Is Tahiti safe?
Safe with normal care. Petty theft from cars and hostels and a few rougher bars in Papeete are the main issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2024-12-01.
- Homicide rate in French Polynesia: 0.4 per 100,000 people (2009, UNODC via World Bank).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18.
Safety in Tahiti at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from parked cars and beach bags, burglaries, and fights around Papeete bars late at night. |
| At night | Papeete is lively on weekends but quiet after dark midweek. Taxis are scarce at night, so pre-book or use hotel rides. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable; catcalls are uncommon. Take care walking alone in Papeete late at night and on empty beaches. |
| Other risks | Strong currents and big surf on reef passes; Flash floods in heavy rain; Traffic jams on the coast road |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Papeete waterfront and back streets late at night: drunk fights and snatch thefts
- Unattended cars at trailheads and beaches: break-ins are common
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry photo ID at all times; it's required by law
- Drug possession, even small amounts, brings fines or prison
- Marae (sacred sites) and shore land beyond public beaches may need permission
How Tahiti compares in French Polynesia
Quick answers
Is Tahiti safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable; catcalls are uncommon. Take care walking alone in Papeete late at night and on empty beaches.
Is Tahiti safe at night?
Papeete is lively on weekends but quiet after dark midweek. Taxis are scarce at night, so pre-book or use hotel rides.
What is the crime rate in Tahiti?
Theft from parked cars and beach bags, burglaries, and fights around Papeete bars late at night. Nationally, French Polynesia records 0.4 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2009).
What number do I call in an emergency in Tahiti?
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18.
More about Tahiti
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tahiti Tourisme
- Air Tahiti
- Aremiti ferries
- Vini (mobile operator)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.