Currency in French Polynesia

The local currency is the French Pacific Franc - known by the abbreviations CFP and XPF. Most banks can obtain CFP cash for you before you leave. The bank at the Faa’a airport in Papeete is also open to meet all international flights. Throughout Tahiti, rates and fees vary from bank to bank, with them generally charging around 5% for each transaction, regardless of currency or Travellers' Cheques.

It is common for hotels to use a ‘buffer’ rate when exchanging currency which is not as competitive as the banks. There are plenty of automatic teller machines on Tahiti with some of the outer islands having one or two. However, once you go to the out-of-the way places, it is strictly cash only.

Denominations available are the 1/2/5/10/20/50 and 100 CFP coins and 500/1000/5000 and 10000 CFP notes.

Credit cards are widely used through the islands, with the most popular cards being Visa and Mastercard, followed by American Express and Diners Club.

Approximate Exchange Rates at July 06

1 AUD = 70 CFP approximately

1 Euro (€) = 119,33 Pacific Franc (XPF)

1 US dollar = 94 Pacific Franc

1 NZ Dollar = 57.2 Pacific Franc

1 CAD Dollar = 83.4 Pacific Franc