Travel with peace of mind
In today’s fast changing world facing constant new challenges, a trip to such a faraway land should bring happiness and that sought-after peace of mind. In Tahiti and Her Islands, everything is made for you to have an enjoyable trip. It is as simple as that!French Polynesia is the guarantee of a safe trip. This is a key point when planning a honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, a family vacation or simply traveling with peace of mind.
Safety
Thefts and crime:
No terrorist act has ever been recorded in Tahiti and Her Islands.
No piracy act has ever occurred in the French Polynesian maritime zone. A large sailing community lives around the islands year round with their boats moored in the lagoon.
No specific alert or precautionary measures have been notified in this matter by the French Homeland Ministry or by the Foreign Affairs Services of western countries.
Criminal acts against visitors are rare and nearly non-existent once you leave Papeete, the capital city. If you are in Papeete in the evening, just think of the usual travel advice:
· Do not wear expensive jewelry.
· Do not carry large sums of cash with you.
· Do not take part in a fight.
Vendor solicitations, frauds:
· Do not wear expensive jewelry.
· Do not carry large sums of cash with you.
· Do not take part in a fight.
In French Polynesia, there are no aggressive vendors or money beggars.
At the time of print, no particular fraud has been recorded towards tourists. In the shops, prices are clearly posted and all activity providers are registered and working legally.
Terrorism, piracy:At the time of print, no particular fraud has been recorded towards tourists. In the shops, prices are clearly posted and all activity providers are registered and working legally.
No terrorist act has ever been recorded in Tahiti and Her Islands.
No piracy act has ever occurred in the French Polynesian maritime zone. A large sailing community lives around the islands year round with their boats moored in the lagoon.
No specific alert or precautionary measures have been notified in this matter by the French Homeland Ministry or by the Foreign Affairs Services of western countries.
Security
All tourist facilities are subject to strict safety and security standards which are regularly inspected.
Most of the standards are similar to those in France. This applies to the following:
- Construction of hotel buildings and hotel facilities
- Restaurants
- Domestic airlines subject to the French aviation regulations
- Land and maritime transports (bus, taxi, car rental, ferry boats)
- Any tourist activity, especially in terms of water and adventure activities
This is a detail of utmost importance when you partake in sea-based activities
Most of the standards are similar to those in France. This applies to the following:
- Construction of hotel buildings and hotel facilities
- Restaurants
- Domestic airlines subject to the French aviation regulations
- Land and maritime transports (bus, taxi, car rental, ferry boats)
- Any tourist activity, especially in terms of water and adventure activities
This is a detail of utmost importance when you partake in sea-based activities
Country Situation
Current situation in the country
This French overseas territory has been considered a French overseas country since 2004. Thus, it benefits from an important economic and political autonomy but France is still looking after its prerogatives in terms of homeland and external security. The local police is therefore assisted by the French “Gendarmes” but there is also a French navy base and military aviation for surveillance and assistance.In a difficult worldwide economy, French Polynesia has kept her level of wealth per capita (US$ 25,000 / capita versus US$ 3,000 in the Maldives and US$ 8,600 in the Seychelles). This allows the country to have modern transport and health infrastructures that meet western standards.
Medical precautions
Diseases:
In some atolls, tap water may taste slightly salty, which is not necessarily a sign that water is not drinkable.
No specific contagious diseases have ever been recorded in French Polynesia.
The country is malaria-free and only a few cases of dengue fever borne by mosquitoes are recorded every year within the local population. The symptoms are fever, headache, muscular and joint pains, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. Recovery is usually after one week.
Drinking water:
You can drink tap water in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora and in all the international resorts. It is usually fine in family hotels and in the other islands but we recommend that you ask your hosts for confirmation.The country is malaria-free and only a few cases of dengue fever borne by mosquitoes are recorded every year within the local population. The symptoms are fever, headache, muscular and joint pains, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. Recovery is usually after one week.
Drinking water:
In some atolls, tap water may taste slightly salty, which is not necessarily a sign that water is not drinkable.
In the water:
It is recommended to bring water shoes in order to avoid potential coral cuts or stepping on a sea urchin.
While snorkeling, watch for stonefish and rays which are very safe unless threatened. Be careful when encountering barracudas in a pass as they may prove more aggressive than lagoon sharks if they feel threatened.
It is recommended to bring water shoes in order to avoid potential coral cuts or stepping on a sea urchin.
While snorkeling, watch for stonefish and rays which are very safe unless threatened. Be careful when encountering barracudas in a pass as they may prove more aggressive than lagoon sharks if they feel threatened.
Healthcare
A healthcare system meeting Western standards
When far away from home, it is crucial to know how one can be taken care of in the event of an accident or health-related issue.
In Tahiti and Her Islands, the healthcare system is similar to France.
All healthcare professionals in Tahiti and Her Islands are either from France or did their medical training in France, in the US or in other countries presenting equivalent levels of degrees. In case of an emergency, doctors, dentists and other paramedics are available 24/7 in the main islands.
Modern healthcare facilities:
Modern healthcare facilities:
These infrastructures are excellent compared to the USA and Europe. The most recent facilities are located in Tahiti around Papeete.
Any type of trauma or health-related issue can be diagnosed (NMR, scanner…) and be treated (intensive care unit, trauma center, cardiac and vascular surgery, neuro surgery, hyperbaric chamber…)
Healthcare in every island:
Any type of trauma or health-related issue can be diagnosed (NMR, scanner…) and be treated (intensive care unit, trauma center, cardiac and vascular surgery, neuro surgery, hyperbaric chamber…)
Healthcare in every island:
You will find hospitals and public healthcare centers in the various archipelagos.
If necessary, the general hospital of French Polynesia in Tahiti will coordinate medical evacuation services with the local airlines or military planes or helicopters based in Papeete. Public and private healthcare departments work together 24/7 to ensure the best healthcare assistance.
Cost and healthcare coverage:
If necessary, the general hospital of French Polynesia in Tahiti will coordinate medical evacuation services with the local airlines or military planes or helicopters based in Papeete. Public and private healthcare departments work together 24/7 to ensure the best healthcare assistance.
Cost and healthcare coverage:
The cost of healthcare is 40 to 100% more expensive than in France (30€ to see a private physician).
French tourists should be made aware that the local Social Security system is totally different from the French. The French “Carte Vitale” and third-party payment are not recognized. However, the French Social Security and health insurance will reimburse for your medical costs. For the others, it is recommended to check with your own local health insurance before you depart.
In order to avoid any inconvenience in relation to hospital or repatriation costs and cancelation fees… it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance before your trip.
French tourists should be made aware that the local Social Security system is totally different from the French. The French “Carte Vitale” and third-party payment are not recognized. However, the French Social Security and health insurance will reimburse for your medical costs. For the others, it is recommended to check with your own local health insurance before you depart.
In order to avoid any inconvenience in relation to hospital or repatriation costs and cancelation fees… it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance before your trip.
Emergency numbers
Emergency numbers :
|
Emergency medical department / SMUR (service médical d’urgence): |
15 |
| Fire fighters : | 18 |
| Police : | 17 |
| Sea rescue : | 40 42 12 12 |
| Private physicians (SOS Médecin 24/7) : | 40 42 34 56 |
| Central hospital of French Polynesia : | 40 48 62 62 |
| Clinic Cardella : | 40 46 04 25 |
| Clinic Paofai : | 40 46 18 18 |
| Phone information Services / operator : | 44 99 |
Consulates:
There is no foreign embassy in French Polynesia but about 20 countries have honorary consulate officers likely to assist travelers in case of a problem:USA, consulate agency: 40 42 65 35
For any other country, please click on the link of the French government representative body in French Polynesia for information: http://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Representations-consulaires
