Local info

Ferries

There are 4 ferry companies serving Moorea -

• Aremiti Express 
• Tau'ati 
• Terevau
• Vaeara'i

Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk prior to boarding. If you are a group or a regular, consider buying the pack of 10 tickets (carnet) for better price.

Aremiti Express and Terevau take about 30 mins. The Tau'ati and Vaearai are larger ferries and take ~50 mins.

Banks & Money

• The local currency is CFP (XPF / Pacific Francs) which is fixed to the EURO.  (€1 = 119 cfp)
• There are cash distributors outside most banks, at the airports and at shopping centers. Most distributors accept debit or credit cards from major international banks (VISA, MASTERCARD). Most stores and restaurants accept credit cards.
• Banks are open on weekdays only; usually 8-12 and 1:30-4, except for the Banque de Polynesie is open Saturday mornings, and closed on Mondays.
• Banks exchange dollars for Pacific Francs, but charge a transaction fee.  You must present your passport when exchanging dollars.  A US driver's license is not accepted as valid identification.  Some banks only change money on certain days, so it is wise to use the distributors.

Post Offices

There are two post offices on Moorea; one in the commercial center in Maharepa, and one in the town of Papetoai. 
Hours are:

• Monday - Thursday:  7:30 - 12 and 1:30 - 4 pm
• Friday:  7:30 - 12 and 1:30 - 3 pm
• Saturday:  7:30 - 9:30 am (Maharepa) / 8 - 10 am (Papetoai)

Shops & shopping

Markets tend to open at 6 am, close for lunch (from 12 to 2), then re-open till about 6 p.m. Most markets are open on Sundays for only a short time in the morning. 

There are good hardware stores on the island where most supplies can be purchased. For some items, it may be necessary to go to Tahiti (or order them from there).

Health

French Polynesia is generally a very safe place to visit.  There is no malaria although dengue fever (also mosquito-borne) is a periodic problem.  

Probably the most common problems are cuts and grazes that can quickly become infected in the tropical environment and so they should be cleaned and treated immediately (even if apparently very minor).  Over-exposure to heat and sun should also be avoided.

For non-emergencies:

• If you have a minor problem, there is a First Aid kit in the dorm and the Pharmacist in Maharepa is helpful.

• For a more serious problem, call a local doctor. A list of Moorea doctors is below.

  Pharmacy hours:

  • The doctors hours are: Mon-Fri 7-12 and 2-6; Sat 7-12 and 5-6
  • The Pharmacy in Maharepa is nearby, and open everyday.
    • M - F : 7am - 12:15 / 2 - 6pm
    • Sat. : 7:30am - 12:15 / 2:30pm - 4:30pm
    • Sun. : 8 - 11am
• For weekends and holidays, consult the list of on-duty doctors.

Local Law

The Station operates under UC regulations and French Polynesia laws. In particular, we emphasize that the use and/or possession of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden. The Gump Station staff is obliged to report any breach of the laws on illegal drugs to local law enforcement, leading to immediate expulsion from the Station and potential criminal proceedings in local courts.
Other laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Wearing seatbelts is compulsory (please report any problems with the belts in the cars to a member of staff)
2. Smoking is prohibited in Station buildings
3. Pets are not allowed at the Station, strays should not be "adopted", and dogs are not allowed in buildings.
4. Vehicles or boats must not be used under the influence of alcohol.