No matter how much you hear about the 118 islands that comprise the 5 idyllic archipelagos that make up French Polynesia, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking scenery of the islands’ towering volcanic peaks, rugged cliffs, emerald lagoons and stunning palm-fringed beaches. Despite being heavily influenced by French culture, the region has managed to retain its own colourful and distinctive culture through its traditional food, music, and local handicrafts. Divers and snorkelers can marvel at the area’s extraordinary range of marine life, while hikers explore the islands' lush jungle-clad volcanic mountains. History enthusiasts are equally well sated with numerous archaeological sites revealing traces from its Pre-European past. With all of this remarkable scenery, diverse marine life and fascinating culture on offer, it is no wonder that French Polynesia has become one of the Pacific’s most exclusive and popular tourist destinations
Banking and Currency
Currency
French Pacific Franc (XPF/ CPF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XPF10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XPF100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The French Pacific Franc is tied to the Euro.
The same franc is used in the French Pacific territories of New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna islands.
U.S. dollar and European euro notes (but not coins) are widely accepted as cash in the islands, although at less favorable exchange rates than at banks.
You will probably get a more favorable rate if you change your money in French Polynesia rather than before leaving home.
The CFP, the U.S. Dollar & the British Pound -- The value of the CFP is pegged directly to the European euro at a rate of 1€ = 119.332CFP.
Banking
There are several banks located in Papeete. In the outer islands there are only banks in the main towns. Banking hours are usually: Monday - Friday 08h00-15h30. Some banks are open on Saturdays from 07h45 to 11h30.
The easiest and best way to get local currency in French Polynesia is from an ATM, known as a billetterie in French and sometimes referred to in English as a "cash machine" or "cashpoint." Banque de Polynésie, Banque Socredo, and Banque de Tahiti have offices with ATMs on the main islands, and many post offices have billetteries that dispense cash against MasterCard and Visa cards. Some of the smaller islands do not have ATMs or banks.
The ATMs operate in both French and English, and they usually are reliable at giving cash or cash advances. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry cash or traveler's checks in case the local ATM runs out of cash or is out of service.
You can use MasterCard and Visa credit cards to charge your expenses at most island hotels, car-rental companies, restaurants, and large shops. Many also accept American Express. Only the major hotels and car-rental firms accept Diners Club, however, and none accept Discover cards. Always ask first, and when you're away from the main towns, don't count on putting anything on plastic.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
The two most populated islands of Tahiti and Moorea have organised street networks and public transport (including good tourist infrastructure).
Air Tahiti offers domestic flights to many destinations in French Polynesia. Charters flights such as Air Archipel are available on request. Helicopters are one other option.
Ferries travel between most islands. Catamarans and ferry boats cross between Tahiti and Moorea several times a day. Schooners and cargo boats serve all the inhabited islands from Papeete.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
The municipal water supply in Papeete and other large towns can be trusted, but elsewhere avoid untreated tap water. In some areas the only fresh water available may be rainwater collected in tanks, and this should be boiled or otherwise treated. Water at restaurants, particularly resort restaurants, is safe.
French Polynesia benefits from optimum climatic conditions and so is a real Garden of Eden where exuberance and abundance go hand in hand. In this country that is gorged with sunshine, farmers grow a huge variety of fruits, spices and vegetables.
The legendary breadfruit plant or uru, the coconut, the dozens of varieties of bananas of which one is the incomparable orange plantain banana or fe'i, the various root vegetables such as the taro, the tarua, the ufi or even the 'umara make up the basis of island cuisine. Papayas, mangos, pineapples, watermelon, grapefruit, limes with a pod of vanilla are used to prepare tasty desserts.
Fish from the lagoon or from the ocean, ranging from perch, the dolphinfish (mahi mahi) through to the parrot fish in the Tuamotu islands in particular, are also on the menu for typical Polynesian dishes. They are often eaten raw, sometimes marinated in lime juice and coconut milk as in the famous recipe for raw fish à la Tahitienne' that is found all over the globe.
Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia and is therefore not expected. If you choose to tip for exemplary service, the gesture is always welcomed and appreciated.
Climate and Weather
The best time for French Polynesia is May through to October. The East Pacific Islands are in the summer, November through to April, not only hot, but also very wet. For a warm and dry winter holiday it is best you choose May to October.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
When you plan your visit to the French Polynesia it is best to bring light summer clothing. When visiting a local village, make sure not to show up in swimwear, but with a shirt or t-shirt. Consider a thin raincoat (for walks) and plastic sandals or reef shoes (for protection against coral). Bring a hat or cap to protect against the sun. The shops will otherwise provide virtually everything that you need to enjoy your holiday.
Internet Availability
Thanks to the advent of smartphones, iPads and wi-fi, dedicated internet cafes have become a rarity in French Polynesia. Wi-fi access is increasingly the norm.
Many post offices have internet posts, but don't count too much on it – they are usually ancient models that are often not functioning. Wireless is offered at many guesthouses and hotels (at least near the reception or the bar, if not always in each room, for which sometimes there's an additional charge) and at a number of restaurants and cafes. Some places still charge a fee. Connections are fairly fast and reliable in the Society Islands, which have broadband internet; elsewhere, slow connections are the norm.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in French Polynesia are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E". If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets in French Polynesia usually supply electricity at 220 volts. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary
Idyllically located in the South Pacific Ocean midway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the remarkably picturesque Cook Islands are comprised of 15 unique islands. This remote, exquisitely beautiful island paradise is blessed with a warm tropical climate, fabulously friendly Polynesian locals and a wonderfully peaceful pace of life. The islands boast some glorious white-sand beaches, and palm-fringed turquoise lagoons all presided over by majestic volcanic peaks. Adventurous travellers can get their adrenaline fix with an array of outdoor pursuits such as surfing, wake-boarding, paddle boarding and hiking mountainous jungles dotted with breathtaking waterfalls. More sedentary visitors can indulge in some luxurious spa pampering, explore the lively night-markets or simply relax on a beach lounger with a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other. Whatever your preference, this exceptionally gorgeous and tranquil island getaway will prove irresistible.
Banking and Currency
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol NZ$) = 100 cents, supplemented by notes and coins minted for local use which are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Local currency can be exported up to NZ$250. Foreign currency can be exported up to the amount imported and declared.
Exchange facilities are available at the airport, banks and in some larger stores and hotels. EFTPOS and ATM machines are available at both ANZ and Westpac banks on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and also major stores and restaurants. ANZ charges a much higher commission than Westpac. At the banks, traveller's cheques attract an exchange rate around 3% higher than cash.
Banking
Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1500, Fri 0900-1600. GlobalEX Western Union is the only bank open Sat. 0830-1200 and gives a better rate than the banks without commission.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are all accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted in hotels and some shops. New Zealand Dollars are recommended as some outer island banks won't change US dollars.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air Rarotonga (GZ)(www.airraro.com) runs regular inter-island services to Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Manihiki, Mitiaro and Penrhyn. Limited services operate on Sundays. Discounts are offered on flights to Aitutaki during off-peak hours.
Inter-island flight times: From Rarotonga to Aitutaki is 50 minutes, to Atiu is 45 minutes, and to Mauke and Mitiaro is 50 minutes.
Several companies offer cars for hire from a number of shops and hotels. Motor scooter and bicycle hire is also popular.Drivers of all vehicles including scooters are required to have a current Cook Islands driver's licence, which is obtainable for a small fee from the Police Station in Avarua on presentation of an International or Commonwealth licence. Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.
Taxi services are available on Rarotonga.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Tap water is relatively safe but may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay.
There are restaurants in hotels, and a variety of independent eating places as well, as a result of the increasing tourist trade. Local produce includes a wide variety of citrus and tropical fruits, island chestnuts and garden vegetables. Seafood features on many restaurant menus and so does coconut as the coconut palms produce an abundant supply of fruit all year round. Local meat and poultry are available.
Tradition says that all gifts require something in return and tipping is therefore not common.
Climate and Weather
Weather can be quite changeable from day to day and varies throughout the islands. It is generally hot throughout the year, although the trade winds provide some moderating influence. Rainfall is heaviest in Rarotonga, while the northern atolls tend to be drier. The coolest months are June to August, while November to March marks the warmer season, which also has the highest rainfall.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Lightweight cottons and linens are recommended throughout the year. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat are essential.
Internet Availability
There are Internet facilities in Avarua at the Telecom Cook Islands office (open 24 hours a day), at the post office, at Internet cafes and at computer stores.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Cook Islands are the "Type I" Australian AS-3112 type. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Cook Islands usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.