Oceania

Money, cards and tipping in French Polynesia

Capital: PapeeteFrench, TahitianUpdated October 2026

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Money in French Polynesia

Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels, restaurants and supermarkets on Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Roulottes (food trucks), taxis, small shops and outer islands want cash. US$1 ≈ F106.06 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Not traditional or expected; prices include service. A small tip for exceptional service is accepted.
ATMs: Bank ATMs in Papeete and on the main islands; many atolls have one or none, so bring enough cash.
Paying by phone: Contactless cards work at larger businesses on the main islands; Apple and Google Pay depend on the terminal.

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Bora Bora	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work at resorts and larger restaurants; carry cash for roulottes, snacks, pensions and small shops. ATMs are in Vaitape.
Tahiti	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and most restaurants; roulottes, Le Truck, markets and small shops need cash.
Moorea	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work at hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; cash for roulottes, fruit stands, small shops and Moorea ferry kiosks.
Rangiroa	Mostly cash	Cash is needed for most shops and pensions; a few places take cards. Withdraw cash in Papeete before you fly.

Quick answers

Do you tip in French Polynesia?

Not traditional or expected; prices include service. A small tip for exceptional service is accepted.

Is French Polynesia cashless?

Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work at hotels, restaurants and supermarkets on Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Roulottes (food trucks), taxis, small shops and outer islands want cash.

What currency does French Polynesia use?

The Franc (XPF). US$1 ≈ F106.06 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.