French Polynesia, a collection of idyllic islands like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, offers stunning lagoons, overwater bungalows, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you’re honeymooning in Bora Bora, exploring local markets in Papeete, or diving in the coral-rich waters of Fiji, managing your money is key to a stress-free stay. While cards are accepted in many hotels and tourist centers, cash is often needed for ferries, food trucks, small shops, and excursions. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in French Polynesia and Fiji, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and well-planned island journey.
Where to find ATMs in French Polynesia?
Papeete (Tahiti’s capital) has the most ATMs, especially near the ferry terminal, banks, and shopping centers. Banque de Tahiti, Banque Socredo, and OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications) operate the primary ATM networks. ATMs dispense CFP francs (XPF) and most accept international cards.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are available in larger resort zones like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, usually near banks or hotel clusters. However, outside of town centers, machines can be hard to find. Card payments are common in resorts but not guaranteed at smaller vendors or rural pensions, so it’s best to keep cash on hand.
Rural Islands:
On less-developed islands like Taha’a, Fakarava, or Rangiroa, ATM availability is very limited or nonexistent. Visitors should withdraw cash in Tahiti or Bora Bora before traveling to these outer islands.
Best ATMs to use in French Polynesia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in French Polynesia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Banque de Tahiti and
- Banque Socredo.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In French Polynesia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in XPF).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in XPF’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in French Polynesia?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in French Polynesia. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercard and Plus and Cirrus cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards, CUP, JCB, Maestro cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Tahiti and Bora Bora operate 24/7, but some remote island machines or those inside post offices may only be accessible during weekday business hours.
What are ATMs called in French Polynesia?
In French Polynesia, ATMs are called “Distributeurs automatiques” or “DAB”, but signage commonly includes the word “ATM” for international visitors.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs usually offer French as the default language, with English available on most machines.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in French Polynesia?
ATMs in French Polynesia dispense only CFP francs (XPF), the official currency of this country. They do not offer the option of withdrawing foreign currencies like US Dollars Euros. Machines are found in Tahiti (Papeete), Bora Bora, and Moorea, and you’ll receive denominations like 500, 1,000, 5,000, or 10,000 XPF.
ATM withdrawal limits in French Polynesia?
ATMs in French Polynesia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of CPF 100,000. However, this can vary widely as if the ATM has less cash, the transaction limit can be much lesser, sometimes even up to only CPF 8,000 per transaction.
ATM Fees in French Polynesia
There are many fee-free ATMs in French Polynesia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in French Polynesia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in French Polynesia. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in French Polynesia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in French Polynesia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in French Polynesia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including French Polynesia. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
French Polynesia is generally safe, with low crime rates across most islands, including Tahiti and Bora Bora. However, petty theft can occur, especially in more populated areas. Use ATMs located at banks, airports, or inside hotel premises to minimize risk. Avoid using machines in deserted areas or at night, and be discreet when handling your cash. Shield your PIN from view, and inspect the machine for any unusual features that could indicate tampering. Keeping an eye on your bank activity during your visit is a smart precaution.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in French Polynesia takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in French Polynesia?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in French Polynesia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in French Polynesia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in French Polynesia?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in French Polynesia and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Currently, there are no Bitcoin ATMs operating in French Polynesia. Crypto services are available via online platforms and peer-to-peer exchanges, but no physical machines have been confirmed in Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Moorea.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in French Polynesia
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in French Polynesia.
- Barclays: No, Barclays is not present and has no ATMs here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not run ATMs in French Polynesia.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered has no ATM services here.
