French Polynesia

General Information

Location: South Pacific
Local Time: Gambier Islands: GMT-9
Marquesas Islands: GMT-9�
Rest of French Polynesia: GMT-10
Capital City: Papeete
Population: 270,000
Area: 4,167357,021 square km, 3,660 square miles.

Language(s): French, Tahitian, some English
Dialling Code: 689
Emergency: Police: 17. Fire: 18. Ambulance: 15

TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence required
Electricity: 110/220V AC 60Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Pacific Franc (XPF)
Notes: XPF: 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000
Coins: XPF: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Major credit cards are generally accepted. Travellers cheques are recommended
Opening Hours

Bank: 0800-1530 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1600 Mon-Fri, 0800-1200 Sat
Shops: 0730-1130 & 1330-1700/1800 Mon-Fri, 0730-1130 Sat

Public Holidays

2011

01 Jan : New Year’s Day
05 Mar : Missionary Day
22 Apr : Good Friday
25 Apr : Easter Monday
01 May : Labor Day
08 May : Victory Day
21 May : Ascension
01 Jun : Whit Monday
29 Jun : Anniversary of Internal Autonomy
14 Jul : Fall of the Bastille
01 Aug : Assumption*
01 Nov : All Saints’ Day
11 Nov : Armistice Day
25 Dec : Christmas Day  
*Provisional date - to be confirmed
2012
01 Jan : New Year’s Day
05 Mar : Missionary Day
06 Apr : Good Friday
09 Apr : Easter Monday
01 May : Labour Day
17 May : Victory Day
28 May : Whit Monday
29 Jun : Anniversary of Internal Autonomy
14 Jul : Fall of the Bastille
15 Aug : Assumption
01 Nov : All Saints’ Day

11 Nov : Armistice Day
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in French, some executives speak English, particularly those connected with tourism
Tipping: Not customary