Which SIM card should you choose for your vacation in Tahiti?
Choosing a SIM card to keep in touch with family and friends during the holidays is today one of the main concerns of a tourist arriving at an airport. And Tahiti and its islands are no exception. Moreover, using the internet provides such comfort that it becomes almost impossible to do without it. Whether for find the restaurant who is doing well, theHotel in which we will sleep lulled by the sound of the swell on the reef, or even for book a plane to an island or atoll or a note to make the short crossing between Tahiti and Moorea by boat, The Internet is your friend. Finally, can you imagine how hellish your stay in Tahiti could be without the possibility of having in your pocket the essential information that floods your favorite site Tahiti-Pratique? 😉
In this article, I'm going to do the legwork for you and help you choose the SIM card that best suits your needs during your stay in French Polynesia before you even leave . Will you need to make calls and send text messages ? Or will data access be enough since you use apps like WhatsApp , Messenger , or the excellent Telegram for making calls? There's sure to be a prepaid SIM card that's right for you with one of the three mobile providers in French Polynesia . Let's take a closer look.
3 mobile phone providers in Polynesia
There are currently three mobile phone providers in French Polynesia: Vini , Vodafone , and the newest arrival, Ora . However, only the first two offer prepaid SIM cards compatible with all smartphones . For Ora , you'll need to check compatibility with your specific phone. Let's take a look at the SIM card you need to make calls , send texts , and connect to the internet virtually anywhere in the territory.
Wines
I'm starting with this one simply because it was the first to launch a mobile phone network . Indeed, on June 26, 1995 , Vini, a subsidiary of OPT, gave Tahitians the ability to use mobile phones to contact each other. And on November 1 of the same year, an internet access service was created, also by Vini . Furthermore, and most importantly, Vini has the largest local mobile network , covering no fewer than 66 islands across the five archipelagos.
Vini prepaid cards
Vini Travel Card Offers
Vini Travel Card 20GB
Data: 20 GB
Welcome bonus:
30 minutes of local calls or Premium Zone*
or 87 local SMS
Type: Trio SIM or eSIM
Validity: 30 days
Vini Travel Card 40GB
Data: 40 GB
Welcome bonus:
60 minutes of local calls or Premium Zone*
or 174 local SMS
Type: Trio SIM or eSIM
Validity: 30 days
Other prepaid cards
Minicard
Content of the pack:
• 4 top-ups of 200 F
• 2 GB (4 × 500 MB)
• 40 minutes of calls (4 x 10 min)
• Unlimited texts for 30 days
Validity : Minicard 30 days + 3 months reachable, 7-day top-ups (28 days total), unlimited SMS 30/28 days
Vini Surf'n Go
Content of the pack:
• 5 GB of mobile internet
• Calls: 0 min
• SMS: 0 SMS
• SIM trio ready to use
• SMS CONSO
• Online top-up
• Top-up via the Customer Area
• Top-up via the Vini & Moi app
• Vini 'Ura loyalty program
Validity : 30 days
Vinicard
Data included:
174 MB of mobile internet
+ Welcome bonus: Go 2
Calls:
30 min OU 174 MB
Unlimited SMS
Validity: 30 days
Type: SIM trio
Services :
• SMS CONSO
• Online top-up
• Top-up via the Customer Area
• Top-up via the Vini & Moi app
• Top-up via SMS
• Vini 'Ura loyalty program
Vinicard Max
Data included: 4 GB
Calls: unlimited
Unlimited SMS
Validity: 30 days
Type: SIM trio
Services :
• 5G compatible
• Vini 'Ura loyalty program
• Credit alerts: SMS 600 F, voice 300 F, 3 beeps when plan ends
• NOA offer (prepaid switch → plan while keeping the number)
• 100% Internet recharge (Data only)
• SIM replacement
• Text me
• Vini World
• SOS Credit
• SMS CONSO
• Vini & Moi app
• Customer Area
Vini refills
| refill | Price € | Basic Pack | SMS | Date | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 CFP | ≈ €1,68 | 10 min + 500 MB | Unlimited | Go 1 | 7 y |
| 500 CFP | ≈ €4,19 | 30 min + 2 GB | Unlimited | Go 4 | 10 y |
| 1 CFP | ≈ €8,38 | 60 min + 4 GB | Unlimited | Go 8 | 21 y |
| 2 CFP | ≈ €16,76 | 140 min + 10 GB | Unlimited | Go 16 | 21 y |
| 3 CFP | ≈ €25,14 | Unlimited + 5 GB | Unlimited | Go 25 | 30 y |
| 5 CFP | ≈ €41,90 | Unlimited + 25 GB | Unlimited | Go 40 | 30 y |
Important for Surf'n Go
The Surf'n Go offer is a 100% Internet offer . You can top it up with the 6 Vini top-ups (200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 5,000 CFP), but only Internet data is activated.
The call minutes included in these top-ups cannot be used with Surf'n Go.
The Vini eSIM: simple, practical, immediate
Vini now offers eSIM . No need to go to a store: if your smartphone is compatible, the card is already integrated into the device.
Activation is done online via a QR code , in just a few seconds. You are connected as soon as you arrive in Tahiti.
Top-ups are then done normally, directly on the Vini website.
Compatible offers:
- Vini Travel Card 40GB
- Vini Surf'n Go 5 GB
- Vinicard Max
- Vinicard
Vini Surf'n Share: a mobile router for the whole world
With Vini Surf'n Share , you can access the Internet using a TCL router that can be used anywhere in the world.
For 9900 CFP (≈ €92) , you get the router + a SIM card with 30 GB included.
Refills available:
- 200 CFP (≈ €1,70) → 500 MB
- 5000 CFP (≈ €42) → 17 GB + 17 GB (evenings & weekends)
An ideal solution for sharing the connection between multiple devices or travelers.
Full details of the offer are available on the Vini website.
Vodafone
Vodafone prepaid cards
Vodacard 500
Data: 2 GB
Calls: 30 min
Unlimited SMS, 24/7
Validity: 30 days
Internet available on: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea
Refills:
• recharge.vodafone.pf
• mon.vodafone.pf
Vodacard Internet
Data: 10 GB
Validity: 30 days
Internet available on: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine
Compatibility: mobile, tablet, router
APN: nomad
Refills:
• recharge.vodafone.pf
• mon.vodafone.pf
Vodacard 500 top-ups
| refill | Price € | Apples | Date | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 CFP | ≈ €1,70 | 10 min | Go 0,5 | Unlimited |
| 500 CFP | ≈ €4,20 | 30 min | Go 4 | Unlimited |
| 1 CFP | ≈ €8,40 | 1 time | Go 8 | Unlimited |
| 2 CFP | ≈ €16,80 | 2 hours + unlimited calls to #89 (evenings & weekends) | Go 16 | Unlimited |
| 5 CFP | ≈ €42 | 4 hours + unlimited calls to #89 (evenings & weekends) | Go 32 | Unlimited |
Vodacard Internet & Vodasurf Pocket recharges
| refill | Price € | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 200 CFP | ≈ €1,70 | Go 1 |
| 500 CFP | ≈ €4,20 | Go 5 |
| 1 CFP | ≈ €8,40 | Go 10 |
| 2 CFP | ≈ €16,80 | Go 20 |
| 5 CFP | ≈ €42 | Go 50 |
Vodasurf Pocket
The Vodasurf Pocket is a portable 4G router from Vodafone. It allows you to share a mobile internet connection with multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, computers). Ideal for couples, families, or travelers needing mobile Wi-Fi during their trip.
Package price: 9,900 CFP (≈ €83)
Data included: 30 GB
Validity: 30 days
Included in the pack:
• Vodafone portable 4G router
• SIM card included
Refills available:
• 200 CFP (≈ €1,68) → 1 GB
• 500 CFP (≈ €4,19) → 5 GB
• 5,000 CFP (≈ €8,38) → 10 GB
• 5,000 CFP (≈ €16,76) → 20 GB
• 5,000 CFP (≈ €41,90) → 50 GB
Compatibility: smartphones, tablets, computers
Internet access available at:
Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine
Vodafone store at Tahiti airport
Since Thursday, May 23, 2024 , a Vodafone store has been open at Tahiti-Faa'a Airport. Very convenient for picking up your SIM card upon arrival in French Polynesia.
Opening time :
Monday to Saturday : 5 a.m. to midnight
On Sunday : 5 a.m. to 13 p.m. and 16 p.m. to midnight
Time
The Ora network operates in 4G/5G on Tahiti and Moorea. On the other islands, the SIM card remains usable for calls and text messages thanks to 2G roaming, but Mobile internet is not availablePlan to have WiFi if you are travelling in the archipelagos.
ORA Prepaid Cards
Orange Card Mini
Data: 2 GB
Calls: 30 minutes of local calls
SMS: Unlimited local SMS
Validity: 30 days
Format: SIM or eSIM
Gold Card
Data: 30 GB
Calls: unlimited local
Unlimited local SMS
Validity: 30 days
Format: SIM or eSIM
ORA Refills
| refill | Price € | Apples | Date | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 CFP | ≈ €4,20 | 30 min + unlimited calls to #88 | Go 5 | Unlimited premises |
| 1 CFP | ≈ €8,40 | 60 min + unlimited calls to #88 | Go 10 | Unlimited premises |
| 2 CFP | ≈ €16,80 | Unlimited calls + unlimited calls to #88 | Go 20 | Unlimited premises |
| 3 CFP | ≈ €25,10 | Unlimited calls + unlimited calls to #88 | Go 30 | Unlimited premises |
ORA eSIM cards
eSIM ORA – 4000 CFP
Data: 20 GB
Calls: 30 minutes of local calls
SMS: Unlimited local SMS
Validity: 14 days
Format: eSIM
eSIM ORA – 6000 CFP
Data: 60 GB
Calls: unlimited local & international
Unlimited local SMS
Validity: 30 days
Format: eSIM
ORA eSIM top-ups
| refill | Price € | Date | Apples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 CFP | ≈ €16,80 | Go 20 | Unlimited local and international calls |
Network coverage in French Polynesia: a practical guide
In French Polynesia, the three operators — Wines, Vodafone et Time — do not offer the same scope depending on the islands.
Here's what you need to remember to make a calm and informed choice:
Vini: the most extensive coverage
Vini remains the operator the most reliable to travel between the archipelagos. Its 4G/4G+ network covers approximately 92% of the population, including in remote islands such as the Tuamotu, the Austral Islands or the Marquesas Islands.
If you plan to leave the tourist areas, this is clearly the safest option. You will find Vini's network coverage here.
Vodafone: very good on Tahiti and Moorea
Vodafone offers a good 4G coverage on Tahiti and Moorea, as well as on the most frequented islands.
On the other hand, the presence is more limited in remote archipelagos.
Ideal for a stay focused on the main islands. You will find Vodafone's network coverage here..
Ora: effective in urban areas
Ora focuses its network on Tahiti and Moorea, with high-performance 4G in inhabited areas.
Coverage is more limited in the other archipelagos.
Perfect for a city break or short stay. You will find Ora's network coverage here.
📌 Which operator should you choose depending on your trip?
| Type of trip | Recommended operator | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Short trip (3 to 7 days) | Vodafone | Excellent data/price ratio, simple cards, easy purchase at the airport. |
| Island tour (Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine…) | Wines | Best coverage in the country, data available in almost all archipelagos. |
| Digital nomad / remote work | Wines | Most stable network, reliable eSIM, more consistent data in the islands. |
| Small budget | Vodafone | SIM card at 500 F, economical top-ups, generous data. |
| Tahiti + Moorea only | Time | Very good local 4G/5G, reasonable prices, simple eSIM. |
| Families / multiple phones | Wines | The most reliable coverage to stay reachable everywhere. |
| Diving, hiking, excursions | Wines | The only network that covers the majority of remote areas. |
Links to the different operators
Below you will find direct links to the official websites of the three operators.
Available in French Polynesia. Convenient for viewing their offers.
top up your card or check network coverage.
The Marae Arahurahu
Hello. I have a big concern. I have an elderly mother, and I have to call her every day when I'm away. Is there a card that allows unlimited calls to France? And what budget should I plan for?
Ia ora na. The easiest way is to take a local card and contact your mom via apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Plus, you'll have free Wi-Fi in all your hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. My mom is 92 years old, I live in Fenua and she lives in mainland France, and it's easy and very cheap to contact her several times a week 😉 Enjoy your stay in Fenua 😎