Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in Tahiti or if card payments are common. Advice?
I commuted daily between Puna‘auia and Papeete using public bus lines - no chance to pay by card. Drivers collect fares in Pacific Francs, usually without giving change. Tourist shuttle buses from resorts sometimes let you prepay with credit card, but that’s about as close as you’ll get. For genuine local transport, Tahitian public transit remains cash-based - plan accordingly.
Took the local bus from Papeete to Puna‘auia and it only accepts coins or bills, no EasyCard or NFC support. The ferry and on-island shuttle buses are similar. If you’re heading to tourist spots like Faarumai Falls, bring cash - drivers won’t ask about your payment method because they only know cash. No need for more than small change, but definitely bring it.
I used the Mo’orea ferry and island minibuses last month, and everything was paid in cash. Drivers don’t handle cards - period. You buy your ferry ticket upfront, and the buses run on a pay-as-you-go model with change in XPF. If you’re exploring outside of Papeete’s central hub, cards won’t help. My easy rule: carry at least 5,000-10,000 XPF in small notes for transport.
Public transport is strictly cash-only here. On Tahiti you’ll find local buses connecting Papeete to outer suburbs - they require exact XPF when you hop on. No card terminals, no apps. I topped up local trips with 200 XPF in coins and small bills and never had issues. Even ferries to Moorea insist on paper tickets or cash payment onboard - no electronic options.