Papeete Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Papeete.
Healthcare System
French Polynesia operates under a French-style healthcare system with both public and private facilities. The main hospital in Papeete, Centre Hospitalier de la Polynésie Française (CHPF), provides most medical services. Healthcare standards are generally good for routine and emergency care, though specialized treatments may require medical evacuation to New Zealand, Australia, or France.
Hospitals
Centre Hospitalier de la Polynésie Française (CHPF) in Papeete is the main public hospital. Private clinics include Clinique Paofai and Clinique Cardella, which offer quality care with shorter wait times. Most doctors speak French; English-speaking medical staff can be limited. Payment is typically required upfront, with reimbursement through insurance later.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies) are well-stocked with French and international medications. They're identifiable by a green cross sign. Many are located in downtown Papeete and shopping centers. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments. Prescription medications require a doctor's prescription. Bring sufficient supplies of any regular medications as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and medical evacuation is strongly recommended and essentially mandatory. Medical evacuation from French Polynesia can cost $50,000-$100,000+ USD. French citizens with European Health Insurance Cards have some coverage, but visitors from other countries must pay upfront and claim reimbursement.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications you're bringing
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers French Polynesia and includes medical evacuation to your home country
- The main hospital can be busy; private clinics offer faster service for non-emergencies
- Bring a basic medical kit including remedies for common issues like sunburn, cuts, and digestive problems
- Dengue fever occurs in French Polynesia; seek medical attention if you develop high fever with severe headache or joint pain
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Theft of unattended belongings, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and opportunistic theft from rental cars and hotel rooms are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Theft from vehicles, especially rental cars, is particularly prevalent.
Break-ins to rental cars and parked vehicles are common, particularly at beach parking areas, trailheads, and tourist sites. Thieves target vehicles that appear to contain valuables or luggage.
The tropical sun is extremely intense, especially between 10am-4pm. Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are common among tourists who underestimate the strength of equatorial sun.
Coral cuts, sea urchin stings, and injuries from marine life are common. Strong currents and waves can be dangerous for swimmers. Coral reefs are sharp and injuries can become infected in the tropical climate.
Road conditions vary, with some areas having narrow roads, limited lighting, and aggressive drivers. Scooters and pedestrians can be unpredictable. Driving is on the right side of the road.
Dengue fever occurs in French Polynesia, with periodic outbreaks. Zika virus has been present in the past. While not constant, these diseases pose a risk, especially during rainy season.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some operators, particularly those targeting cruise ship passengers with limited time, charge significantly inflated prices for tours, taxi services, or activities that are available much cheaper through other means. Unlicensed guides may offer services at high prices with poor quality.
Tahitian black pearls are famous, but some vendors sell low-quality pearls at premium prices, fake pearls, or pearls that have been artificially treated. High-pressure sales tactics are common, especially targeting cruise passengers.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants may add extra items to bills, charge for bread or water that wasn't ordered, or apply service charges that aren't clearly disclosed on menus.
Some vendors or services may quote prices in multiple currencies (CFP franc, USD, EUR) and use unfavorable exchange rates or confusion between currencies to overcharge tourists.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Learn basic French phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Carry a card with your hotel address written in French
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Be aware that services and supplies are limited and expensive due to the remote location
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs located inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to French Polynesia to avoid card blocks
- Carry minimal cash and use hotel safes for excess money and valuables
- Credit cards are widely accepted in Papeete but less so in remote areas
- The local currency is the CFP franc (XPF); familiarize yourself with exchange rates
- Keep some small bills for markets and small vendors who may not have change
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis or arrange transport through your hotel
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Always lock rental cars and never leave valuables inside
- Be extremely cautious driving at night; roads may be poorly lit
- Watch for dogs, pedestrians, and scooters on roads
- Consider renting accommodations within walking distance of attractions to minimize driving
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Check with locals about current conditions before entering water
- Wear water shoes to protect against coral, rocks, and sea urchins
- Don't leave belongings unattended on beaches
- Apply waterproof sunscreen before water activities
- Stay within lagoons where possible; open ocean can have strong currents
- Be aware of boat traffic in popular areas
Health Precautions
- Drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is generally safe in Papeete but quality varies
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications in original containers
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit including antibiotics for coral cuts
- Use insect repellent consistently, especially during dawn and dusk
- Eat at busy, reputable restaurants to minimize food safety risks
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Seek medical attention promptly for any coral cuts or persistent symptoms
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; coverage is good in Papeete
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels but may be slow or limited
- Keep your accommodation's contact information readily accessible
- Consider a portable charger as power outages can occur
- French is the official language; Tahitian is also spoken; English proficiency is limited
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Papeete and French Polynesia are generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The local culture is relatively conservative but respectful. Serious harassment or assault is uncommon, though some unwanted attention may occur, particularly in bars or nightlife areas. Women travelers should exercise the same precautions they would in any destination.
- Solo women travelers report feeling safe in Papeete; trust your instincts
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on empty streets after dark
- Dress modestly when in town; beachwear is appropriate at beaches but cover up when leaving beach areas
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; watch your drinks and go with trusted companions
- Use official taxis rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safe neighborhoods
- Keep your hotel room door locked and use the peephole before opening
- Consider joining group tours to meet other travelers
- Local women are generally conservatively dressed in town; follow their lead
- If you experience harassment, seek help from police or your hotel staff
LGBTQ+ Travelers
As part of France, French Polynesia follows French law regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex relationships are legal, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law.
- LGBTQ+ travelers generally report positive experiences in French Polynesia
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, as you would in any somewhat conservative destination
- Papeete is more accepting than rural areas; attitudes may be more traditional in smaller islands
- Some hotels and resorts are LGBTQ+-friendly; research in advance if this is important to you
- The concept of māhū provides some cultural understanding of gender diversity
- Discrimination is illegal, but social attitudes can vary
- There are limited LGBTQ+-specific venues or events in Papeete
- Consider connecting with LGBTQ+ travel communities for current information and recommendations
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Papeete and French Polynesia. The remote location means medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$100,000+ USD. Healthcare must often be paid upfront, and specialized treatment may require evacuation to New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, or France. Trip cancellation coverage is also important due to the high cost of flights and the possibility of cyclones during certain seasons.
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