archipelago groups. Public transport is limited.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in French Polynesia are around 9% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to XPF) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
French Polynesia is generally very safe for travelers, with low crime rates. Visitors should take normal precautions and be careful with strong sun exposure and swimming in ocean currents.
Health & Medical
Health services are available on major islands with clinics and small hospitals. Serious medical cases may require transfer to France or other countries. Travelers should bring routine medications and take standard tropical precautions.
Accessibility
Accessibility is moderate with many resorts providing facilities for disabled travelers. Some natural sites and smaller islands may pose mobility challenges due to terrain and limited infrastructure.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe in urban areas like Tahiti but bottled water is recommended on smaller islands and at resorts. Staying hydrated in the tropical climate is important.
Packing recommendations for French Polynesia
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🩴
Walking sandals
🤿
Snorkelling gear
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📷
Waterproof camera
📃
Travel insurance
👕
Quick-dry clothing
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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