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Money & Banking
Money and
banking services are equivalent to Western standards:
The currency used is the Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP) which benefits from a fixed exchanged rate to the Euro: 1 € = 119,33 F. You will find the following banks:
The main exchange rates outside of the Euro are the following (the 08/18/15): 1GBP = 165 CFP 1USD = 105 CFP 1NZD = 69 CFP 1AUD = 77 CFP |
InsuranceBe
well-insured for your trip
From experience, we know that any trip may be subject to health problems or issues may arise that are likely to affect you or one of your traveling companions. We therefore recommend that you take out reliable travel insurance likely to cover potential cancellation fees and healthcare related issued during your trip… Some credit card companies offer such insurance but please check the small print carefully. You may also sign up to our specific travel insurance designed exclusively for our clients. |
Telephone Service
The telephone system in Tahiti is excellent.
There are public phones (multilingual) in all the islands and most of them are operated with phone cards (telecarte ) which can be readily purchased at the airport coffee shop, in some bars (bar- tabacs), at some magazine stands and of course at the Post Office. These phone cards are priced according to time unites pre loaded in a microchip embedded in the card. The phone box debits the card and tells you how many units you have left as you are talking. There are cards priced at 1, 2 and 5 thousand Pacific Francs depending on the number of units. You will find these public phones everywhere in French Polynesia, even in the most remote atolls. From the US to Tahiti dial: 011 + 689 + phone number. From Paradise to the world dial: 00 + country code + area code + number. All the hotels have direct dial, but they may charge you up to $10 per minute to the USA. Cell phone service: Excellent cell phone service has been available in FP for many years in the main islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa/Raitea, Huahine and Rangiroa). It uses the GSM 900 system which is not compatible with most US cell phones. Some multiband unlocked phone may work if you buy the connection kit ($75) while in Tahiti. You will also need to buy air time ($55 for 45 local call minutes). But ask to test a local SIM card in your phone at the shop prior to buying, as many GSM phones may not be compatible or may be locked by your provider. You can also ask your US cell provider about possible service in French Polynesia. At&t and Tmobile offer it. Not cheap, but available. |