French Polynesia’s breathtaking islands, crystal lagoons, and overwater bungalows promise a once-in-a-lifetime escape – but understanding money in French Polynesia and how currency works is essential for a hassle-free stay. Whether you’re shopping at local markets in Tahiti, dining in Bora Bora, or tipping for boat tours, knowing how to pay will save you time and stress. This guide explains what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in French Polynesia (CFP Franc – XPF), plus important tips for using cash and cards, and key dos and don’ts. With this knowledge, you can enjoy paradise without financial surprises.
How to pay in French Polynesia – cash or card?
In French Polynesia, The CFP franc (XPF) is the official currency and cards are widely accepted in the main islands like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. However, in more remote areas and small shops, cash remains necessary.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation and Taxis: Many taxis, local buses, and ferries require cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Food stalls, craft markets, and small shops are cash-based.
- Small Businesses: Family-run cafés and souvenir stalls often only take cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Smaller accommodations, especially on outer islands, may require cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash is common for hotel staff, drivers, and guides.
- Remote Islands: In atolls and less visited islands, cash is the only option.
You can use card for:
- Hotels and Resorts: Most large accommodations accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Restaurants: Many mid-range and upscale restaurants on the main islands take cards.
- Retail Stores: Larger shops and supermarkets accept card payments.
- Car Rentals and Tour Operators: Cards are standard for bookings.
- Online Bookings: Flights, accommodations, and tours can be paid by card.
What’s the best currency to take to French Polynesia?
The CFP Franc (XPF) is the best currency to take to French Polynesia. It’s the only currency widely accepted throughout the islands.
Some high-end resorts and tourist operators may accept Euros, especially in Tahiti or Bora Bora, but expect worse rates and limited acceptance outside major tourist areas.
GBP or USD is not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in French Polynesia?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in French Polynesia. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in French Polynesia
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in French Polynesia
If you’re withdrawing money in French Polynesia from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange money before travelling to French Polynesia?
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of CFP Francs (XPF) for immediate expenses like taxis or food after arrival. However, exchange rates outside French Polynesia are poor, and XPF may be difficult to obtain abroad.
A more practical option is to withdraw XPF from ATMs once you arrive. ATMs are available in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and other main islands, especially near hotels and banks. Most machines accept Visa and Mastercard, but Cirrus and Plus support can vary – check with your bank.
If you prefer to exchange cash, do it at local banks or authorized exchange offices, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. EUR, USD, AUD, and NZD are the most commonly exchanged currencies.
Where to withdraw money in French Polynesia
You can withdraw money in French Polynesia at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in French Polynesia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Banque de Tahiti and
- Banque Socredo.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in French Polynesia.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in French Polynesia.
Where to exchange currency in French Polynesia
Common places to exchange currency in French Polynesia are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
There are limited standalone exchange bureaus, but you’ll find exchange counters in Faa’a International Airport, central Papeete, and within some high-end resorts. These are convenient but may charge higher fees.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are: Banque de Tahiti, Banque Socredo and Banque de Polynésie.
Banks generally operate Monday to Friday, from 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM, and are closed on weekends.
Airport Services:
Currency exchange counters at Faa’a International Airport are available during flight arrivals and departures. They offer fair rates but often with a margin compared to banks.
Tip: Euros (EUR) are the easiest to exchange. USD is also accepted at some resorts and tour operators, but using XPF gives the best value.
You can find good currency exchanges in French Polynesia using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including French Polynesia. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in French Polynesia safe?
Carrying cash in French Polynesia is generally safe, especially on main islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora where the crime rate is low. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s wise to take precautions to avoid theft or loss – especially when visiting local markets or traveling between islands.
To manage cash safely in French Polynesia:
- Bring only the cash you’ll need for the day and store the rest in your hotel safe.
- Use a money belt or zippered travel bag for extra security.
- Avoid pulling out large sums of money in public, especially at outdoor vendors or markets.
- Use ATMs in secure, well-lit locations like hotels, banks, or supermarkets.
- Carry small denominations, as smaller shops or boat tours may not accept cards.
- While many hotels and tourist-focused services accept cards, cash is still preferred in rural areas and outer islands.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in French Polynesia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
