Island in Society Islands, French Polynesia
Moorea
A lush island 30 minutes from Tahiti by ferry, with pensions, hikes, lagoon snorkeling and a calmer pace. Good for a week of slow travel; you need wheels, and food and rooms cost more than on the mainland.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$3,300–4,900Comfortable, one person · F350,000–520,000Details
- Best time to goMay–OctWarmest: Mar, 28°CDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDrink bottled or filtered water; tap water varies by village and is often not recommended for visitors.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$28–57Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from PapeeteYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; cash for roulottes, fruit stands, small shops and Moorea ferry kiosks.Details
Where to stay in Moorea
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Maharepa–Pao Pao | Restaurants, shops, diving and easy ferry access |
| Haapiti | Quiet west coast, surf, sunset and lagoon stays |
| Temae | Public beach near the airport and ferry-free flights |
| Papetoai | Pensions and a quiet lagoon near the hills |
Apps that work in Moorea
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Messenger, WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are rare and pricey; pensions arrange ferry pickups, or rent your own transport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in French Polynesia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; cash for roulottes, fruit stands, small shops and Moorea ferry kiosks.
- 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
Going to Moorea solo?
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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.