Money and duty free for The Islands of Tahiti

Currency and Money

Currency information

French Pacific Franc (XPF/CFP) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XPF 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XPF 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The French Pacific Franc is tied to the Euro.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted.

ATM

ATMs are common on Tahiti, with a few on the smaller islands.

Travellers cheques

Not popular nowadays, but if you choose to carry some, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros to avoid additional exchange rate charges.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0745-1530 hours. Some are open Saturday 0745-1130 hours.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, major banks and at authorised hotels and shops in Papeete.

The Islands of Tahiti duty free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Tahiti by passengers 18 years and over without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine, sparkling wine, beer and cider and 2L of other alcoholic drinks.
• Goods up to a value of XPF/CFP 30,000 (XPF/CFP 15,000 for passengers up to 15 years of age).

There is no duty-free allowance for perfume, eau de toilette, tea or coffee.

Banned Imports

Narcotics, counterfeit goods, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, cultured pearls from outside Tahiti, endangered species, domestic pets, art and antiquities (unless you have a permit), and medicines (other than for personal use).