Size, Location, Population:  118 islands cover an area the size of Europe, yet with a land mass of only 1,550 square miles, one fourth of which is the most famous island, Tahiti. Located midway between California (4,000 miles) and Australia (3,300 miles), French Polynesia has a population of 189,000, 70% of whom live on Tahiti. The best-known and most frequently visited islands are the Society Island chain: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; and the Tuamotu Archipelago: Rangiroa and Manihi.

Time Zones:  Two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, the same as Hawaii (Three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time).

Entry Formalities:   U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport valid for six months beyond their date of return. If your passport is other than U.S. or Canadian, check with the French Consulate. No immunization certificates are required.

Currency:  The Pacific French franc (XPF) is the currency used in French Polynesia. It is different from the French franc. Banks are located at Tahiti's International Airport and on each island. ATM machines are available on Tahiti and Moorea. Generally a higher exchange rate is given for travelers' cheques than for cash. Hotels also exchange money but give a less favorable rate than banks. U.S. currency may be accepted in most hotels, restaurants and other large establishments.

Electricity:   Most hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers. For other appliances such as hair dryers, a converter/ adapter kit will usually be needed. Hotels may have either 110v or 220v systems. It's wise to always inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances before you attempt to use them.

Language:  The official languages are Tahitian and French. English is spoken in most tourist locales.

Tipping:  Although tipping is not customary in Tahiti, it is appreciated for exemplary service.

Climate:   French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. The climate is divided into two seasons: a "summer" that spans from November through March, when the daily temperature is about 86° Fahrenheit, and most of the rain falls; and a drier "winter" that spans from April through October, when the daily temperature is about 82° Fahrenheit. The year-round low is about 70° Fahrenheit. The average water temperature is in the low 80s.

Food:  Most tourist hotels have restaurants. In Papeete and around Tahiti, there are also a number of excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of French, Italian, American, Chinese, Vietnamese and Polynesian dishes. There are several restaurants on Moorea, and a few on Bora Bora. On the outer islands, meals are taken at the hotels.

Health Tips:   While tap water is generally safe, we suggest using bottled water sold by all hotels. A good sun screen is essential (sun block is suggested for the first few days) to prevent burning. As in all tropical locales, French Polynesia has its share of mosquitoes; the hotels do their part to keep this problem to a minimum, but it is still wise to pack an insect repellent. Hospitals or medical clinics are available for emergencies on most islands. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient to the hotels.

Tipping:  Although tipping is not customary in Tahiti, it is appreciated for exemplary service.

                                      HOTEL LOCATION MAP