Places to exchange currency in Bora Bora

When I landed in Bora Bora, I realised the airport had almost nothing in terms of currency exchange. Luckily, my hotel boat transfer dropped me near Vaitape, where there’s a Banque Socredo ATM. I withdrew CFP Francs there and had no issues. Resorts take cards, but I needed cash for snacks, souvenirs, and boat excursions. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll end up stuck with bad rates at the airport. ATMs in town were the easiest solution for me.

French Polynesia uses the CFP Franc, and the easiest way to get it is at ATMs in Bora Bora or Tahiti. Banque Socredo and Banque de Polynésie are the main banks, with ATMs in Vaitape. The airport exchange counter is minimal and overpriced. Withdraw enough for taxis, boat transfers, and small restaurants. Resorts accept cards, but excursions often want cash. For peace of mind, I usually land in Tahiti with some EUR, then rely on ATMs once in Bora Bora.

I wouldn’t waste money at Bora Bora’s tiny airport counters. The best approach is to withdraw from Banque Socredo or Banque de Polynésie ATMs in Vaitape. They’re reliable and give official rates in XPF. Many hotels and resorts also let you pay by card, but taxis, small restaurants, and excursions often prefer cash. I used my card at resorts but kept XPF for tips and local spots. Bringing a bit of EUR or USD also works since resorts can exchange them at okay rates.

Bora Bora airport doesn’t have many exchange options, and whatever’s there isn’t good value. Most people withdraw cash in Tahiti before flying in. In Bora Bora itself, there are ATMs from Banque de Polynésie and Banque Socredo, usually in Vaitape. Rates are fair since you’re withdrawing straight in XPF (CFP Franc). I’d only carry some USD or EUR for backup. Change a tiny amount at the airport in Tahiti if needed, but do your bigger withdrawals once you’re in town.