French Polynesia travel tips
French Polynesia travel tips: Tropical paradise in the South Pacific with stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and overwater bungalows, known for vibrant culture.
Islands 🌎
French Polynesia travel tips. Here is a list of all the islands of the French Polynesia.
Archipel des Marquises
Archipel des Tuamotu-Gambier
Archipel de la Société
Archipel des Australes
Collectivité d’outre-mer de Wallis-et-Futuna
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Papeete
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 PF,
ISO alpha-3 PYF
Currency
Badge | CFP franc
CODE | CFP
NUMBER | 953
SYMBOL | Fr
FRACTION | penny
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +689
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | Ora Mobile | Vini Mobile | Vodafone |
Location
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is composed of several groups of islands, spread over a vast area. The approximate location of French Polynesia is between latitude 7° 30′ and 27° 30′ South and longitude 134° 30′ and 154° 30′ West.
French Polynesia encompasses five archipelagos:
Society Islands: This group includes the famous islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora. It is the most visited and well-known archipelago in French Polynesia.
Marquesas Islands: The Marquesas Islands are known for their rugged landscapes, remote beauty, and rich Polynesian culture. They are located to the northeast of the Society Islands.
Tuamotu Archipelago: The Tuamotu Archipelago is comprised of many low-lying coral atolls, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. It is located east of the Society Islands.
Gambier Islands: The Gambier Islands are a small and remote archipelago located southeast of the Tuamotu Archipelago. They are known for their tranquility and picturesque landscapes.
Austral Islands: The Austral Islands are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia. They are located south of the Society Islands and are characterized by their lush greenery and unique cultural traditions.
Currency
The currency used in French Polynesia, including its overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna, is the French Pacific Franc (CFP franc).
The official currency code is XPF, and it is pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate.
The CFP franc is the legal tender and is widely accepted throughout French Polynesia, including Wallis and Futuna.
It is issued by the Institut d’émission d’Outre-Mer (IEOM), which is the central bank for the French overseas territories in the Pacific.
When visiting French Polynesia, you can exchange your currency for CFP francs at local banks, exchange offices, or authorized currency exchange services. Additionally, credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, larger establishments, and some tourist-oriented businesses.
However, it’s always advisable to carry some cash in local currency for smaller establishments or places where card payments may not be accepted.
Languages
The official language of French Polynesia is French. As an overseas collectivity of France, French is the primary language used in government, administration, education, and business. Most official documents, signs, and services are provided in French.
However, it’s important to note that French Polynesia is a diverse region with a rich cultural heritage, and the local population also speaks Polynesian languages. The most widely spoken Polynesian language in French Polynesia is Tahitian, which has significant cultural and historical importance. Many people in French Polynesia, especially in more traditional communities and rural areas, also speak Tahitian alongside French.
English is not widely spoken in French Polynesia, especially outside of tourist areas. However, you may find some individuals who can communicate in basic English, particularly in hotels, resorts, and tourist-oriented businesses.
Climate 🌡
French Polynesia enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. However, there are some variations in climate across the different archipelagos. Here’s a general overview of the climate in French Polynesia:
Tahiti and the Society Islands: Tahiti and the Society Islands experience a warm and humid climate year-round. The average temperatures range from around 24 to 30 degrees Celsius (75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The wet season usually occurs from November to April, with higher rainfall and the possibility of tropical storms. The dry season extends from May to October, when there is less rainfall and more sunshine.
Marquesas Islands: The Marquesas Islands have a warm and relatively dry climate. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, with average highs of around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The islands receive less rainfall compared to the Society Islands, but brief showers are still possible.
Tuamotu Archipelago: The Tuamotu Archipelago experiences a similar climate to the Society Islands, with warm temperatures and high humidity. The wet season typically falls between November and April, while the dry season spans from May to October. The islands may experience strong trade winds, which make them popular among windsurfers and sailors.
Gambier Islands: The Gambier Islands have a slightly cooler and less humid climate compared to other parts of French Polynesia. The temperatures range from around 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.
Austral Islands: The Austral Islands have a cooler and more temperate climate compared to other parts of French Polynesia. Average temperatures range from around 18 to 26 degrees Celsius (64 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit). The wettest months are typically from December to March, while the drier period occurs between May and October.
French Polynesia travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Island Diversity:
Explore various islands like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea for diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
Snorkeling and Diving:
Discover vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters through snorkeling or diving excursions.
Matira Beach:
Relax on Matira Beach in Bora Bora, often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Hiking Trails:
Explore lush landscapes by hiking trails, such as the ones in Moorea, offering breathtaking views.
Transportation:
French Polynesia’s transportation relies on inter-island flights, ferries, and boats, providing access to remote islands for a unique travel experience. View Guide.
Shark and Ray Feeding Excursions:
Experience thrilling encounters with sharks and rays during guided feeding excursions.
Historical Sites:
Explore historical sites like the Marae temples, offering insights into Polynesian history and culture.
Enjoy your time in French Polynesia!
The best of the best
French Polynesia has a rich culinary heritage influenced by Polynesian, French, and other international cuisines.
Poisson Cru
A popular dish in French Polynesia, Poisson Cru is a raw fish salad marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.
Pua’a Rôti
Pua’a Rôti is a traditional roasted pork dish, often cooked in an underground oven called an “umu.”
Firi Firi
Firi Firi are small deep-fried doughnut-like fritters made from a batter of flour, coconut milk, and sometimes mashed bananas.
Here are some typical foods and dishes you can find in French Polynesia:
Maa’a Tinito: Maa’a Tinito is a traditional Polynesian feast that typically includes a variety of local dishes. It can feature roasted pig, chicken, fish, taro, breadfruit, and various side dishes. Maa’a Tinito is often served on special occasions or during cultural celebrations.
Poisson à la Vanille: Fish cooked with vanilla is a unique dish found in French Polynesia. The fish is typically steamed or grilled and flavored with Tahitian vanilla, giving it a delicate and aromatic taste.
Fafa: Fafa is a traditional Polynesian dish made from taro leaves. The leaves are blanched, then cooked with coconut milk and sometimes meat such as chicken or pork. Fafa has a rich, creamy texture and is often served as a side dish or main course.
Coconut-based Dishes: Coconuts are widely used in Polynesian cuisine. Dishes such as coconut bread, coconut milk-based curries, and coconut desserts like po’e (a baked pudding made with fruits and coconut) are common in French Polynesia.
Tahitian Bananas: Tahitian bananas are smaller and sweeter than regular bananas. They are often used in desserts, such as banana bread or banana fritters, and are enjoyed as a snack on their own.
The cuisine of the islands is diverse and reflects the local ingredients, cultural influences, and traditional cooking methods. When visiting French Polynesia, be sure to explore the local markets, restaurants, and street food stalls to discover more delicious dishes.
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