Logistics · Destination Guide
Sharks, wrecks, whale songs, and wild volcanic valleys from French Polynesia's easiest base
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 32 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers fly into Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport (PPT), the international gateway for French Polynesia. The airport sits about 5 km west of Papeete and also connects to domestic Air Tahiti and Air Moana flights. Current or recent international carriers include Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, French Bee, United, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air Rarotonga, and Aircalin. Air Tahiti Nui suspended its Seattle route effective January 31, 2026, so do not assume Seattle nonstop service without checking live schedules.
Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport
PPT • NTAA
5 km west of Papeete • About 5 km to Papeete; often 10 to 20 minutesutes by road depending on traffic
French Polynesia's main international airport and domestic connection hub, located on Tahiti near Papeete, Faa'a, and Punaauia dive bases.
Transport: Taxi stand, Pre-booked private transfer, Hotel shuttle, Rental car, Tere Tahiti bus stop on the peripheral road
A rental car is the most flexible option for divers and non-divers, especially if you plan to combine Punaauia, Paea, Teahupoo, beaches, waterfalls, and market stops. Taxis operate from the airport and major hotels, but fares add up. Tere Tahiti buses serve the island and airport road, though schedules are less useful for early dive boats or late dinners. Guided 4x4 tours are best for Papenoo Valley and interior tracks.
All visitors need a valid passport and should verify visa requirements by nationality before travel. U.S. tourists with a regular passport generally do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less in a six-month period, and travelers should have onward or return travel. Passport validity, blank-page rules, and visa rules can differ by nationality and route, especially for travelers entering by sea, working, studying, or staying longer. Check your airline and the relevant French or French Polynesian consular authority before departure.
Tahiti dive centers can rent complete scuba kits, and guided dive pricing commonly includes tanks and weights. Bring personal mask, certification card, dive computer, SMB, 3mm exposure layer, and any prescription or unusual sizes. Freedivers should bring a low-volume mask, long fins, and a safety-focused training plan. Inter-island baggage allowances can be tighter than international allowances, so avoid flying with unnecessary weights, tanks, or large camera rigs unless pre-arranged.
CFP Franc (XPF)
French Polynesia uses the Pacific franc, usually shown as XPF or F CFP. The euro exchange rate is fixed at 1 EUR = 119.33 XPF. Major cards work at many hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and supermarkets on Tahiti, but carry cash for markets, small shops, taxis, beach stops, and smaller operators.
ATMs are available throughout Tahiti and on main islands. Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport has currency exchange and cash services during international flight periods, and Papeete has additional exchange offices.
110V and 220V • 50/60Hz • A, B, C, E
French-style Type C and E outlets are common, while some hotels also provide North American Type A or B and 110V options. Bring a universal adapter and confirm that chargers are dual-voltage before plugging in camera, dive-light, and scooter batteries.
Communications
Internet and mobile coverage are strong around Papeete, Faa'a, Punaauia, and major resort zones. Local prepaid SIM or eSIM options are available through operators such as Vini and Vodafone. Expect weaker or no signal in Papenoo Valley, remote Tahiti Iti areas, on boats, and near some surf or waterfall routes.
Language
French is the administrative language, Tahitian is culturally important, and English is common in tourism, dive centers, hotels, and major excursions. Learn basic greetings such as ia ora na and mauruuru, and use French for small shops, markets, and local transport when possible.
Insurance
Buy travel insurance that covers scuba diving, freediving if applicable, recompression treatment, evacuation, flight disruption, and expensive camera or dive gear. Confirm depth limits and whether guided drift dives, whale snorkeling, scooters, or training courses are covered. Medical evacuation from outer islands and international repatriation can be expensive.
Packing list
Pack a 3mm wetsuit or lycra, rashguard, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, dry bag, SMB, dive computer, personal mask, motion-sickness medication, mosquito repellent, light rain shell, reusable bottle, and XPF cash. Freedivers should bring long fins and a low-volume mask only if they can transport them within inter-island baggage limits.
