French Polynesia is a set of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, halfway between California and Australia.
Tahiti and her islands are formed by 118 islands, grouped into five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral). These paradisiacal islands have a relaxed atmosphere; beautiful sunsets, white sands, turquoise waters and coral reefs.
REASONS TO GO
Wander around Le Marche – Papeete's public market.
The white sand beaches and crystal clear ocean.
The luxury Resorts on the Bora Bora Island.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The climate in these islands is temperate, but refreshed by the sea breezes. There are two main seasons: the humid (hot and wet) from November to March, and the cool and dry from April to October.
HOW TO GET TEHRE
Papeete Aiport, on Tahiti is 6km (4 miles) from the city. From this airport there are domestic flights and boats to other islands.
TRAVELLING AROUND
Getting Around by Air
Domestic flights run by Air Tahiti connect Tahiti with neighbouring islands and remote archipelagos.
Getting Around by Water
There are inter-island connections by many ferries, catamarans and boats. Yacht and sailboat charter is also available on the principal islands.
GOOD TO KNOW
Capital: Papeete
Currency: French Pacific Franc (XPF)
Area: 4,167 sq km (1,609 sq miles)
Population: 280.000
Language: French and Tahitian
Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz
Calling Code: +689
INFO
http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/
TIME DIFFERENCE
French Polynesia is 10 hours behind GMT, 2 hours behind US Pacific Standard time and 20 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time. When it is noon Sunday in Tahiti, it is 2 PM. Sunday in Los Angeles, 8 AM, Monday in Sydney, 11 PM. (winter time) - 12 P.M. (summer time) in Frankfurt.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE OFFICE
A privately operated foreign exchange office is located on the Papeete waterfront next to harbor and in back of the port immigration office and the Socredo Bank. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7~00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. It is open Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All currency with a legal exchange rate may be exchanged. The exchange rates used are the same as those used by the banks in Papeete.
