French Polynesia is a collection of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of several groups of islands, the most famous being the Society Islands group, which includes Tahiti, and which has capital of French Polynesia, Papeete. The size of ocean covered by French Polynesia is as much as the European Union, but the total land area is only the size of the island of Mallorca. As such, only two islands have town on them, Tahili and Moorea. The rest has only small communities, mostly associated with the resorts. To visitors, the French Polynesia represents the quintessential tropical paradise, with coral reefs, atolls, lagoons, jagged peaks and crystal-clear waters. The reality, as would-be visitors quickly discover, is that this earthy Paradise is not for everyone, but only for those with very deep pockets.
Fast Facts about French Polynesia
Official Name: French Polynesia
Capital: Papeete (27,000)
Population of French Polynesia: 275,000
Languages: French (official), Tahiti (official)
Currency: Comptoirs Français du Pacifique Franc
Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic, others
Size: 3,660 sq km (1,413 sq miles)
Region: Oceania
When to visit French Polynesia
The best time to go is when the weather is best, and it is best when it is dry. That is from May to October. The weather at this time is cooler and there is less rain. The summer is from November to April, when it gets humid, cloudy and wet. The most crowded period for French Polynesia is from July to August, during the school holidays, so avoid this period to enjoy better rates. The peak season, unfortunately, is also when the Heiva Festival is celebrated. To witness it, you need to plan and book your accommodation well in advance. Other busy periods include Christmas to early January, late February to early March, Easter, early May and early October.
What to wear in the French Polynesia
This being an outdoor, tropical destination, lightweight clothing is good any time of the year. Don't forget to pack your swimming costume.
Getting into French Polynesia
Faa'a International Airport (PPT), 5km west of Papeete, is the main international gateway for the French Polynesia. The flag carrier of French Polynesia, Air Tahiti Nui flies to Auckland, Brisbane, Bordeaux, Cairns, Christchurch, Los Angeles, Lyon, Marseille, Melbourne, New York, Osaka, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, Wellington and many other smaller destinations, in cooperation with Air France, Japan Airlines, Qantas, American Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Air New Zealand connects Papeete with Auckland and Wellington, while LAN Chile, flies from Santiago and Easter Island.
French Polynesia Entry Requirements
Nationals of Australia, Britain and the EU may enter French Polynesia for three months without a visa. Nationals of Canada and US may do the same for one month.
Where to stay in the French Polynesia
Click on the name of the towns listed below to view hostels and budget accommodation available for booking there.
The islands of the French Polynesia are spread over a huge area the size of the European Union. Air Tahiti and Air Moorea provides domestic flights to some of the landing strips on the outlying islands. There are also ferry services between most of the inhabited islands.
Money matters in French Polynesia
As everything has to be brought in, things are extremely expensive in the French Polynesia. If you are going there, bring lots of money - you'd need it. The currency used is the French Pacific Franc, XPF. XPF1=100 centimes. Banknotes are in denominations of XPF500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 while coins are in denominations of XPF1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. The XPF is pegged to the Euro at the rate of 1 euro = XPF119.33. Banking hours are from 7:45am to 3:30pm, Mondays to Fridays.
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