The Basics

Banks
Opening hours are typically 8.00 a.m. to noon and 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 3.00 p.m. on Friday

Currency
The unit of currency in French Polynesia is the franc cours pacifique (CFP)

Gratuities
Tipping is not expected or encouraged

Electricity
220 volts AC, 60 Hz with French style sockets

Language
Tahitian and French are the two official languages but English is fluently spoken in the tourist industry

Water
It is advisable to drink bottled water although the water supply in Pape’ete and other large towns has been treated

Time
French Polynesia is 10 hours behind London

Climate
There is no big difference between the seasons. The weather tends to be cooler and with the least rainfall during the winter period from May to October. Temperatures hover between 27ºC to 32 ºC.

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