The Ultimate Tahiti Travel Guide: Weather, Visas, Transport, Exchange, & Packing

Updated April 19, 2026 櫻桃與魚 Tahiti Guide

Here is our complete guide to planning an 11-day, 10-night independent trip to Tahiti! For our first-ever visit to French Polynesia, we decided to explore the most popular destinations: Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. In this post, we're sharing absolutely everything you need to know before you go. We'll cover the best seasons to visit, visa requirements, inter-island transport, currency exchange, internet access, and a detailed packing list (including absolute must-haves). We hope this helps you plan your dream trip!

🌴 Tahiti Travel Info & Quick Links

★ 【Bora Bora Activities】Shark & Ray Snorkeling｜Jet Skiing｜ATV
★ 【Moorea Activities】ATV & Jet Ski｜ATV｜Jet Ski
★ 【Island Hopping】Bora Bora Flights & Shuttle Boats｜Moorea Ferry
★ 【Accommodation】Tahiti Hotel Guide
★ 【Guides】Trip Prep｜Budget Tips｜Bora Bora Attractions｜Moorea Attractions

Fun fact: the "Tahiti" we all know and dream about isn't actually a country! Its official name is French Polynesia. French Polynesia is made up of 118 stunning islands scattered across two thousand kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. Tahiti is just the largest island in French Polynesia, and it's home to the region's only international airport in the capital city, Papeete. While Tahiti Island is where most locals live, it doesn't have as many tourist attractions. Those iconic photos of Tiffany-blue waters and endless coral reefs you see online? Those are usually taken on the smaller islands! The most popular destinations for travelers are Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti itself. (But to keep things simple, we'll follow everyone's habit and just refer to the whole paradise as "Tahiti" in this article!)

🌴 Tahiti Ultimate Guide Table of Contents

🌴 Where is Tahiti & How Long is the Flight?
🌴 Do I Need a Visa for Tahiti?
🌴 Weather & Best Months to Visit
🌴 What Language is Spoken? Is English Okay?
🌴 Time Difference & Voltage
🌴 Internet & Wi-Fi
🌴 Tahiti's Currency
🌴 Currency Exchange Info
🌴 Are Credit Cards Accepted? Do I Need Cash?
🌴 Is Tipping Customary in Tahiti?
🌴 Inter-Island & Local Transport
🌴 Where to Stay in Tahiti
🌴 Air Tahiti Baggage Rules
🌴 What to Pack

🌴 Where is Tahiti & How Long is the Flight?

Cherry mapped out the flight times to Papeete, Tahiti from Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Auckland for reference. If you're flying from Taiwan or Hong Kong, you'll need to transit through Tokyo, making the flight from Tokyo to Tahiti about 12+ hours. The shortest flight time is actually from Auckland, New Zealand, which takes just 5.5 hours. Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete is the only international airport in French Polynesia. So, no matter where you're flying from internationally, you'll land in Papeete first before catching a ferry or an Air Tahiti flight to the other breathtaking islands.

🌴 Do I Need a Visa for Tahiti?

Good news! Taiwanese passports enjoy 90 days of visa-free entry. Many other popular passports, such as those from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, also get 90 days visa-free (as of January 2025). 🌎 When planning your trip, you can visit this official website to enter your nationality and easily double-check your specific visa requirements!

🌴 Weather & Best Months to Visit

Starting a whole month before our trip, Cherry was obsessively checking the Tahiti weather forecast—morning, night, and at every meal! We were terrified of getting stuck with cloudy skies or rain. Let's be honest, that's probably everyone's biggest fear before traveling to a tropical paradise; you want perfect weather to see those dreamy islands at their absolute best. But here is the truth: island weather forecasts for Tahiti are notoriously inaccurate! Checking every day just put us on an emotional rollercoaster. Even after we arrived in Bora Bora, the forecast for the next day or two was never right. 😆

The good news is, while you might encounter the occasional full day of rain, mostly Tahiti's rain comes and goes very quickly. You might get a sudden torrential downpour, but the clouds often part to reveal glorious sunshine just a little while later!

Looking at historical data, Tahiti's rainy season runs from November to April. Aside from frequent showers, there are also more mosquitoes, making this the off-peak tourist season. The peak season is from May to October, when rainfall is at its lowest!

Month	Min Temp °C	Max Temp °C	Rainfall mm	Rainy Days
January	24	30	265	17
February	24	30	230	16
March	24	30	205	18
April	24	30	160	13
May	23	29	135	9
June	23	29	95	6
July	22	28	84	5
August	23	28	70	4
September	23	28	70	5
October	23	29	110	5
November	23	29	230	6
December	24	30	275	12

(Source: Climates to travel web page)

So, when is the best time to visit? May to October, with the lowest chance of rain, is obviously the top choice. But Cherry personally thinks the tail end of the rainy season in March and April is also a fantastic option (we went in mid-March!). Because it's the shoulder/low season, the attractions are much less crowded, and flights and accommodations are cheaper and easier to book than during peak season. Taking Air Tahiti's inter-island flights to Bora Bora as an example: for a short flight under an hour, round-trip prices can range from $300+ in low season to $500+ in high season. That's a $200 USD difference! And most importantly—peak season flights can sell out quickly. Quick side tip: if you're planning to island-hop, always make sure you have your Air Tahiti flights secured before booking your non-refundable hotel stays! For more details on flying with Air Tahiti, click here.

🌴 What Language is Spoken? Is English Okay?

The official languages in French Polynesia are Tahitian and French. However, because tourism is their main industry, English is incredibly widespread. You won't have any trouble communicating in English at all! The larger resorts even have staff who speak Mandarin Chinese and Japanese!

🌴 Time Difference & Voltage

Taiwan/Hong Kong Time Difference: Tahiti is 18 hours behind Taiwan/HK.
Los Angeles Time Difference: Tahiti is 3 hours behind LA.
US East Coast Time Difference: Tahiti is 6 hours behind EST.
Voltage: 220V/50HZ
Outlets: Two-pin round sockets (Most newer hotels offer international sockets or adapters, but if you're staying in a guesthouse, make sure to bring your own adapter!)

🌴 Internet & Wi-Fi

Resort Free Wi-Fi

The major resorts offer free Wi-Fi throughout their entire properties. If you plan on purely relaxing and staying within your resort, you probably don't need to worry about buying extra data.

Renting Pocket Wi-Fi at the Airport

There are kiosks at Papeete International Airport where you can rent pocket Wi-Fi. We already had Google Fi, so we didn't check the exact pricing, but it's a handy option if you need to stay connected on the go!

🌴 Tahiti's Currency

Hearing the name "French" Polynesia for the first time, we assumed they used the Euro, just like France. But actually, Tahiti has its own currency 👉🏻 the Pacific Franc (XPF). Paper bills come in 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 denominations, while coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Some locals will accept Euros and US Dollars (our taxi driver happily took USD), but we highly recommend exchanging some Pacific Francs to keep on hand for convenience.

Fun fact: the mountain scenery on the 50 XPF and 100 XPF coins is actually located on Moorea! Our guide on the Moorea ATV tour took us to view the mountain peak from the exact same angle shown on the coins. If you get the chance to ride ATVs in Moorea, bring a coin along to compare it to the real thing—it's super cool!

🌴 Currency Exchange Info

The currency of French Polynesia is the Pacific Franc (XPF). If you need to exchange cash, the easiest way is to do it right at Papeete Airport in Tahiti. Once you grab your luggage and walk out, there's an exchange counter 💱 right on your left. We've compiled a quick comparison of the exchange rates we found:

Exchange Location	USD to XPF	Fees
LA Airport ICE Exchange	USD $1 : XPF 90	USD $9.95
Conrad Hotel	USD $1 : XPF 92	-
Papeete Airport	USD $1 : XPF 97	XPF 700

In short, based on our experience, Papeete Airport offered the best exchange rate. We definitely recommend exchanging your money at the airport to get the most bang for your buck!

🌴 Are Credit Cards Accepted? Do I Need Cash?

We stressed over these two questions for so long before our trip! But honestly, if you're spending your entire vacation inside the resorts, you really might not need to spend any cash at all. Everything can be charged directly to your room and paid by credit card. Even the Chin Lee supermarket in Bora Bora takes cards! However, if you plan to eat at the local Tahiti food trucks (Roulottes), take taxis, or pay for breakfast at a guesthouse, you'll definitely need some cash. During our first six nights at the Conrad in Bora Bora, we literally didn't spend a single cent in cash. 😆 Later, when staying at guesthouses in Tahiti and Moorea, we exchanged a total of $232 USD for transport, meals, and small souvenirs. It was just the right amount for the two of us over six days and five nights. Exactly how much you need will depend entirely on your itinerary, the length of your stay, and your spending habits!

📌 Recommended Reading: Tahiti Must-Eat: The Famous Food Trucks (Roulottes)

🌴 Is Tipping Customary in Tahiti?

There are no strict tipping rules or established tipping customs in Tahiti. According to Tahiti Tourisme, most hotel, resort, and dining bills already include a service charge, which is distributed to outstanding employees as a year-end bonus. That being said, tipping is still a wonderful way for tourists to show appreciation for exceptional service. We still happily tipped at our resort based on the fantastic service we received!

🌴 Inter-Island & Local Transport

Bora Bora Transport

Because Bora Bora is actually a cluster of small islets (motus), all transport between the islands is by boat. The main options are the Air Tahiti shuttle boat, resort shuttles, private resort transfers, and other private charter boats. The private resort transfers to and from the airport can be incredibly expensive 💸💸💸! Budget travelers, do not miss our guide that could save you hundreds of dollars 👉🏻 How to take the FREE Air Tahiti Airport Shuttle Boat. It has all the detailed info you need on taking the Air Tahiti and hotel shuttles!

On the main island of Vaitape, you can easily rent a car (the rental agency is right next to the pier) or grab a taxi.

Taxi fares start at a steep $15 USD the moment you get in. Although it's expensive, the pricing is at least completely transparent! At the tourist center entrance on Vaitape, they have a poster listing all the drivers' contact info and their set prices. You can check the rates before deciding if you want to hop in!

Finally, some restaurants on Vaitape offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the pier. Both the famous Bloody Mary's and Cherry's personal favorite, the Bora Bora Yacht Club, offer this fantastic free service!

📌 Recommended Reading: Romantic Sunset Dinner in Bora Bora ☆ Bora Bora Yacht Club

Moorea Transport

There are two ways to get to Moorea: by ferry or by plane. Since flights are pricey and the ferry only takes about 30 minutes, most travelers choose to fly into Papeete International Airport (PPT) and then take the ferry over to Moorea. For detailed ferry schedules and transport info, check out our guide 👉🏻 How to Take the Ferry from Tahiti to Moorea ☆ Complete Transport Guide.

Public transportation on Moorea isn't very developed, and taxis are quite expensive. Therefore, most independent travelers opt to rent a car or a scooter. The rental agencies are conveniently located right across from the Moorea pier. If you decide to rent a car later on, the agencies even offer free shuttle pick-ups! If you're feeling adventurous, hitchhiking by the side of the road is surprisingly common and another fun way to get around!

Tahiti Transport

Tahiti Island itself doesn't have as many tourist hotspots. Most visitors either transit straight through the airport to other islands or grab a taxi to the port to catch a ferry to Moorea. Note that there is no Uber on any of the three islands we visited (as of March 2019)! In Tahiti, many Airbnb/guesthouse hosts offer airport pickup services, so definitely ask about that when making your reservations!

🌴 Where to Stay in Tahiti

We seriously got dizzy looking at all the resort options before our trip! To help you out, we've compiled a list and map of the major resorts in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. For Moorea and Tahiti, Cherry thinks you don't necessarily have to stay in a luxury resort, so we've also included some highly-rated guesthouse and boutique lodge options for those looking for alternatives.

Bora Bora Resorts

Resort	Star Rating	Check Rates
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora	5 Star	Check Rates
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort	5 Star	Check Rates
Le Méridien Bora Bora	5 Star	Check Rates
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa	5 Star	Check Rates
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort	4 Star	Check Rates
Conrad Bora Bora Nui	5 Star	Check Rates
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts	4 Star	Check Rates

The water in Bora Bora is honestly even more stunning than in Moorea. If your budget allows, we highly recommend splurging on an overwater bungalow here! We stayed at the Conrad Resort and absolutely loved it. If you're interested, check out our full review 👉🏻 【Bora Bora】Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort Review

Moorea

Hotel Name	Type	Star Rating	Check Rates
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort	Resort	5 Star	Check Rates
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa	Resort	5 Star	Check Rates
Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea	Resort	4 Star	Check Rates
Moorea Beach Lodge	Guesthouse	3 Star	Check Rates
Moorea Sunset Beach Residence	Guesthouse	3 Star	Check Rates
Village Temanoha	Guesthouse	3 Star	Check Rates
Haere Mai I Te Fare	Guesthouse	3 Star	Check Rates

Resort prices in Moorea are significantly cheaper than in Bora Bora. Alongside the resorts, there are also some fantastic, high-quality guesthouses that offer great options for budget-conscious travelers.

Tahiti Island

Hotel Name	Type	Star Rating	Check Rates
Hilton Hotel Tahiti	Resort	5 Star	Check Rates
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa	Resort	4.5 Star	Check Rates
Manava Suite Resort Tahiti (Te Moana Tahiti Resort)	Resort	4 Star	Check Rates
HIME LODGE	Near Ferry Pier	-	Check Rates
Fare D'hotes Tutehau	Near Ferry Pier	-	Check Rates
Manaeva lodge	Near Airport	-	Check Rates
A TOMO MAI Homestay	Near Airport	-	Check Rates
Hautea Bungalow	Near Airport	-	Check Rates

Resorts in Tahiti are even cheaper than in Moorea. However, since most people only stay in Tahiti briefly before heading to other islands, Cherry highly recommends booking a guesthouse near the ferry terminal if you're taking the boat to Moorea. If you're arriving late at night or leaving on an early flight, booking a place near the airport is your best bet! Most airport-adjacent accommodations offer free or paid airport transfers—just ask your host. Lastly, the highly-rated guesthouses listed above are incredibly popular, so be sure to book them well in advance!

🌴 Air Tahiti Baggage Rules

If you're planning to island-hop with Air Tahiti, listen up! The baggage allowance for international flights into Papeete Airport is very different from Air Tahiti's domestic baggage rules. You need to be incredibly mindful of this when packing your bags.

Pay close attention to the weight limits, as international baggage allowances are often much more generous than Air Tahiti's inter-island domestic limits. You can find the exact details on their official website.

Checked Baggage Rules

Standard Ticket (Y Class):
    Max weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) per person
    Dimensions: Length + Width + Height must be under 150 cm
Special Ticket (Z Class):
    Max weight: 46 kg (100 lbs) per person
    Dimensions: Length + Width + Height must be under 150 cm

Carry-On Baggage Rules

One carry-on bag per person (this includes laptops, cameras, etc.)
Max weight: 5 kg (11 lbs) per person
Dimensions: Must be smaller than 45 x 35 x 20 cm. For full rules, refer to the official website.

🌴 What to Pack

After experiencing Tahiti for ourselves, we've put together a list of absolute must-pack items. Keep these in mind when you start filling up your suitcase!

🧳 Water Shoes (Aqua Socks)

Water shoes are honestly Cherry's #1 absolute most highly recommended item to pack! The shallow waters in Tahiti are home to the venomous stonefish. If you accidentally touch or step on one, it can lead to hospitalization—or even be fatal (especially for kids)! Because of this, going barefoot is not recommended, whether you're at the resort or on public beaches. A good pair of protective water shoes makes snorkeling and water activities so much safer and more comfortable. The photo below shows a preserved stonefish our guide showed us during our Moorea Jet Ski tour to remind us of the danger!

📌 Recommended Reading: 1 Activity, 5 Experiences | Must-Do Moorea Jet Ski Tour

🧳 Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are incredibly useful in Tahiti. They are much more reliable than regular plastic bags for storing wet towels and swimsuits while you're out. They're also perfect for packing snacks and food. When we were in Moorea, we packed our own lunches in Ziploc bags every day to take on our adventures!

🧳 Sunscreen & Aloe Vera

You probably already know to pack sunscreen for a tropical island vacation! But if you burn easily, definitely pack some aloe vera gel for peace of mind. If you forget, you can buy it at local supermarkets or resorts, but it will be much more expensive.

🧳 Snorkel Mask & Tube

If you're staying in an overwater bungalow, we highly recommend bringing your own snorkel gear so you can jump straight off your deck whenever you want. While tour guides will provide gear on snorkeling excursions, bringing your own snorkel tube is just more sanitary. Also, if you're nearsighted and don't wear contact lenses, you absolutely must bring your own prescription snorkel mask, as the tours only provide standard non-prescription ones!

🧳 Swimsuits & Rash Guards (For Sun Protection)

When the sun is shining in Tahiti, your skin will start to bake in just minutes! If you burn easily or just want to protect your skin, a long-sleeved rash guard is a total game-changer for water activities. You'll be able to enjoy the ocean without constantly worrying about sunburns!

🧳 Underwater Camera & Waterproof Phone Case

The underwater world in Tahiti is absolutely magical. You'll definitely regret it if you don't have a waterproof camera to capture those precious memories!

🧳 Bug Repellent & Anti-Itch Cream

If you're visiting during or around the rainy season, you MUST, MUST, MUST remember to pack bug spray!! The mosquitoes on Bora Bora and Moorea are incredibly vicious. Not only should you pack bug repellent, but we recommend bringing a few different brands in case one doesn't work. We learned this the hard way and ended up covered in bites! 😆 Definitely bring some anti-itch cream or bite ointment just in case.

🧳 Snacks & Instant Noodles

Cherry probably doesn't need to elaborate too much on this—Tahiti (especially Bora Bora) is notoriously expensive. A standard dinner for two at a resort restaurant can easily cost $150–$200 USD. If you're on a budget, packing some instant noodles and comfort snacks from home is a total lifesaver!

🧳 Umbrella or Disposable Raincoats

If you're visiting during the rainy season, toss an umbrella or a few disposable raincoats in your bag. The rain might come in short bursts, but those passing showers can be quite heavy!

🧳 Power Adapters & Converters

If you're staying at an Airbnb or guesthouse, remember to bring power adapters and voltage converters. Tahiti uses 220V/50Hz power and European-style two-pin round sockets.

🧳 Instagram-Worthy Pool Floats

If you're bringing fun pool floats for those perfect vacation photos and staying at a resort, you can usually ask the staff to inflate and deflate them for you! We didn't realize this before our trip, so we hauled our own electric pump all the way there. It broke, and when we called the front desk to borrow one, they happily informed us that they could just inflate it for us! 😆

One last reminder before you go—please prioritize your safety while enjoying Tahiti's breathtaking underwater world! Many tropical fish can be dangerous to touch, especially the stonefish we mentioned earlier. Be super careful! We wish you all beautiful, sunny weather for your dream trip to Tahiti! ☀️☀️☀️

Want to know the absolute best attractions for your Tahiti island-hopping adventure? Check out Cherry's ultimate guides!
📌 Top 7 Must-Visit Attractions, Tours & Experiences in Bora Bora
📌 Top 11 Must-Visit Attractions & Must-Eat Foods in Moorea!

We have so many more articles about Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, covering must-see sights, hotel reviews, transport guides, and more. Keep reading below! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

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