• Preview

    Travel Prep

    Here's a handy checklist of necessities for researchers and students.

Travel Prep

Last modified:

What to Bring

General Items

  • Passport
  • Driving license
  • Credit cards - VISA and MC are accepted by most vendors in Tahiti and Moorea. They also work in the ATMs here where you can draw French Pacific Francs (CFP). There are banks and ATMs at the airport in Tahiti (but not at the airport in Moorea) and in Maharepa, Moorea. American Express Cards are accepted by some but not all vendors. 
  • Medicine (expensive in FP): aspirin, pepto, cold meds, ear meds.

Sun Protection Items

  • A good hat that provides plenty of shade
  • High SPF, waterproof sunscreen
  • light shirt and/or pareu (buy here)

Day Hikes/Activities Items

  • Day Pack or fanny pack
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Digital camera (with a waterproof case)
  • Water bottle
  • Snorkeling gear - mask, snorkel, fins and booties with a mesh bag for wet gear

Clothes

The dress code in French Polynesia is very casual but wearing just a swimsuit to a store is not recommended.

One can expect warm to hot weather and some rain. The following are general suggestions:

Dinner and evening wear:

  • Shorts or slacks
  • tropical or dress shirt
  • Light dress, or pants and blouse
  • Flip flops on Moorea but shoes are more appropriate for some establishments in Papeete

Formal Occasions:

  • Closed shoes, long pants / dress, collared shirt
  • Ties and jackets are almost never necessary

Daytime active:

  • Light shorts and shirt
  • sandals
  • hat

Bad Weather:

  • light rain jacket
  • umbrella

Beach:

  • bathing suit
  • wet footwear
  • hat
  • light shirt or pareu for cover
  • spf shirts and leggings for the pale-skinned

Hiking:

  • sturdy footwear (boots, shoes, or sandals) with good traction
  • mosquito repellant
  • lightweight, long pants and long-sleeved shirt