Polynesia Idyll, Oct 28-Nov11.. Best place to get local currency? CFP

[liamur14]

Where is the easiest, best spot to get local currency  in Papeete ( CFP) after arriving at airport?

Are the ATM's safe here and on the islands? or is it best to change Canadian to CFP on  the Maasadam? Thanks.

 

 

 

Edited October 19, 2018 by liamur14
sp

[roberts2005]

ATM’s are fine. There are several in walking distance from dock.

[RuthC]

9 hours ago, liamur14 said:

...or is it best to change Canadian to CFP on  the Maasadam?

 

 

 

Remember, you can't change Canadian funds directly to local currency. You would first have to change it to US currency, then change THAT to local---incurring a hefty exchange fee on both transactions.
May or may not be worth it to you, but just wanted you to know there would be two fees.

[sammiedawg]

In our experience, local currency was not needed.  We had none.   American dollars and credit cards were accepted everywhere.  Local guides collected fees in American dollars.  

[obriendan]

I agree with sammiedawg.  At the end of our cruise on the Maasdam last Sunday having already visited 2 other French Polynesian ports and using USD's, I got 4000 XFP at an ATM so I wouldn't have trouble getting a taxi from the port to the airport in Papeete.  The taxi asked for the fare in USD's!  If you are flying out of Papeete use a taxi rather then the HAL ($34.95 pp!).  We teamed up with three others in a large cab and the fare was only $5 pp!

 

Dan

[liamur14]

Thanks everyone.... as always your experiences are always appreciated.We  are bringing US.$

[OlsSalt]

33 minutes ago, liamur14 said:

Thanks everyone.... as always your experiences are always appreciated.We  are bringing US.$

 

............In smaller,  new bills - always works best.

Edited October 20, 2018 by OlsSalt