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Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Papeete Harbor, Tahiti

Introduction

Papeete (pronounced Pah-pay-et-te) is the capital and largest city in French Polynesia.

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships dock at the cruise pier beside downtown.

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Money and Tipping

French Polynesian's currency is the Franc (XPF). US dollars and Euros are widely accepted. There are banks and ATM's downtown though banks may not be open on Sunday. Tipping is not expected in Tahiti.

To / From the Aiport

Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) is the island's airport located 4 miles to the west of the cruise terminal. Taxis have government-regulated, fixed fare rates with surcharges for each piece of luggage. Official website in French. http://tahiti-aeroport.pf/

Local Transportation

There is bus service to get to other parts of the island. Taxis are expensive. If you want to tour the island, you should take a tour or rent a car. Good info on transportation options at Frommer's http://www.frommers.com/destinations/tahiti/684253 Official taxi rates here http://www.transports-terrestres.pf/IMG/pdf/DEPLIANT_4_VOLETS_TARIFS_2013-TAXI-4.pdf

Hotels

Search hotels in Papeete here

Sights

• Point Venus - This park marks the location where Captain Cook made observations of Venus. There is a lighthouse and a black sand beach here.
• Paul Gauguin Museum - Dedicated to the life of the famous artist. Only reproductions of his work are shown.
• Arahurahu Marae - A restored religious site with statues and old temples
• Beaches - There are some public beaches on Tahiti. Guide here http://www.papeete.com/about.html
• Moorea - If your cruise doesn't stop in Moorea, then you can take a ferry from Papeete since it is an hour away and the ferry terminal is beside the cruise pier. Credit cards accepted for the ferry. Schedules and fares here http://www.aremiti.net/

Shopping & Restaurants

Shops and restaurants can be found throughout the downtown area and by the harbour. There is a municipal market close to the cruise pier and a Champion supermarket on the western part of the downtown. Food trucks (Les Roulottes) setup on the pier around 6pm and are open til late. Other recommended places are Les 3 Brasseurs, a French microbrewery near the cruise pier and Jimmy's Restaurant, 31 rue des Ecoles, for Chinese food.

Internet

Cafes and restaurants may provide free wifi to customers.

Maps

Papeete

Tahiti

Weather

Papeete Weather Forecast

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