Practical A–Z

EU Citizens, Swiss & Austrians

French Polynesia is part of France but not part of the EU. Nevertheless, EU citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You will need:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.
• Return ticket: Proof of departure (will be checked!).
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking or invitation.

Note for transit via the USA: If you fly via Los Angeles, you need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a US visa — even for transit! The ESTA costs 21 USD and must be applied for before departure. Processing time: usually minutes, sometimes up to 72 hours.

Customs

Duty-free limits: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, goods up to 30,000 XPF (252€). Strictly prohibited: Plants, seeds, fresh food, and animal products — French Polynesia has strict biosecurity regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem.

Health

Bora Bora is health-wise unproblematic: No malaria risk, no mandatory vaccinations, clean drinking water in hotels. Recommended standard vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A. A travel health insurance with repatriation is strongly recommended — the nearest proper hospital is in Tahiti (50 min flight). Bora Bora has a small health post for basic care.

Sun & Heat

The biggest health risk on Bora Bora is the sun. Proximity to the equator and the reflection of the water in the lagoon significantly increase UV radiation. SPF 50, hat, and shirt while snorkeling are absolutely essential. Dehydration is common — drink at least 3 liters of water per day.

Marine Life

• Stingrays: Despite their friendliness, they have a sting. Move slowly and calmly, do not step on them. Guides on lagoon tours explain the rules of conduct.
• Sharks: The blacktip and lemon sharks in the lagoon are harmless as long as you do not provoke them. Do not wear shiny jewelry in the water.
• Corals: Living corals are sharp and can cause painful cuts. Do not touch, do not stand on them. Reef-safe water shoes help.
• Mosquitoes: On the main island, there are mosquitoes that can transmit dengue fever (rare but possible). Use insect repellent, especially in the evenings. On the windy motus, mosquitoes are hardly a problem.

Safety

Bora Bora is extremely safe. Crime against tourists: practically zero. The Polynesian society is peaceful and hospitable. The only "risk": the natural environment (sun, currents, corals). Emergency numbers: 17 (police), 15 (emergency services), 18 (fire department).

Mobile & Internet

EU roaming does NOT apply in French Polynesia! Mobile costs are high. Options:

• Vini (Onati): The local mobile provider. SIM cards available at the airport in Tahiti or in Vaitape. Data packages: 5 GB from 3,000 XPF (25€). Coverage on the main island is good, on the motus partially patchy.
• Resort Wi-Fi: All luxury resorts offer Wi-Fi — usually included, sometimes at an extra charge. Speed varies: sufficient for emails and social media, often not for video streaming. Bora Bora is 7,000 km from the nearest continent — internet connectivity has its limits.

Digital Detox: Take the opportunity! Bora Bora is the perfect place to set aside your phone and enjoy the lagoon. Most guests find they don't miss Wi-Fi after the first day.

Electricity

Bora Bora uses 220V with a mix of plug types: Type A/B (American, two flat pins) and Type C/E (European, two round pins). Most hotels have universal sockets or adapters at the reception. To be safe, bring a universal adapter.

Money & Payment

• Currency: CFP Franc (XPF), pegged to the Euro: 1€ = 119.33 XPF. Conversion is easy: price divided by 120 = price in Euros.
• ATMs: Two ATMs in Vaitape (Banque de Polynésie, Banque Socredo). Visa and Mastercard accepted. Withdraw cash, as many small shops and roulottes only take cash.
• Credit cards: Accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. At market stalls, in roulottes, and small shops: cash only.
• Tipping: In French Polynesia, tipping is not customary and not expected — service is included in the price. For exceptional service, a small tip (500–1,000 XPF) is of course welcome.

Clothing

• Light, airy clothing: Cotton or linen, light and airy. Bora Bora has tropical heat — less is more.
• Swimwear: Several sets, as the tropical humidity slows drying.
• Pareo/Sarong: The Polynesian all-purpose cloth: beach dress, towel, tablecloth, sun protection. Buy on Bora Bora — beautiful designs and affordable (from 1,500 XPF / 12.50€).
• Rashguard/UV shirt: Essential for snorkeling — protects better from sun and coral cuts than sunscreen.
• Light rain jacket: Tropical showers are short but intense.
• Elegant clothing: For resort restaurants — "smart casual" is enough, no evening wear needed.

Other

• Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50: MUST be without oxybenzone and octinoxate — these chemicals destroy corals. Expensive on Bora Bora — bring it with you!
• Snorkeling equipment: Worth bringing — rental sets on tours are often worn out. A good snorkel and a fitting mask make the difference.
• Waterproof phone case: Essential for photos in the lagoon.
• Insect repellent: DEET-based, especially for the main island in the evenings.
• Travel pharmacy: Anti-diarrhea medication, ibuprofen, band-aids, sunburn gel. The pharmacy in Vaitape has basic medications, but imported brands are expensive.
• Plug adapter: Universal adapter recommended (US + Euro plugs).

Cultural Dos & Don'ts

• Maeva! — The Polynesian greeting (Welcome) with a smile opens all doors. Polynesians are warm and friendly — return the kindness.
• Take off shoes: Always take off shoes before entering a Polynesian house or guesthouse.
• Conservation: Do not take anything from the lagoon — no corals, no shells, no starfish. The ecosystem is fragile.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing locals — especially during cultural ceremonies.
• Sunday: Sunday is a day of rest — many shops and restaurants are closed. Church attendance is important. Respect the tranquility.