French Polynesia

French Polynesia is just as dreamy as the pictures you’ve seen.

The turquoise blue water, the lush green jungles, and the vibrant sea life stretch across rugged mountains and peaks in the middle of the ocean.

French Polynesia is likely bigger than you know. The islands are spread out over more than 2 million square miles, or, approximately the size of Europe.

If you are planning a trip or dreaming of you’re next getaway, this French Polynesia travel guide will give you all the basics to get around with ease! Let’s dive in.

What Country Does French Polynesia Belong To?

French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity. But, it has a high level of autonomy and could not feel further removed, save for the language.

This collectivity is made up of five archipelagos – Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier and Australs.

Language: Do They Speak English in French Polynesia?

The official language here is French, and you will likely hear the locals speak Tahitian, too. English is widely spoken and understood in most touristic establishments like hotels, restaurants and shops.

Useful Phrases:

‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Tahitian: “Ia Orana” – pronounced iyo-rah-nah, and “Mauru’ uru” – pronounced mah-roo-roo.
‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in French: “Bonjour” and “Merci Beaucoup”

Currency in French Polynesia

The currency in French Polynesia is the Pacific Franc, or XPF (check current conversion rates here.)

Are US Dollars accepted in French Polynesia?

Occasionally. Some larger hotels or expensive establishments may accept USD and Euro. But, in my experience, it is much better to use XPF to get a more favorable price.

Are there ATMs in Tahiti and Moorea?

Yes, ATMs are not difficult to find nowadays in both Tahiti and Moorea in French Polynesia. They are widely available all around the islands.

French Polynesia Resources:

The Best Things To Do in Moorea

Tahiti to Moorea Ferry: A How To Guide

Is Tahiti Safe? Solo Female Travel Tips

A Moorea & Tahiti Packing List

A Complete Moorea Hiking Guide

Coco Beach, Moorea: A Complete Review

Tahiti vs. Moorea: Which Is Better?

Are There Sharks in Bora Bora?

Monica hiking the Moorea trails - a French Polynesia travel guide. — The hiking on Moorea is a lush, tropical dream! @thisrareearth

French Polynesia Travel Tips

The island of Moorea from above - a French Polynesia travel guide.

What are the best things to do in French Polynesia?

No trip to French Polynesia is complete without experiencing the vibrant nature. From island hopping to rugged hikes to exploring the underwater world, French Polynesia offers something for everyone.

Snorkel in Moorea’s crystal clear waters
Hike Moorea’s rugged jungle trails
Check out the Botanical Garden on Tahiti
Swim with sharks and rays at Coco Beach
Stay in an overwater bungalow

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia?

While French Polynesia is lovely any month of the year, June through August tend to be the best months for great weather. Expect warm and dry weather.

However, this is also the most popular time to visit the islands, so prices may be at their peak. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons if possible, in May or September.

French Polynesia’s rainy season runs from November through April, so you’ll likely to run into humid and rainy conditions during these months. However, in my experience, the rain often falls for a short time before sunny skies prevail again.

Transportation

Getting There: All international visitors will arrive at the Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti, if arriving by air. The islands are isolated, which means that most people should expect a fairly expensive flight. My recent roundtrip from LAX was under $200 USD though, so it is possible to find deals! Direct flights from the US depart from west coast airports like Los Angeles, Honolulu, and San Francisco.

Getting Around: On the island, I highly recommend renting a car or renting a scooter. I personally ~~prefer~~ need this type of freedom when I travel. I love being able to stop wherever I want for however long I want! The roads are super calm and primarily run n a large circle around the islands.

To island hop, consider a pass from Air Tahiti if you know you want to see it all. Most islands are only accessible by plane, while a few, like Moorea, can be reached by ferry.