Things to do in  Tahiti

Tahiti is known as a tropical South Pacific beach destination, with black sand beaches, waterfalls, and a blend of French and Polynesian culture. While Tahiti is sometimes used to refer to the whole of French Polynesia, it is the name of the island where the capital, Papeete, is located.

Many travelers find that one or two days is enough time to spend on Tahiti island. The capital, Papeete, is a transit hub for travel to or from other islands in French Polynesia. Tahiti’s black sand beaches, waterfalls, and blowholes are worth a visit.

Like elsewhere in French Polynesia, recreational activities you can enjoy in Tahiti revolve around nature and the outdoors. Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, boating, and visiting waterfalls are popular recreational activities in Tahiti. You can also shop for black pearls and eat at day and evening markets in Papeete.

No, US dollars are not widely accepted in Tahiti. You may find some upmarket boutiques, restaurants, and hotels accept US currency, but it’s not the norm. Instead, rely on credit cards to get a cash advance from an ATM, or exchange US dollars for the local currency, the French Pacific Franc.

For a safe trip, avoid eating raw or uncooked food, take precautions to avoid insect bites, and be aware of theft. Tahiti is generally safe, but it’s easy to fall ill to food poisoning, insects can carry diseases such as the Zika virus or chikungunya, and petty crime does occur.

Yes, Tahiti is generally a safe tourist destination. Violent crime rates are low. Like anywhere, take sensible precautions such as not walking alone in unlit areas at night and keeping your personal belongings close to you. Insects such as mosquitoes pose some risk, as do natural weather events like cyclones.