Money

French Polynesian paradise is worth the price. If it wasn't, you wouldn't find travelers shelling out the enormous amount of cash required to visit this spectacular destination year after year. It is expensive: French Polynesia is far away from anything, most goods need to be imported, and what infrastructure there is makes a living from tourism. Once you understand that, it makes planning your trip much easier to stomach. A mix of credit card purchases and cash transactions is the best way to plan for your trip, especially since banks and ATMs aren't as readily available as they are in other destinations.

Prices throughout are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens.

Currency Conversion

Google. www.google.com.

Oanda.com. www.oanda.com.

XE.com. www.xe.com.

ATMs & Banks

Your own bank will probably charge a fee for using ATMs abroad; the foreign bank you use may also charge a fee. Nevertheless, you'll usually get a better rate of exchange at an ATM than you will at a currency-exchange office or even when changing money in a bank. And extracting funds as you need them is a safer option than carrying around a large amount of cash.

PIN numbers with more than four digits are not recognized at ATMs in many countries. If yours has five or more, remember to change it before you leave.

ATMs (or DABs, as they're known in French) are hit-or-miss in French Polynesia. They can usually be found on the major islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, and Rangiroa) and offer some of the best exchange rates, but finding an ATM in the outlying areas—especially one that works—can be tricky. Don't count on having access to one. There are three primary banks on the islands: Banque de Polynesie (a branch of which can be found at Faa'a Airport), Banque de Tahiti, and Banque Socredo—note that international bank cards tend to only work at ATMs associated with this particular bank.

Credit Cards

It's a good idea to inform your credit-card company before you travel, especially if you're going abroad and don't travel internationally very often. Otherwise, the credit-card company might put a hold on your card owing to unusual activity—not a good thing halfway through your trip. Record all your credit-card numbers—as well as the phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen—in a safe place, so you're prepared should something go wrong. Both MasterCard and Visa have general numbers you can call (collect if you're abroad) if your card is lost, but you're better off calling the number of your issuing bank, since MasterCard and Visa usually just transfer you to your bank; your bank's number is usually printed on your card.

If you plan to use your credit card for cash advances, you'll need to apply for a PIN at least two weeks before your trip. Although it's usually cheaper (and safer) to use a credit card abroad for large purchases (so you can cancel payments or be reimbursed if there's a problem), note that some credit-card companies and the banks that issue them add substantial percentages to all foreign transactions, whether they're in a foreign currency or not. Check on these fees before leaving home, so there won't be any surprises when you get the bill.

Before you charge something, ask the merchant whether or not he or she plans to do a dynamic currency conversion (DCC). In such a transaction the credit-card processor (shop, restaurant, or hotel, not Visa or MasterCard) converts the currency and charges you in dollars. In most cases you'll pay the merchant a 3% fee for this service in addition to any credit-card company and issuing-bank foreign-transaction surcharges.

Dynamic currency conversion programs are becoming increasingly widespread. Merchants who participate in them are supposed to ask whether you want to be charged in dollars or the local currency, but they don't always do so. And even if they do offer you a choice, they may well avoid mentioning the additional surcharges. The good news is that you do have a choice. And if this practice really gets your goat, you can avoid it entirely thanks to American Express; with its cards, DCC simply isn't an option.

Credit cards are readily accepted in all major cities and tourist areas, but the outlying islands prefer cash, so plan to carry both. Given the high rates tacked to bank exchanges, credit cards are often a good way to pay for large purchases, such as transfers and accommodation, but note that some establishments and shops require a 2,000 CFP minimum purchase.

Reporting Lost Cards

American Express. 336/393–1111 collect from abroad. www.americanexpress.com.

Diners Club. 303/799–1504 collect from abroad. www.dinersclub.com.

MasterCard. 800/627–8372 in the U.S.; 636/722–7111 collect from abroad. www.mastercard.com.

Visa. 410/581–9994 collect from abroad. www.visa.com.

Currency & Exchange

The local currency, franc cours pacifique or CFP, is currently exchanging at a rate of 1 CFP to US13¢. Known locally as "francs," you will see the letters CFP on all menus and on prices in most local shops. (Pearl shops will also have euro and U.S. dollar pricing). The world money markets refers to the currency as XPF and this is what you will see in a bank and what will appear on your credit card statement).

Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100, while notes are in 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 values. Most travelers exchange money at airports or hotels, but there are banks in touristy areas, as well. Hefty surcharges are attached to any transaction, so the best option is to make fewer of them, even if it means carrying more cash. Since Tahiti is still a relatively safe place to travel, certain precautions (such as using the hotel's safe, when possible, or not being overly demonstrative with money) goes a long way to discouraging petty thieves.

Even if a currency-exchange booth has a sign promising no commission, rest assured that there's some kind of huge, hidden fee. (Oh … that's right. The sign didn't say no fee.) And as for rates, you're almost always better off getting foreign currency at an ATM or exchanging money at a bank.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's Checks are still accepted in major cities or large resorts, but outside of well-traveled areas they are an endangered species. Given the large bank fees tacked to changing Traveler's Checks, cash or credit cards are the better option.

Contact

American Express. 888/412–6945 in the U.S.; 801/945–9450 collect outside of the U.S. to add value; speak to customer service. www.americanexpress.com.