French Polynesia

[irv]

Going to Mare, Papeete, Moorea & Bora Bora.

Need to take some cash for incidentals and think ATM's might be a bit hit & miss. Talking about the local currency, the Pacific Franc.

Any recommendations how much to take, only a day on each island.

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Fench Polynesia

Just back from Papeete and Moorea.

ATMs quite OK in Papeete, incl airport. Didn't look for one on Moorea, but I'd be surprised if there isn't one. Credit cards widely taken.

US$ widely accepted in small shops on Moorea.

I reckon if you converted A$100 on arrival, and had maybe US$ as a back up, you'd be right (assuming hotels and meals there etc are all on a card)

 

[irv]

Re: Fench Polynesia

Just back from Papeete and Moorea.

ATMs quite OK in Papeete, incl airport. Didn't look for one on Moorea, but I'd be surprised if there isn't one. Credit cards widely taken.

US$ widely accepted in small shops on Moorea.

I reckon if you converted A$100 on arrival, and had maybe US$ as a back up, you'd be right (assuming hotels and meals there etc are all on a card)

Thanks for that, coming in on a cruise so meals are taken care of. The $100 au you mentioned was what I had in mind.

Cheers

 

[defurax]

Going to Mare, Papeete, Moorea & Bora Bora.

Need to take some cash for incidentals and think ATM's might be a bit hit & miss. Talking about the local currency, the Pacific Franc.

Any recommendations how much to take, only a day on each island.

No problem finding ATMs on Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora. Mare in New Caledonia doesn't have many ATMs.
No need to bring pacific francs (at terrible Forex rate), if you really want to have a bit of cash you can always bring some euros (there is a fixed peg to CFP).

 

[irv]

No problem finding ATMs on Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora. Mare in New Caledonia doesn't have many ATMs.
No need to bring pacific francs (at terrible Forex rate), if you really want to have a bit of cash you can always bring some euros (there is a fixed peg to CFP).

Thanks, are euros readilly acceptable in this part of the world?

 

[defurax]

Thanks, are euros readilly acceptable in this part of the world?

Most people will accept small payment in euros as there is no exchange fees to convert them back to francs pacifique.
On Maré island there is a BCI ATM less than 100m from the pier.
As Rooflyer mentioned, in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora it is more likely that USD will be accepted at small shops, but very unlikely in Maré/New Caledonia, as the number of American tourists in NC is close to zero!

 

[irv]

Most people will accept small payment in euros as there is no exchange fees to convert them back to francs pacifique.
On Maré island there is a BCI ATM less than 100m from the pier.
As Rooflyer mentioned, in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora it is more likely that USD will be accepted at small shops, but very unlikely in Maré/New Caledonia, as the number of American tourists in NC is close to zero![/QUOTE

Just wondering how often an ATM in Mare would be serviced? probably easier to purchase before leaving.

 

[Dale Eastham]

Was there about 2 weeks ago (Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora) - we converted 400 NZD to CPF in Auckland for casual spending (lunches, souvenirs, etc) & that lasted us for most of the trip. Moorea & Bora Bora both had a few ATMs available & every resort we stayed at or visited was able to exchange USD/ NZD/ Euros into CFPF. Unsure about AUD, but I would expect that as well. Everyone was very friendly & willing to help/ offer directions.

You can also use your credit/ debit card at most shops, although there'll be a fee.