Planning your island getaway?
Whether you’re dreaming of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, turquoise lagoons in the Cook Islands or Fijian hospitality in a beachfront bure, this guide will help you prepare for your South Pacific escape from overseas.
To help you prepare, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions from international travelers heading to the islands—covering everything from entry requirements and best travel times to currency tips and what to expect on island time.
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Entry & Visas
Do I need a visa?
- Tahiti (French Polynesia): No visa required for international travelers for stays up to 90 days.
- Cook Islands: Visa-free for 31 days (extendable up to 5 months).
- Fiji: Visitor permit granted on arrival for up to 4 months.
Important: You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and accommodation. Always check your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
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Arrival & Customs
Can I bring food or outdoor gear?
No. All three destinations have strict biosecurity rules to protect their ecosystems. Declare any food, plants, wooden items or outdoor equipment (like hiking boots). Better yet—don’t bring them.
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Currency & Payments
- Tahiti: Uses the CFP Franc (XPF)
- Cook Islands: Uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), plus local souvenir coins
- Fiji: Uses the Fijian Dollar (FJD)
Cards are widely accepted in urban areas and resorts. Bring some cash for local markets, ferries or island kiosks. Always carry a spare card in case of ATM outages.
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Phones & Internet
Bring an unlocked phone and grab a local SIM at the airport or a convenience store.
- In Tahiti: Look for Vini or Vodafone
- In Cook Islands: Vodafone Cook Islands offers tourist bundles
- In Fiji: Vodafone Fiji or Digicel offer 4G/5G in main centers
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels but can be limited or slow on outer islands—download offline maps and tickets in advance.
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Driving & Transport
Which side of the road do they drive on?
- Tahiti: Right-hand side
- Cook Islands & Fiji: Left-hand side
Can I use my license?
- Tahiti: Recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Cook Islands: International license accepted for cars. Motorbikes/scooters may require a visitor’s license
- Fiji: International license is valid for short stays; some rentals ask for an IDP
Tip: Avoid driving at night outside towns—roads can be unlit and potholes or animals are common.
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Weather & Seasons
- Dry season (best time to visit): May to October
- Wet season (cyclone risk): November to April
Expect warm, tropical conditions year-round. Reef-safe sunscreen, a rain jacket and insect repellent are must-haves.
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Health & Safety
- Tap water: Safe in major hotels in Tahiti and Rarotonga; elsewhere, stick to bottled or boiled water.
- Medical care: Good in city hospitals (Papeete, Nadi, Rarotonga); limited on remote islands.
- Mosquitoes: Use repellent to guard against dengue and Zika.
- Emergency numbers:
- Tahiti: 15 (ambulance), 17 (police)
- Cook Islands: 999
- Fiji: 911
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Language & Local Culture
- Tahiti: French and Tahitian. Greeting: “Ia ora na” (hello)
- Cook Islands: English and Cook Islands Māori. Greeting: “Kia Orana”
- Fiji: English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. Greeting: “Bula!”
Island culture is friendly, slow-paced and warm. Dress modestly in villages and when attending local churches or ceremonies.
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Shopping & Tax Refunds
- Tahiti: Tax refunds available on goods over XPF 5,000—ask for paperwork and stamp it at the airport.
- Cook Islands: No tourist refund scheme.
- Fiji: VAT refunds are possible if you spend over FJD $500 at approved stores—allow time at the airport to claim.
Souvenir ideas: Tahitian black pearls, Cook Islands pareu (sarongs), Fijian handicrafts and masi cloth.
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Final Tips
- Power plugs:
- Tahiti: Type E (like France)
- Cook Islands & Fiji: Type I (like Australia/NZ)
Bring a universal adaptor.
- Local eats: Try food trucks in Tahiti (“roulottes”), coconut fish salad in the Cooks, and lovo feasts in Fiji.
- Be reef respectful: Don’t step on coral, and always use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Cyclone season tip: Pack a few emergency essentials (cash, snacks, water) in case ferries or flights are delayed.
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Welcome to Paradise!
Whether you’re swimming with manta rays, sipping cocktails at sunset or learning a traditional island dance, the South Pacific promises laid-back luxury and warm hospitality. From your first “Bula” to your last “Ia ora na”, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Happy travels!