TAHITI
a chance to mix with the locals. Les
Roulottes are a Papeete institution—a
collection of mobile diners operating
from early evening until late at night on
the waterfront at Vaiete Square offering
mouthwatering savoury meals as well as
delicious desserts.
Activities
Tahiti is renowned for its range of water
sports, from diving and snorkelling, to
windsurfing and sailing, to deep-sea
fishing, surfing and jet-skiing. Speedboats
are available for waterskiing and there
are glass-bottom boats for viewing the
coral reefs.
Tennis and squash are on offer at
many resorts and at the country club and
Tahiti and Moorea offer championship
golf courses.
For the more adventurous, there's a
range of bushwalking and hiking available
on the volcanic islands of the Society
Islands, as well as horseriding.
Shopping guide
Bright pareus or T-shirts are popular
souvenirs, as is Tahitian shell jewellery,
the famous black pearls, French perfume
and local handicrafts.
Climate
The French Polynesian islands enjoy a
tropical climate. The average temperature
is 27ºC, and the waters of the lagoons
are a fairly constant 26ºC.
Clothing
Casual. Pareus are popular worn
over swimming costumes to the
beach or around the pool. Papeete is
more cosmopolitan.
Electricity
Most hotels use 110 or 220 volts, AC
60 cycles.
Time zone
GMT10 hours. AEST-20 hours. Two hours
behind US Pacific Standard time and 19
hours behind Australia's east coast.
The Marquesas Islands are 30 minutes
ahead of the rest of French Polynesia.
Currency
French Pacific francs (CFP). Tipping is
discretionary.
Visas and health
All passengers entering French Polynesia
must have an outbound ticket. Check with
airline as entry formalities may change.
There is no departure tax and Australians
do not require visas. Other visitors, check
with the French Consulate.
Getting there
Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New
Zealand, QANTAS, LanChile (via Easter
Island), Air Caledonie International and
Air Tahiti Nui.
The domestic carrier is Air Tahiti.
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