CuisineFrench Polynesia has an array of excellent restaurants (Shrimp tacos pictured above) . The food tends to be quite fresh, but the food prices can be quite high on the menus and in the grocery stores. Most foodstuffs are imported so the price is higher, but there won't be any tax placed on your meal, and tipping isn't expected on these islands. Many restaurants serve French, Italian, or Chinese cuisine but Traditional Tahitian food remains a mainstay in French Polynesia. A type of food I particularly look forward to trying is called Firi Firi (pictured below). It is a doughnut-like sweet which is widely available.
Also, be aware of serving sizes. Most appetizers on menus will be the size of a main dish in some restaurants. DanceThe art of dance is an important aspect of French Polynesia society. Several forms of dance are present in the Polynesian Islands ranging from traditional dances such as the recognizable Tahitian dance (otea) in which men and women in spectacular costumes dance certain themes, such as spear throwing, fighting, or love, and a form of fire dancing. Today, traditional dancing is a huge part of their lives and provide vivid memories for any visitor experiencing these dances. If I attend any dance show, I should be prepared to get involved as well, since groups of dancers love to get the crowd involved. Below is an example of French Polynesian dance.
|
Unique Customs & EtiquetteEverything in Polynesia,especially land is owned communally. This spills over with tourists who must keep a wary eye on their valuables. Tahitians wear flowers tucked behind their ears, which signals the status of their love lives. Behind the left ear means your heart is taken and you are unavailable, while behind the right ear signals you are unattached and available. Flowers behind both ears announce you are married but available, while a backward flower declares you are available immediately. This is something my friends and I will need to keep in mind while meeting the locals of French Polynesia.
Many women go topless and wear the skimpy bikini bottoms at the beach, but there remains a sense of respectability similar to any Western nation. Therefore, maintaining modesty is important in order to avoid offence. Preparations & SafetyTahiti and French Polynesia pose no major health problem for most travellers, although you should have your tetanus, hepatitis-A, and hepatitis-B vaccinations up-to-date.
Water safety is important! Always seek local advice before snorkeling or swimming in a lagoon away from hotel beaches. Currents can be very strong in the passes, sticking to shallow water of the inner lagoons is crucial. In case an accident were to occur, the medical care is very good in French Polynesia. Every island also has a government clinic, and some have doctors in private practice. In terms of drinking water, tap water is safe to drink only in the city of Papeete on Tahiti and on Bora Bora. You can buy bottled spring water in most grocery stores. CurrencyThe currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (CFP), which is on parity with the French Franc (about 100 CFP’s for every U.S. dollar). Exchange services are readily available on most islands. There is no sales tax but a 2% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all rented accommodations and room and meal packages for tourists. A 4% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. A 6% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurants. Therefore, we must be on the look out for pricing, as the advertised price may not be exactly what it seems.
|