Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, on Tahiti in Papeete and its suburbs yes – we pay alot for our water on Tahiti
(if you cannot drink it, I am not sure what we are paying for!) On Bora Bora you can drink the tap water in the Key Resorts (there is a huge desalinisation plant there). In the rural communities of Tahiti, Moorea and the other islands best drink bottled water.
The Resort Hotels will generally tell you not to drink the tap water but on Tahiti they are perhaps being over cautious – the best resort hotels will offer you a bottle of water in your hotel on arrival
Yes, in the Resort Hotels but in the local supermarkets the local brands are very cheap. The imported bottled water from France more expensive.
O’Tahiti (great souvenir bottles!) Vaimato and Royale
Yes, In Papeete, in its suburbs and at the Resort hotels in Bora Bora. Everywhere else better to drink bottled water
No, only local French Polynesian Francs are accepted.
Local currency can be withdrawn from the ATM machines. Know and be clear about how much you want before going to the ATM, the numbers run into their thousands so be sure to have how much you want in your mind to avoid confusion later. There are a lot of zeros!.
Yes – but only do this if you have time to kill, you risk having to wait in long, friendly queues where no one is in a hurry accept you! You will also be charged a commission and the Polynesian banks have their own independent outrageously, expensive exchange rates! Do not forget your ID (passport).
No, they are different countries, different currencies.
Keep them for when you come back! Spend them before you leave! Tip! Once home your banks will not be interested in exchanging them.
The best rates will be from the ATM machine by using your bank cards – avoid changing money in the hotels their echange rates are notoriously bad.
Depends on what you are doing – if you are heading to the Resort Hotels 200usd of local currency should do (tips, soft drinks on excursions, cheap little souvenirs) . If you are travelling to the islands and have more contact with the locals make sure you have got enough local cash to pay for what is not paid for in advance. Not everywhere takes credit cards and the ATM machines are few and far between – not filled up everyday!
Not very often – it costs the locals too much. Often you will see signs “Credit cards accepted – NOT Amex).
No, Visa MC and Diners are the most common.
No, not everywhere but Yes In the Supermarkets Pearls shops , big stores, Resorts and most Restaurants.
There is often a daily or weekly limit, best speak to your bank before departure.
There are many but these are my favorites at the moment.
http://www.loalabouchetahiti.com/
https://www.restaurantlesouffle.com/en/ (the place is a little tired looking but the food is fabulous)
https://www.restaurantlesully.com/ very French and Bistro like
Casual – dress shorts or full length pants and shirt with sleeves for men
Dress shorts or full length pants, sundress for women
If the service is good recognise that, no Polynesian will be insulted (as some of the guide books will have you believe) Check that the ‘service’ is not included in the restaurant bill.
If not, at least 10% would be greatly appreciated. Cash would be needed for a tip as you will not be able to add it to the bill if paying by card.
Blue Banana (very close to the Manava Resort Hotel)
La Plage Tahiti (out of town and taxi ride from the Manava and Intercontinental Resort Hotels).
The Roulottes or Food trucks in Papeete ( only open in the evening from 6pm).
They generally open at 7pm and kitchen closes around 9.30pm.
Most restaurants will serve Tuna dishes year round. Mahi Mahi and Sword Fish will be on the special menu when its in season. Parrot fish is also often on the menu with another lagoon fish called Salmon de Dieu. Fish is mostly served in Fillets.
It’s a food truck – very popular with the locals – huge portions, and very cheap compared to eating in the restaurants.
They set up generally in the evening in carparks and public spots.
Yes, in general. All food trucks are now regulated but not often controlled (the Roulottes on Papeete probably more reguarly controlled) They are popular with tourists and the local population alike.
Yes, in general.
There are two restaurants actually on the water’s edge on Tahiti they are
and
In the Supermarkets and there are wine shops now on Tahiti but most of the big supermarkets have a large selection of French, New Zealand and South American wines.
This is a matter of opinion of course but there are two Brassier pubs
https://www.facebook.com/BrasserieHOA/ AND https://www.facebook.com/3BRASSEURSTahiti th 3bs as we call it has cheap beer on Monday nights and is always busy – The Hoa in the industrial zone of Papeete rocks Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays.
In Papeete 6 days a week at 6pm – On Sundays until at 11am.
Yes there are several brands this is a big one , https://www.manao.pf/spip.php?page=manao
Yes but only on the island on Tahiti – as a visitor do not rely on it and no not think you can do an island tour on a local bus. On Moorea the local buses runs in conjunction with the Ferry Service from Tahiti.
Expensive but safe and soon to have kilometer counters. The prices are controlled by countries authorities and they are generally driven by really nice locals who are all liscenced and will speak a little English – Payment in local currency.
Yes, they are all registered drivers, local and generally very happy to be taking you somewhere.
Seafront of Papeete infront of the Vaima Center, Hotel lobby. This is not New York – Taxis are not available to flag down! If you find a good taxi driver – take his card and call them when you need them (set it up in advance).
Around 8am or a little later
The bigger supermarkets will stay open until around 7pm
The shops are generally closed on Sundays and Saturday afternoons.
Around 4pm.
No – a few supermarkets are open in the morning until midday.
Yes, but only until Midday generally.
Yes, but best to keep to the seafront and not tempt chance, there are a lot of homeless now in the City.
Yes, at the Bora Bora Lounge and Unique Tahiti can also arrange luggage storage.
On the street in a bay (pay at the parking meters and don’t forget to put the ticket where it can be seen) , there are now a few organised Paying Car Parks – but parking in the week days is always complicated.
There are two Taxi ranks on Papeete seafont.
From the Town Hall to the East Coast and from Bank Tahiti for the West Coast. There is also a bus to Taravao (small Tahiti) that leaves from infont of the 3Bs pub, not far from the Ferry Terminal.
Cathedral, Market Papeete, Assembly and the secret garden, Presidents Palace, Marina and seafront promenade and Poafai Botanical Garden.
Shopping – half a day.
Enjoy the seafront at night – use the TUK TUKS to get around in the heat of the day. Walking tour.
Work in administration for the local authorities and Government, work in shops, work for the town Hall. There is no real key industry in the city.
A few! But Papeete is not San Francisco.
Getting better! Many people still go to the hotel bars and restaurants but the city of PAPEETE now has a few trendy, fashionable bars that stay open to around midnight. The disco scene is not so good -we are talking Cinderella Rockafella (take us back in time).
What should I bring on tour?
Bring Mosquito spray, hat, camera and sunglasses – wear a big smile
Should I wear on my feet tongs or Sneakers?
Wear either – there are no long walks, so Tongs will be just fine
Should I bring a towel?
Only if you are on Private Tour and I have mentioned that we will swim
What should I wear on the tour?
Something comfortable and loose preferably. Please also wear a hat and sunglasses are always a relief from the bright sun.
How much walking is on the tour?
Very little – the most you will be asked to walk is 10 mins to the waterfall on the East Coast and 25 mins to the Botanical Garden on the West Coast Tour
Do I need to be physically fit to join the tour?
No, but you do need to be mobile and walk on your own and not have mobility issues
I have mobility issues, are Unique Tahiti tours suitable for me?
We will happily create a tour to your mobility needs, but you are required to book a private tour
Can I pay for the tour with a credit card?
Not at the moment
Can I pay for the tour in American dollars?
Yes
When do I pay for the tour?
At the end of the tour in American Dollars or French Polynesian Francs
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Not all the time but occasionally.
Do you pick up from Airbnbs?
Yes, but only those that are on the coast and in and around Papeete. There will be a supplement to pay for mountain pickup, or pick up from accommodation in the hills
At pick up, how will I recognise Unique Tahiti?
We are the only company that picks up from the resort hotels and local accommodation in a RED MERCEDES
Do you only use Mercedes vehicles?
Yes. If we have to use another type of vehicle, we will inform you well inadvance of the tour
Are the tour vehicles air conditioned?
Yes
Are some seats in the tour vehicle smaller than others?
No
How many people max on the join a group tour?
8 guests and 1 guide
Do you supply water on the tour?
Yes
Can Unique Tahiti Store luggage?
Yes
Where can I store luggage on Tahiti?
Airport storage (close at the moment) with us at Unique Tahiti or at the Bora Bora Lounge in Papeete
How much does luggage storage at the airport cost?
About 10usd for big suitcases. The airport storage, is closed at the moment because the Covid Laboratory is set up in its place
Can I bring my luggage on my island tour?
Yes, if it’s a private tour (up to and including 4 people)
On group tours there will be a supplement to pay and it will depend how many other people have luggage
Is there luggage storage at the airport?
Yes, normally! But it is not available at the moment,the Covid testing laboratory has taken it over
Yes – there is a buzzer you can call to ask for a wheel chair – otherwise you can ask directly the First Check desk in between the desk and airport information.
Yes, normally! But it is not available at the moment – the Covid testing lab has taken it over.
Yes once you have checked in.
No , you can only check in your luggage once the flight is open 3 hours before the departure time.
Yes, there is a small MacDonald’s with a limited menu and another small snack type restaurant.
Yes there are two from the Socredo Bank.
Yes there is a limited selection, the Duty Free shop is available to you once you have passed the security check.
It is in the same building as the International airport – as you walk out of International arrivals take a right and within 30 steps and you are in the Domestic departure Hall.
Walk out of the arrival Hall, cross the small road and the taxi rank is to your right.
No, Uber does not exist on Tahiti and in French Polynesia.
Yes, but if you are coming in late best to ensure you the pre-paid and registered.
Yes there is – you can see it from the airport but it’s up a hill so if you are heading there with a lot of luggage take a taxi, regardless of the short distance.
Yes, you can from either Vini or Vodafone. If you are travelling to the outer islands Vini is preferable.
From the Boutiques of Vini and Vodaphone in the center of Papeete and also at the big Supermarket Malls of Carrefour in Faaa, Arue and Punauiaa.
Your passport and credit card.
At the airport on arrival hire a Wifi Router that will ensure you are always connected during your stay https://www.tahitiwifi.com/home.htm, return it on your departure.
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