Tahiti –
Tahiti, which is officially known as
French Polynesia, consists of five island groups, or archipelagoes,
which lie in the South Pacific – south of the equator,
in the same time zone as Hawaii.
Time Difference: Tahiti is
in the same time zone as Hawaii, two hours behind Pacific
Standard Time, and three hours behind during daylight saving
time (late April through October).
Size: Tahiti extends over such
a large area that it took explorers several years to discover
and chart all 118 islands and atolls.
The total area covers more than four million square kilometers
(1.5 million square miles). Total land area of the 118 islands
and atolls covers only 4,000 sq. km., or 1,544 sq. mi.
The Islands: The most frequently
visited islands are Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea,
Taha’a, and Rangiroa. More and more travelers are discovering
the destination’s incredible and distinctive beauty
that is found throughout the archipelagoes.
Topography: Tahiti’s
varied landscape ranges from just-above sea level coral atolls
to volcanic mountain peaks. Tahiti is renowned for warm waters,
white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons, lush green
hills and abundant flowering plants.
Capital of Tahiti: Tahiti’s
capital city is Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti.
Population: The number of people
living in Tahiti is just over 245,000. About 75% are Polynesian;
15% European and about 10% Chinese.
Temperatures and Seasons: Tahiti is a 12-month
tourist destination, with predictably tropical weather year-round.
The average year-around temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many hotels are air-conditioned. Water temperatures average
79 degrees in the winter and 84 degrees during the summer,
with less than a degree of variation from the surface down
to a depth of 150 feet.
Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian visitors
need only a passport valid for six months after the return
date and a round-trip ticket for entry. Citizens of other
countries should consult their travel agents or the French
Consulate.
Air Service: Frequent airline connections link Tahiti with
Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, New Zealand,
Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia. Airlines serving Tahiti to and from the US mainland include Tahiti-based Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines (out of Honolulu).
Travel Time: Flight time to Tahiti is just
under eight hours from Los Angeles and about 12 hours from
New York’s JFK. Air Tahiti Nui, Tahiti’s national
carrier, offers nonstop direct service from both cities.
Languages: French and Tahitian are the official
languages, though English is widely spoken is tourist areas.
Economy: Tahiti’s economy relies heavily
on tourism, Tahitian cultured pearls, agriculture, and ocean
resources.
Currency: Tahiti’s currency, the French
Pacific Franc (XPF, previously CFP), fluctuates with the euro
(there are about 100 XPFs for every U.S. dollar). Hotels and
financial institutions offer exchange services. Euros and
major credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected
in Tahitian culture. However, tipping is always welcome for
exemplary service.
Taxes: There is no sales tax in Tahiti.
However, a special 6% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies
to all rented accommodations (hotel rooms, pensions and family
stays), and room and meal packages -- both American Plan (3
meals) and Modified American Plan (breakfast and dinner).
A 5% VAT is added for room tax. A 16% VAT rate applies to
purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. A 10% VAT rate applies
to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurants involving
meals not included in a room-meal package.
Accommodations: There are more than 4,000
rooms in more than 40 hotels throughout Tahiti, catering to
a wide range of budgets and personal preferences, as well
as lodging in hospitable family pensions and private homes.
Popular Activities: Some of the world’s
best snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing are found in Tahiti.
Also popular – outrigger
canoeing, bicycle and horseback riding, four-wheel jeep safaris,
spear and deep sea fishing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing,
wind surfing, tennis, island tours, shark and ray feeding,
helicopter rides, museums, ancient maraes (temples), and other
cultural experiences. Sunset watching, beach strolling, relaxing
in the sand, enjoying exquisite Tahitian cuisine, walking
through beautiful fragrant gardens, and simply getting to
know the friendly and hospitable Tahitian people are memorable
highlights of any visit to Tahiti.
Getting Around: Taxis and buses are popular
forms of transportation on
the main island of Tahiti. On the outer islands, car and scooter
rentals are available and “Le Truck” (open-air
buses) are an inexpensive means of getting around.
Cruise Ship: Tahiti offers a wide range
of cruising options, including Silversea, Princess Cruises, Radisson
Seven Seas, Bora Bora Cruises, and the Aranui. Profile of the American Tourist to Tahiti: Upper-middle
and higher income levels; married couples in their 40s and
older; honeymooning couples; water sport enthusiasts (diving,
snorkeling, sailing and fishing ); South Pacific island culture
enthusiasts. Most visitors stay a week to 10 days; many enjoy
shorter visits. The majority visit more than one island.
Shopping: Shops are generally open from
7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., except on Saturdays when many close
at noon; only hotel shops are open on Sunday. Long lunch breaks
are common in Tahiti. Duty-f ree shopping is mainly available
on Tahiti. Tahitian cultured pearls, mother-of-pearl shell
carvings, coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans,
shell leis, wood carvings, colorful pareus, and woven hats
and baskets are among the most popular items.
Entertainment: Music and dancing tell the
story of the Tahitian people. Beautifully costumed dancers
demonstrate beauty, strength and grace in traditional dances,
which have been passed down for generations.
Tips for Travelers: The electric current
in most hotels is 110 or 220 volts, depending upon the specific
location. Visitors should bring adapters, sunscreen, sunglasses,
insect repellant and a hat for shade. Loose fitting cotton
washables are recommended for comfort, and old sneakers or
rubber aqua socks are suggested for walking in shallow water
amidst coral. Visitors can bring a camera, and up to 10 rolls
of film, duty free. The Activities Desk at hotels in Tahiti
are an excellent source of information. You’ll find
knowledgeable staff who are eager to assist you!
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Note to reporters, writers, and editors: please list the following
information for readers/viewers to obtain additional information:
Tahiti Tourisme North America
300 Continental Blvd., Suite 160
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel: 310-414-8484 Fax: 310-414-8490
Web site: www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Email: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
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