Vini, SFR, PMT
from Papeete
Air Tahiti
and main islands
150-200 XPF/trip
Shopping & Groceries
Daily shopping in French Polynesia revolves around a mix of large supermarkets, traditional markets and specialist shops. Prices are generally 30 to 50% higher than in mainland France due to import costs and distance.
🏪 Supermarkets
Carrefour (Taravao & Punaauia), Champion, Super U, Hyper U. Wide range of French and imported products. Note the higher prices vs mainland France.
- Carrefour Punaauia — largest store on Tahiti
- Carrefour Taravao — serves Taravao plateau
- Champion Papeete — central location, smaller format
- Local stores — present in all communes
🏫 Papeete Market
The Papeete Municipal Market is a must-visit for fresh, local products at competitive prices. Open from early morning, six days a week.
- Fresh fish — tuna, mahi-mahi, parrotfish
- Tropical fruits & vegetables
- Vanilla, monoi oil, local honey
- Traditional crafts & textiles
🍌 Specialist Shops
Papeete's Chinatown district is lined with Asian grocery stores carrying an extensive range of Asian products, often at competitive prices.
- Asian grocery stores — Asian products
- Indian shops — spices, legumes
- Organic & health stores — Naturalia-style
- Wine merchants — French wines, spirits
🌿 Local & Organic
Short food supply chains are developing in French Polynesia. Farmers' markets, community-supported agriculture and local producers are growing.
- Faa'a market — Saturday mornings
- Local producers — vegetables, eggs, poultry
- Organic gardens — Tahiti interior valleys
- Fishing co-operatives — fresh daily catch
Getting Around Tahiti
Transport on Tahiti is primarily based around personal vehicles. The public network exists but is limited. Taxis are expensive and there is no metro or tram.
| Mode | Coverage | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal car | All of Tahiti | Vehicle + fuel | Most common option, essential outside Papeete |
| Le Truck (bus) | Main roads RDO/RDU | 150–200 XPF/trip | No night service, limited Sunday schedule |
| Fare Bus (minibus) | Central Papeete | 200 XPF flat | Modern, air-conditioned, since 2023 |
| Taxi | All Tahiti | 1,500–5,000 XPF | Expensive, limited availability outside city |
| Bicycle / scooter | Urban & suburban | Variable | Caution: narrow coastal roads, heat |
| Car rental | All Tahiti | 8,000–15,000 XPF/day | Available at airport and in Papeete |
Inter-Island Travel
Getting around French Polynesia's 5 archipelagos requires planning and a budget. Air links are essential for remote islands.
✈️ Air Tahiti
Main inter-island airline with 47 served destinations. Frequent connections to Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva.
- Tahiti → Moorea: 10 min, from 4,000 XPF
- Tahiti → Bora Bora: 45 min, from 12,000 XPF
- Tahiti → Rangiroa: 1h, from 14,000 XPF
- Air Pass available for multi-island trips
✈️ Air Moana
Low-cost airline launched in 2023, operating mainly Tahiti-Moorea and routes to the Society Islands. More affordable fares.
- Tahiti → Moorea: from 2,500 XPF
- Routes to Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora
- Online booking & e-ticket
- Less baggage included than Air Tahiti
⛵️ Moorea Ferries
Two ferry companies connect Tahiti to Moorea in 30 minutes. Very regular service throughout the day, bicycles and motorbikes accepted.
- Aremiti — frequent daytime service
- Terevau — regular daily crossings
- From 1,200 XPF per person one-way
- Car transport available
🚢 Cargo Ships
Cargo ships (Aranui, Taporo, Nuku Hau) link the outer islands. Slower but more affordable for transporting goods or residents of remote atolls.
- Aranui 5 — Marquesas, tourist/passenger
- Dory — Australes archipelago
- Taporo — Leeward Islands
- Journey: 2–7 days depending on route
Mobile, Internet & Telecom
French Polynesia has its own telecommunications infrastructure, managed mainly by OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications). Connectivity has improved significantly in recent years.
| Operator | Mobile | Internet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vini (OPT) | 4G, coverage all islands | ADSL, fibre, VSAT | Largest network, best coverage on outer islands |
| SFR Pacifique | 4G Tahiti & main islands | ADSL, 4G box | Competitive mobile plans, French standards |
| PMT (Pacific Mobile) | 4G Tahiti | 4G box | More recent operator, budget offers |
Daily Services
🏥️ Healthcare
CHPF (Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française) in Papeete is the main hospital. Private clinics (Cardella, Paofai) are also available. Covered by CPS health insurance.
🏫 Schools
French national education system. Public schools are free. Private schools (Catholic) widely available. French baccalaureate at the end of high school.
🏭 Banking
Main banks: Banque de Polynésie (SG), BNP Paribas, Banque Socredo, CCP (Post). Most ATMs accept French and international cards. Online banking available.
📦 Parcels & Mail
OPT manages postal services. Shipping from mainland France takes 5-15 days. DHL, Chronopost and specialist forwarding services are available for faster delivery.
🔧 Tradespeople
Plumbers, electricians, builders, painters — all trades are present. It is advisable to check if practitioners are registered (RCPF) and get multiple quotes.
🐾 Vets & Pets
Several veterinary practices in Papeete and suburbs. Animal products (flea treatment, food) are more expensive than in mainland France. Vaccination required for dogs and cats.
Leisure & Activities
French Polynesia is a paradise for outdoor activities, especially water sports. The lagoons and reefs offer world-class diving and water recreation.
🌊 Water Activities
The lagoons of Polynesia are the world's playground for water activities. Exceptional biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, gentle currents.
- Scuba diving — coral reefs & sharks
- Surfing — Teahupo'o & Tahiti reef
- Kitesurfing — Maeva, Tikehau
- Paddle boarding, sailing, big-game fishing
- Whale watching — July to November
🏔 Land Activities
The interior of Tahiti and the mountainous islands offer beautiful landscapes for hiking, cycling and nature exploration.
- Hiking — Fautaua valley, Mont Aorai (2,066 m)
- Mountain biking — interior trails
- Canyoning — Vaihiria river
- Tennis, football, rugby — local clubs
- Gyms & yoga — Papeete & Punaauia
🏭 Culture & Arts
Polynesian culture is rich and vibrant. Traditional dance (ori tahiti), tattooing, weaving and music are central to daily life on the islands.
- Marae (ancient temples) — historical sites
- Museum of Tahiti and the Islands — Punaauia
- Contemporary art galleries — Papeete centre
- Traditional weaving workshops (pareu, baskets)
🎉 Annual Events
The Polynesian calendar is full of events and festivals celebrating local culture and island living.
- Heiva i Tahiti — July (dances, sports)
- Hawaiki Nui Va'a — October (outrigger canoe)
- Tahiti Pearl Regatta — May
- Carnival of Tahiti — February
- Billabong Pro / Teahupo'o — August
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I do grocery shopping in Tahiti?
The main supermarkets are Carrefour (Taravao and Punaauia), Champion and Super U. The Papeete Municipal Market is essential for fresh local produce: fish, tropical fruits and vegetables. Papeete's Chinatown has many Asian grocery stores. Prices are generally 30-50% higher than mainland France.
Is there a bus network in Tahiti?
Yes, "Le Truck" — converted pickup trucks — provides public transport on the main roads (RDO, RDU). Fare: 150-200 XPF depending on distance. A modern Fare Bus network has been running in central Papeete since 2023. There is no night or Sunday service on some lines. Owning a car is strongly recommended for life outside central Papeete.
Which mobile operators are available in French Polynesia?
Three operators: Vini (OPT — widest coverage), SFR Pacifique and PMT. 4G is available on Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and the main islands. VSAT satellite internet is used on remote atolls. No 5G as of 2026. OPT also provides ADSL and fibre broadband in urban areas.
How do you travel between the islands of French Polynesia?
Air Tahiti (47 destinations) and Air Moana (low-cost) are the two inter-island airlines. Regular ferries link Tahiti to Moorea (30 min) from about 1,200 XPF one-way. Cargo ships serve the outer islands. An Air Pass from Air Tahiti is ideal for multi-island itineraries.
Can I shop online from French Polynesia?
Yes, but delivery times and costs are significant. Amazon does not deliver directly to most addresses in French Polynesia. Forwarding services from mainland France allow French orders to be received. Local platforms (Tahiti Shop and others) are developing. Budget for 15-30 days delivery time and significant shipping costs.
What sports and leisure activities are available?
Outstanding water activities: scuba diving, surfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, sailing and big-game fishing. On land: hiking (Mont Aorai, Fautaua valley), mountain biking, tennis, football and rugby at local clubs. Gyms and yoga available in Papeete and Punaauia. The Heiva festival in July is the unmissable cultural highlight.
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