Tahiti - General Info
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MAEVA
When the Earth loves itself the most, there you will find the most beauty. In these privileged places you will find the artists, poets and romantics of this world. The islands of Tahiti are such a place. Tahiti represents the dreams of romance, a call for those who seek an exotic paradise over the rim of the world, the island of love that fulfills the wonder and joy of being alive.
The very word Tahiti has magic in it. It was Tahiti that created the legend of the tropical island paradise - a South Sea garden of Eden. Tahiti is a wonderful state of mind.
A vacation in French Polynesia is fascinating and rewarding. In Tahiti, start by driving around the island and enjoy the various attractions offered on the way to spectacular waterfalls, exotic gardens, marae temples and the Paul Gauguin Museum.
An interesting experience is a trip across the island in a 4WD, enabling you to explore the valleys of the interior, as well as some ancient temples.
Get up early the next morning and plan a visit to the local fish and fruit market in Papeete, a very colorful experience. When in town, indulge in a bit of shopping for pareus, seashells, handicrafts such as woven baskets and hats, woodcarvings, corals, vanilla, monoi and delicious fruits to cool you down.
A trip to Moorea, even for the day, is a must and the island is only 45 minutes away by boat. Moorea is much quieter than Tahiti, the way of life more relaxed and the scenery spectacular especially around Cooks' Bay, the famous point of entry in Moorea by the great Navigator.
Take a rental car or a scooter or even a bicycle to do the trip around the island. Stop at the distillery and enjoy a fruit juice or something stronger if you are not driving! There are small villages and quaint little churches along the way. A trip to the summit called "Le Belvedere" is also worth the effort as the panorama is breathtaking.
An hour away by air lies another famous island, Bora Bora: with its unique blue and green lagoons. The unusual airport is located on a motu opposite the main island which is reached by boat straight from the terminal. Bora Bora was an army base for the Americans during WWII and some guns and canons can still be seen when walking inland. Shark and ray feeding expeditions are worth experiencing as well as a visit to the Lagoon and a dive at Matira Bay, famous for its clear waters and abundant marine life.
Numerous art galleries can be visited and local artists sell their paintings and multicolored pareus which are very pleasant to wear in the hot climate. Every possible nautical activity is available on most islands such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing and swimming.
After a day filled with action and sun, you will need to try the local specialties in many restaurants scattered around each island at your hotel or resort. Such specialties include suckling pig, marinated fish with coconut milk, curried prawns, and a great variety of tropical fruits.
Admire the sunset in this tropical paradise. You are not dreaming-it is reality.
CLIMATE
The islands enjoy sunny and pleasant weather. There are two seasons: from November through May when the climate is warmer and humid, and from June through October, when the climate is cooler and drier. Most of the rain falls during the warmer season, but there are also many lovely sunny days during these months, with refreshing trade winds. The average temperature is 79 degrees fahrenheit.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is no departure tax from Tahiti.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). There are international banks in Tahiti, with branch offices in the resort islands of French Polynesia, including a bank at the Tahiti - Faaa International Airport. Most resorts exchange foreign currency and major credit cards are accepted throughout the islands.
ELECTRICITY
Most resorts use 110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles. It would be wise to pack a socket adaptor, although converts/adaptors for appliances are usually available upon request.
LANGUAGE
French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is so frequently spoken in the resorts and shops that communication is rarely a problem.
MEDICAL
Medical services in Tahiti are very modern with a high standard of expected support services. Sunspots International recommends visitors take full medical insurance and consult their doctor prior to travel.
DRINKING WATER
Tap water in the resorts and restaurants is safe to drink. Local mineral waters and all sorts of French mineral waters are available.
CLOTHING
Be comfortable and cool. Natural fabrics such as cotton sundresses or T-shirts are perfect for daytime wear. The standard evening attire is slacks & shirt for men, and dresses or resort wear for women. Pareus (brightly colored local wrap-arounds) are worn at the beach, or around the resort pools and some are elegantly tied for evening wear. Pareus are not recommended for downtown Papeete.
VISAS
For United States citizens a visa is not required for stays of 30days or less, but a valid passport and a return or onward airline ticket is required.
DUTY FREE
In addition to personal effects, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco, 2 litres of spirits and 1 dozen beers are allowed duty free. Visitors under 17 years of age are not allowed to import tobacco or alcohol.
COUNTRY FLAG OF TAHITI
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE RESERVATION SPECIALIST DEBBY MANNY AT WORLD CLASS TRAVEL INC.
440 Virginia Street |
Seattle, Washington 98101
E-mail: info@worldclasstravelinc.com | FAX (206) 728-2916
Hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Monday - Friday
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