Social ConventionsThe basic lifestyle of the islands is represented by the simple Tahitian fares built of bamboo with
pandanus roofs. Local women dress in bright
pareos and men in the male equivalent, but casual dress is expected of the visitor (except in Papeete, where bathing suits and shorts are not considered suitable dress). Traditional dances are still performed mostly in hotels, with Western dance styles mainly in tourist centers. Normal social courtesies are important.
International Travel:Getting There by AirAir Tahiti Nui (TN) (website:
www.airtahitinui.com) is the only Tahiti-based
international carrier.
Air PassesVisit the South Pacific Pass: valid for many airlines operating in the South Pacific, including most of the larger ones, such as
Air Caledonie,
Air Marshall Islands,
Air Nauru,
Air Niugini,
Air Pacific,
Air Vanuatu,
Polynesian Airlines,
Qantas,
Royal Tongan Airlines and
Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 40 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington). It is only available for people resident outside of the South Pacific. The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two sectors must be bought before departure (extra sectors can be purchased en route). There is a maximum of one pass per person, and passes must be used within six months of the first day of travel. Children under 12 years of age pay 75 per cent of the adult fare. For details and conditions, contact the
South Pacific Tourist Organization (see
General Info).
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsPapeete (PPT) (Faaa), on Tahiti, is 6km (4 miles) from the city (journey time - 15 minutes).
To/from the airport: Le Truck buses run regularly. Metered taxis are also available, but are expensive.
Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, post office, duty-free shop, left luggage, news-stand, restaurant, bar, light refreshments, car hire, cyber point and tourist information.
Getting There by WaterMain ports:
Papeete. The port is served by
cruise lines.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Tahiti by passengers 17 years and over without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco;
2l of still wine and 1l of spirits over 22 per cent or 2l of spirits up to 22 per cent;
50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette;
goods up to a value of XPF5000 (XPF2500 for passengers up to 15 years of age).
All food products of animal origin.
(a) Plants, fruit, weapons, ammunition and drugs may not be imported. (b) All baggage coming from Fiji and Samoa is collected for compulsory fumigation on arrival in Papeete; allow two hours.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirDomestic flights run by
Air Tahiti (VT) (website:
www.airtahiti.aero) connect Tahiti with neighboring islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Moorea and Raiatea) and remote archipelagos (Tuamotu East and North with Manihi, Rangiroa, Takapoto and Tikehau; Austral Islands of Rurutu and Tubuai; Marquesas Islands of Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva).
Getting Around by WaterThere are inter-island connections on the many ferries, catamarans, copra boats and schooners that make regular trips throughout the islands. Daily connections exist between Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea. Yacht and sailboat charter is available at most of the major islands. Some come complete with a captain and crew.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right.
Bus: Open-air buses, known as
le truck, and RTC white coaches operate frequently in Papeete and the other islands, offering an inexpensive method of travel. Le truck leave from the central market in Papeete town center, traveling to all destinations. No schedule is operated. Bus stops along the way are indicated by blue signs illustrating
le truck, from where a wave of the hand will prompt them to stop.
Taxi: Available in Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea and Tahiti.
Car hire: Major and local agencies hire out cars on the main islands.
Documentation: A national driving license is sufficient.
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