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Tahiti and the South Pacific
Tahiti Highlights
One of the highlights of the islands of Tahiti are the
signature thatched roof, overwater bungalows. Tahiti also conjures up feelings
of the exotic, peaceful and carefree attitudes of her people, which is something
most urbanites long for; at least to decompress from the pressures of modern
society. If your ideal honeymoon includes a need to relax while simultaneously
indulging your senses, Tahiti may be just the ticket.
Geography/Environment
Tahiti is on the southeastern section of the Society
Islands. It is about 30 miles long and 16 miles wide. The island is made of two
unequal but round sections connected by a strip of land only about a mile wide,
almost like a dumb bell. The island was created by volcanoes and is still very
mountainous.
Activities
Relaxation, great scenery and water sports of all kinds
are the favorites. You will find great beaches and clear water but you may also
experience high prices and laid-back attitudes. Just remember relaxation is your
goal. Here are some of the things you can do while visiting Tahiti and her
islands:
Canoeing, Golf, Tennis, Deep Sea Fishing, Diving, Glass Bottom Boat Tours, Jet
Ski Tours, Parasailing, Sailing, Shark & Ray Feeding Tours, Snorkeling,
Windsurfing, Surfing, and Yachting Bike/Scooter Rentals, Camping, Circle Island
Tours, Handicraft Shopping, Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Motu
Picnics , Jeep Safari Tours, and Museum Tours.
Climate and Weather
The climate is warm and varies little with average
temperatures ranging from 60ºF to 90ºF degrees. Tahiti has rainforest
potential with abundant rainfall and vegetation alike.
Facts for the
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Visas and Passports: Valid
passports required for citizens of the U.S. and Canada for stays of up
to 30 days. Visitors must also have an airline ticket back to their
resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations.
Health Information: French
Polynesia enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent medical and
dental services, pharmacies, private clinics and a large government
hospital in Tahiti, which is open 24 hours.
There are no snakes, poisonous spiders or fearsome
animals in these islands Please take precaution and do not overexpose
your body to the tropical sun. Tennis shoes or plastic sandals are
recommended when walking on the reefs and in the lagoons of Polynesia
Time: 10 hours
behind GMT, 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time
Electricity: Most of
the hotels use 110 or 220 volts, 60 Hz. A converter/adaptor for
appliances is usually available upon request.
Languages Spoken: The
official languages of French Polynesia are Tahitian and French, but
numerous other tongues are spoken as well.
Currency: The
currency in Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc (CFP), although credit
cards and US dollars are common
Gratuity Tips: Tipping
is not expected in Tahiti and Her Islands.
Taxes and VATs: An 8
percent tax is added to the cost of a room in the hotels of French
Polynesia. This tax does not apply to the pensions and family lodgings.
There are no sales taxes and no airport taxes.
Banks, Credit Cards, ATMs: A
privately operated foreign exchange office is located on the Papeete
waterfront next to the harbor and in back of the port immigration office
and the Socredo Bank. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. It is open Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. Additionally, there is a currency exchange stand at
International Airport in Tahiti that is open for all arriving passenger
flights. |
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