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Here are the most important things you should know before you depart on your Tahitian honeymoon. For answers to other helpful
questions, check out our Tahiti Frequently Asked Questions.
What documents do we need to travel to Tahiti?
Passports are required for all citizens. Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of
departure from Tahiti, or you can be denied entry. All passengers require proof of a return or continuing ticket.
Visas are not required for stays up to one month for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia or
New Zealand. Travelers with a valid passport from the European Union are allowed to stay up to three months without a visa.
What vaccinations do we need to visit Tahiti?
No vaccinations are required to travel to Tahiti. However, if you are entering Tahiti from an area deemed
infected by cholera, yellow fever, or the plague by the World Health Organization, proof of immunization against
these diseases is required. To see a list of yellow-fever affected areas, visit
www.CDC.gov.
As with any foreign travel, a Hepatitis A shot is recommended. However, this is a common vaccine and many
people have been vaccinated prior to their honeymoon.
What happens if I get sick in Tahiti?
Most upscale resorts in Tahiti have a doctor or nurse on call. Three large, modern hospitals can be found in Papeete, with others on
Raiatea and Nuku Hiva, and are open 24 hours a day. Smaller infirmaries are
also scattered throughout Tahiti and her islands.
Often times, health insurance in your home country will not protect you while you are abroad. It is very important to review
your insurance policies before you go so there are no unpleasant surprises.
If you are not covered by your policy, travelers' medical insurance is available at a low cost. Speak with
your BigDay agent about the plan that works best for you.
What airlines fly to Tahiti?
From North America, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Air and Air France fly to Tahiti.
What is Tahiti's time zone?
Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii! It is two hours behind United States Pacific Standard Time,
11 or 12 hours behind Parisian time, depending on the season, and 19 hours behind Sydney, Australia. The
official time is UTC/GMT -10 hours.
Check the Current Time in Papeete, Tahiti.
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Inter-island flight traveled on during a BigDay 2007 site inspection tour.
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How long does it take to travel to Tahiti?
Flights from Los Angeles, California (LAX) to Papeete are eight hours, while a direct flight from JFK in New York lasts
12.5 hours. Flights from Sydney,
Australia are approximately seven hours. To fly from London, expect a 20 hour flight.
Click here to see Papeete's Faa'a Airport in Google Earth.
Can we get married in Tahiti?
Our travel experts suggest
obtaining a legal certificate in your home country and celebrating the marriage with a
traditional Polynesian ceremony or one of your own choosing on one of Tahiti's stunning beaches.
Legal ceremonies in Tahiti are possible, however, they require 30 days of residence and myriad
of other paperwork, including a certificate of celibacy.
In addition, the United States does not legally recognize a marriage of its citizens performed in
Tahiti and some resorts require proof of a recent marriage to have access to their honeymoon specials.
For more information on weddings in Tahiti, check out our
French Polynesian Weddings and Honeymoon page.
How safe is Tahiti?
Tahiti is safer than most western countries, although petty crime does exist. Use common sense regarding your personal safety and
that of your belongings.
TheBigDay specialist David, who recently visited French
Polynesia, comments, "Since 9/11 travel safety has become a major concern. French Polynesia is one of the world's safest
destinations - Tahiiti is one of my favorite recommendations for a true worry free vacation."
What is the currency in French Polynesia?
The currency in Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc (Comptoirs Français du Pacifique Francs), also known as XPF of CFP for short.
Click to check out the current Tahiti exchange rates.
US Dollars are accepted for payment in some tourist areas, however, you will likely get a better rate if you pay in the local currency.
Where can we exchange money in Tahiti?
In addition to the airport, there are a number of banks and ATMs in Tahiti and on her larger islands. Hotels will also exchange money, but usually at a poor rate.
Note that banks - and the ATMs inside them - close on Friday evening and do not open again until Monday, so
make sure you have enough cash to last the weekend!
Additionally, many places accept credit cards. In the case of resorts, most items and meals can be billed directly to your room tab.
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InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa sea turtles.
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Can we drink the water in Tahiti?
Luxury resorts and upscale restaurants offer potable water. Bottled water is readily available throughout the islands. Note that
in restaurants you will have to specify still (no gas) versus carbonated (gas) water.
What languages are spoken in Tahiti?
The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian. However, English is widely spoken at resorts
and in tourist areas.
« Back to Tahiti Travel Guide
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