Money in the Tahitian Islands

[turtlemichael]

We are taking Mariner from Auckland to LA in December. Rather, Mariner is taking us! Can't wait!

I'm wondering what has been the experience of members of this forum who have done the cruise with regard to Pacific Francs. For the small amount of change we'll need have you bought it from the bank before leaving home, used an atm, bank or currency exchange on arrival (our first port is Bora Bora), bought it on the ship or used US dollars or Euros?

In Rarotonga I understand that the major currency is NZ dollars. Many thanks.

As we won't need much and I expect to be hit on the exchange rate anyway, I'm more interested in what is the most convenient rather than the best exchange rate. I guess another option could be buying it in Auckland where I'm sure most banks with an exchange facility will sell Pacific Francs.

[Friscorays]

From what I remember, everyone excepted the good old US dollar.

[Rally]

Originally Posted by turtlemichael

We are taking Mariner from Auckland to LA in December. Rather, Mariner is taking us! Can't wait!

I'm wondering what has been the experience of members of this forum who have done the cruise with regard to Pacific Francs. For the small amount of change we'll need have you bought it from the bank before leaving home, used an atm, bank or currency exchange on arrival (our first port is Bora Bora), bought it on the ship or used US dollars or Euros?

In Rarotonga I understand that the major currency is NZ dollars. Many thanks.

As we won't need much and I expect to be hit on the exchange rate anyway, I'm more interested in what is the most convenient rather than the best exchange rate. I guess another option could be buying it in Auckland where I'm sure most banks with an exchange facility will sell Pacific Francs.

You can easily exchnage money on the ship. US dollars are readily accepted in French Polynsia, although you will suffer a poor exchange rate. If you use a credit card there will be no problem. Although accepted in NZ, you would be better served to have a few NZ dollars on you --- easily exchanged at the hotel desk, or airport or hotel ATMs.

[turtlemichael]

Thanks both. I go to New Zealand quite often so have a supply of NZ dollars but this will be the first time in French Polynesia.

[Caroldoll]

do take a beating. It is good to at least purchase 200 Polynesian Francs for little things. There really isn't much to buy accept the pearls. In New Zealand, I remember we had to have their money to pay at the airport to get out. It is good to have those too, but I see you have them. Oh my, I didn't mention that if you have drinks at a hotel in FP...expennnnsssive. We used our charge card for that. Capital one doesn't charge a fee.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Originally Posted by Caroldoll

In New Zealand, I remember we had to have their money to pay at the airport to get out.

Thats all changed ....
the departure tax is hidden in you air ticket now

[Jim B]

Been there twice and did not exchange money.
Everywhere we went they either took Visa/MC or US dollars.
Course when they made change it did not come back in US dollars. LOL

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Usually you have to go through a major airport. If you are going via LAX there are exchange booths and you can get FP franc's at the airport before you go.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

On my last visit to the Tahitian Isles on Mariner ,
I noted that several shops also displayed prices in Euros.
I guess this is because of the French connection,
so just mentioning it.
Never used Euros there, but if you have a few tucked away,
it may be worth taking them.

[turtlemichael]

Thanks David. Without having been there I'd guess the Euro is even more used than the US Dollar.

[egret]

We always got XPF's at the ATM upon arrival. I am not sure exactly where the ATM is on Bora Bora.

[Skipper2]

If you are going to the Marquesas, suggest having FPs, especially if you are planning to buy souvenirs in the marketplace. You can get money exchanged on the ship (not great rates) so really suggest doing this at the airport. We took for granted being able to use US dollars and regretted it later.