French Polynesia

French Polynesia
French Polynesia🇵🇫

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Traveling to French Polynesia? Land Connected.

French Polynesia is 118 islands scattered across the South Pacific — the lagoon of Bora Bora, the green peaks of Moorea, and the black-sand beaches of Tahiti. Data from touchdown makes it easy: ferry times between islands, dive bookings, and maps for lagoon roads, all without hunting for a SIM shop on arrival.

Choose the Plan That Fits Your Trip

  • Fixed data or unlimited: pick from the plan grid above by trip length and data use — fixed-data plans for maps, messaging and light browsing, unlimited plans for heavy video, navigation and hotspot use.
  • Instant delivery: your QR code and installation link are emailed within minutes of checkout. Install before your flight; validity starts on the day you activate.
  • Good to know: your phone must support eSIM (dial *#06# and look for an EID), and your 15-digit IMEI is required at checkout so your eSIM can be provisioned.

Travel Highlights

  • Bora Bora: the famous lagoon and Mount Otemanu — overwater bungalows, lagoon snorkelling with rays, and viewpoints from the island road.
  • Moorea: a short ferry ride from Tahiti, with twin bays, pineapple fields, and Belvedere Lookout over Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.
  • Tahiti: the main island — Papeete market, black-sand beaches on the west coast, and the rugged Tahiti Iti peninsula for hikes and surf.
  • Rangiroa: one of the world's largest atolls, in the Tuamotus — pass diving with sharks and dolphins, and pink-sand beaches on the outer reef.
  • Huahine: a quieter island with ancient marae temples, a natural aquarium at the lagoon bridge, and vanilla farms.

Getting Around

  • Airport to the city: Faa'a International Airport (PPT) sits beside Papeete; taxis queue outside arrivals, and hotels run transfers. Agree the fare before you set off, as meters are not always used.
  • Island hops: domestic flights with Air Tahiti connect the main islands, and ferries run from Papeete to Moorea and on selected routes to the Leeward Islands — book ahead in peak season.
  • Ride-hailing — not available: Uber does not operate on any island in French Polynesia, and Bora Bora has no buses or Uber at all. In Papeete, metered taxis are the main option; on smaller islands, rent a car, scooter or bicycle, or arrange transfers through your hotel.
  • Getting around the islands: rental cars and scooters are the practical choice on Tahiti and Moorea; on Bora Bora, bicycles and rental cars cover the single ring road well.

Safety and Practical Tips

French Polynesia is generally safe for visitors. The main risks are petty theft in Papeete and at busy beaches, and lagoon hazards — strong pass currents, coral cuts and sun exposure. Wear reef shoes, check local advice before swimming in a pass, and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles.

Island life runs on island time: shops and services close on Sundays and public holidays, and outer-island services are limited. Carry water and sun protection, and plan fuel and cash before heading to remote parts of an island — ATMs are scarce outside Papeete.

Entry and Visa

Visa rules depend on your passport. Many nationalities enter French Polynesia visa-free for short tourist stays under the rules that apply to France's overseas collectivities; others need a visa arranged in advance. Check the latest requirements for your passport before you book, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Weather and Climate

  • Tropical all year: warm and humid, with daytime temperatures usually in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius and rain possible in any month.
  • Dry season (May to October): the best time for lagoon activities — cooler, drier and less humid, with calmer seas for diving.
  • Wet season (November to April): hotter and wetter, with afternoon downpours and a risk of tropical cyclones — check forecasts if you travel in these months.
  • What to pack: light, breathable clothes, reef shoes, a compact rain jacket, sunscreen and a dry bag for lagoon trips.

Money and Payments

  • Currency and cards: CFP francs (XPF). Cards are accepted in Papeete, resorts and larger restaurants; cash is essential on outer islands, for taxis, markets and small eateries.
  • WISE and similar travel cards: the Wise card works in French Polynesia wherever Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Similar multi-currency cards, such as Revolut, work the same way on the Visa/Mastercard network. No local-currency balance is claimed here — check the card app for current ATM limits and fees before you travel, as these change.
  • Cash tips: withdraw CFP francs in Papeete before heading to outer islands, where ATMs are scarce, and always choose to pay in CFP francs (local currency) if a terminal or ATM offers to convert to your home currency.
  • Tipping: not expected — service is usually included. Rounding up a taxi fare is appreciated but not required.