Changing euros in Tahiti, now that’s an idea!

People planning their trip to Tahiti often have legitimate questions. It's often the trip of a lifetime, and it's obviously necessary to anticipate potential minor issues so that their trip is truly the one they dreamed of. One of the questions that often comes up is this: Where can you change euros into Pacific Francs when we arrive in Tahiti? But I would rather ask myself this: Is it really necessary to come to Polynesia with euros?

The Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP)

Many are troubled by the fact that in Polynesia we use the Pacific FrancBut contrary to what your banker may tell you if he is poorly informed, Polynesia is a French territory. So you are not abroad in any case. when you land on Tahiti-Faa'a Airport ! Oh yes, that's right, I forgot! Here we use the Pacific Franc. And what is this creature? Well, to give you an idea, know that 1 euro corresponds to 119,33 Pacific Francs and this exchange rate is fixed. To simplify, if you tell yourself that 1000 Pacific Francs are roughly equivalent to 8 Euros, you will never be far from the truth.

Euros, but for what?

That said, let's get back to our coconuts, or our sheep if you prefer. Is it really necessary to come to Polynesia with euros in your pockets? ? Well I would say that apart from being a drug dealer and having dirty money to launder, I don't see the point of it. I would even say that there are only cons. Already if we arrive with more than 10 thousand euros (below it goes cream), it will be necessary to make it customs declaration. It will be a huge waste of time which will be added to the usual formalities inherent in arriving in an overseas territory with internal autonomy within the framework of the Republic. And if I add the stress caused by the fear of accidentally losing a large sum of money, loss which could undeniably compromise your vacation, frankly, I would rather be the type to leave with the bare minimum. Which minimum will certainly be useful to you… When you return to mainland France!

Impossible to exchange euros in banks!

Wanting to change Euros into Pacific Francs upon arrival also presents a major drawback. Banks in Tahiti no longer act as currency exchange offices.. Unless you already have an account with them, which, let's face it, is rarely the case when you arrive in Tahiti on vacation, you will enter the bank with your euros and leave with your notes of the same color a few minutes later. All you will have gained in the transaction is the smile of the banker. A smile that, by the way, you will get everywhere else. In fact, the only way to get your sesame will be to go to one of the Only 2 exchange offices on the island. The first one is on theTahiti-Faa'a Airport. It is open 3 hours before each international departure. Therefore, it will be open upon your arrival. You can change there 500 euros per person is around 59 Pacific Francs and you will will cost a fixed commission of XPF850 or, 7,12 Euros, regardless of the amount exchanged. The conditions are the same in the second office of Tahiti Exchange. This one is located in the city center of Papeete, at the foot of the Vaima Shopping Center, sea side.

Tahiti Exchange Faa'a

Tahiti Exchange Papeete

The credit card accepted everywhere

Ultimately, keep in mind that in this little paradise, payment by French check being impossible, your credit card will be your best friend. Moreover, all credit cards are accepted in Polynesia, even the map American Express. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will find a DAB (ATM), which will allow you, if you wish, to withdraw moneycash in Pacific Francs.

No bank charges on credit card payments

And the cherry on the cake is that your bank will not charge you no fees for your payments with your credit card. But beware, you will have some however, as is also the case in mainland France, if you withdraw money from the ATM of a local bank that is not affiliated with yours. In fact, if your bank is the Société Générale, you will not have any fees for withdrawals made at the Bank of PolynesiaSo, get in touch with your bank advisor before you leave and ask them. And to find out which bank in French Polynesia is affiliated with yours, then... that's where it happens 😉

A word of advice: increase your ceilings...

Also take the opportunity to ask him toincrease the limits of your credit card(s), because the life is very expensive in Polynesia. And also let him know about your destination for prevent your payment method from being blocked, for security reasons, as some banks do when they see debits arriving from “exotic” countries.

Liquid in some cases

However, and to be perfectly clear, there is a few cases in which you might be required to pay in cashIf you stop by the roadside to buy fruit, for example, you will have to pay for it in cash. And that will be the case for all the small expenses of everyday life. Finally, for some excursions in Tahiti or in the islands or atolls, some providers are not equipped with CB terminals. So remember to ask them this question when booking your activity. And at the same time, ask if their little corner of paradise is equipped with an ATM. If it's not the case, take your arrangements before leaving TahitiThis will ensure you are not caught off guard when the bill comes.

Ultimately

As you can see, I strongly advise people not to arrive in Polynesia with euros. But if some of you have reasons to think otherwise, I invite you to let me know by leaving a little comment. It is absolutely possible at the bottom of this page. Don't worry, I don't bite. But be careful though... 😉