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Tahiti Holiday Facts
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Number of Islands: 118 (French Polynesia = main island)
Population: 220,000
Time: 10 hours behind GMT
Currency: Pacific Franc (CFP)
Languages: French and local Maohi
French Polynesia is the official name of the islands but most people know it by its main island, Tahiti. French Polynesia lies south of the equator in the south west pacific ocean, west of the Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. The only islands to the east are Pitcairn and Easter Island before hitting the main land of South America.
French Polynesia Health and Dangers
Mosquitoes are present in most parts of the French Polynesia Islands. They are particularly bad after heavy rains in the wet season and in the inland areas of French Polynesia, Moorea and the larger tropical islands. A good mosquito repellent is essential if you are hiking or visiting waterfalls. On the beach, trade winds and a sea breeze generally keep mosquitoes away but sand flies are even more annoying and give an itchy bite. These are particularly bad on the small motu islands surrounding the lagoons (such as the coral islands surrounding Bora Bora).
The country is free from malaria, yellow fever and most other diseases endemic in tropical countries.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Papeete although it is not treated, but not outside of Papeete or in the islands. Bottle water is widely available and expensive. In the outer islands it is usually safe to drink from the rainwater tank but in times of drought water should be boiled. However, the main threat to your health is the Sun - sunstroke, prickly heat and other skin irritations are quite common in the tropics, the latter especially so in the more humid season between December and April. Take light, airy clothes. Local doctors and pharmacies are found on all islands.
Swimming is safe in most areas but there are some local passages and reefs that have dangerous currents, particularly on the main island of French Polynesia. Beware of walking on coral or swimming in shallow waters - coral cuts can easily become infectious and quite painful. It is best to stay within the sheltered lagoons and not venture out beyond the reef unless with a local guide.
French Polynesia Electricity
Electricity is 110 or 220 AC / 60Hz voltage depending on the island visited with 220 AC most common (acceptable for UK, Australia and New Zealand) but if you come from the US you will probably need a convertor. Sockets are French style.
French Polynesia Communication
The international dialling code for French Polynesia is (689). Telephone lines are reliable and available throughout the French Polynesia Islands. Public Internet access is available throughout the main islands but is limited on the outer islands.
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