Island in Society Islands, French Polynesia
Bora Bora
Polynesia's famous lagoon: dreamy for a splurge or a pension-based stay, but very expensive and not a place to live or network. Solo travelers do best on the main island, away from the motu resorts.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$4,240–6,130Comfortable, one person · F450,000–650,000Details
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Mar, 28°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; most pensions provide it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$28–57Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental bike or e-bikeYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at resorts and larger restaurants; carry cash for roulottes, snacks, pensions and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Bora Bora
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Vaitape | Budget pensions, shops, ferry quay and the main village |
| Matira Point | Best public beach, mid-range pensions and restaurants |
| Motu resorts | Overwater bungalows; boat access only, very expensive |
Apps that work in Bora Bora
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Messenger, WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are scarce and expensive; ask your pension to book transfers or rent a bike.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in French Polynesia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at resorts and larger restaurants; carry cash for roulottes, snacks, pensions and small shops. ATMs are in Vaitape.
- Currency: Franc (XPF). US$1 ≈ F106.06 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs in Papeete and on the main islands; many atolls have one or none, so bring enough cash.
- Tipping: Not traditional or expected; prices include service. A small tip for exceptional service is accepted.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work at larger businesses on the main islands; Apple and Google Pay depend on the terminal.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Part of France but outside Schengen: a Schengen visa doesn't automatically cover it; check France-Visas.
- Officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, accommodation details, enough money and travel insurance.
- Flights via Los Angeles or Honolulu need an ESTA or US visa, even when only transiting.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18
Plugs
Type E, A, B · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Vini sells a Travel Card prepaid SIM in its shops and as an eSIM online; Vini has the widest coverage across the islands. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in French Polynesia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.