French Polynesia spreads 118 islands across five archipelagos in the South Pacific, but most visitors land in Papeete, on Tahiti, and continue to Moorea, a short ferry ride away, and to the lagoon of Bora Bora, with divers heading out to the Tuamotu atolls. It is a French overseas collectivity, not part of the EU, and outside the Roam Like at Home area: even a French SIM roams there at its operator's own rates unless the plan includes French Polynesia.
Key facts for French Polynesia
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: varies by plan
- Emergency numbers: ambulance (SAMU) 15; police 17; fire 18; sea rescue 16
- Embassies: none; Australia has a consulate-general in Papeete, the US a consular agent, and the UK covers it from Paris
Entry
Many nationalities, including British visitors, can stay without a visa for up to 90 days, within a limit of three months in any six. French Polynesia is not part of the Schengen area: a Schengen visa does not allow entry, and residence permits issued elsewhere do not give you the right to enter or stay. EU citizens do not need a visa but should travel with a passport. No online travel authorisation is required.
Island hopping and coverage
Air Tahiti and Air Moana fly from Tahiti-Faa'a airport to the other islands, and ferries cross from Papeete to Moorea. Vini says it is the only network that covers all five archipelagos, reaching 66 islands, so outside that footprint you may have no signal. Download offline maps and your booking details before you fly out to the atolls.
Cyclones, earthquakes and the sea
Tropical storms and cyclones can strike between November and April, and earthquakes can happen too; after a strong quake on the coast, a tsunami can arrive within minutes, so move to higher ground straight away. The only hyperbaric chamber is in Papeete, so divers should check that their operator can transfer them there. Crime is low, but petty theft does occur, so avoid isolated areas and beaches after dark. Protests and strikes happen from time to time and can turn violent, so keep away from them.
Health, money and customs
Hospitals handle straightforward treatment well, but serious cases may need evacuation, and the EHIC and the UK's GHIC do not apply, so travel insurance is essential. Dengue and chikungunya are present, and leptospirosis is a risk after heavy rain. The currency is the CFP franc, pegged to the euro. US dollars are not accepted, cards work in most hotels and shops on Tahiti and Bora Bora, and cash machines are found on Tahiti and the main islands, but take cash for the remote ones. Always carry photo ID, dress modestly away from Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, and ask before visiting a marae, as some sacred sites need permission.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installed at home connects when you land at Tahiti-Faa'a, which saves hunting for a SIM after a long-haul flight. An Oceania plan also covers Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other Pacific stops; a French Polynesia plan suits a single trip. Keep your usual SIM in the phone for bank codes, with data roaming switched off.
Local SIMs: Vini and Vodafone sell prepaid cards, including at post offices; Vodafone's Travel SIM requires your passport and a registration form.
Consular protection: who to call in French Polynesia
- Call 15 for an ambulance, 17 for the police, 18 for the fire service and 16 for rescue at sea.
- French Polynesia is part of France, so there are no embassies. Australia has a consulate-general in Papeete, the US has a consular agent in Punaauia backed by its embassy in Suva, Fiji, and the UK covers the islands from its embassy in Paris. Before travelling, check which mission covers French Polynesia for your country.
- French is the official language, and Tahitian is widely spoken.
Questions travellers ask about French Polynesia
Does my French or EU plan work in French Polynesia?
Not under EU rules. French Polynesia is outside the EU and Roam Like at Home, so your operator charges its own rates unless your plan includes it.
Will I have signal on the outer islands?
Not everywhere. Mobile coverage reaches 66 islands, so download maps and documents before leaving Tahiti.
Which network does a Telcomia eSIM use in French Polynesia?
It depends on the plan, with 4G and 5G where available.
Can I pay in US dollars?
No. Pay in CFP francs or by card, and carry cash for the remote islands.
The short version
Install the eSIM before the long-haul flight, travel with a passport, download maps before heading to the outer islands, carry CFP francs, head for high ground after a strong coastal quake, and save 15 and 17.
See plans for French Polynesia →
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