Safety

French Polynesia is still a very safe place to travel, provided you don't take it for granted. As with every destination, pickpockets and petty thieves take whatever opportunities you give them, so leaving your camera on your towel while you have a swim is not recommended. Also, locals still indulge in illegal drunk-driving, so keep aware and steer well clear of any erratic drivers. The chance of crime increases in the larger cities like Pape'ete, where a rise in drug abuse is causing a parallel increase in violent crime. Take care walking late at night. However, the greatest risks while traveling in French Polynesia are posed by the environment itself: heatstroke, sunburn, reef cuts, and riptides, for example, are notorious culprits, so minimize sun exposure, ask questions, and tread carefully.

Contact

Transportation Security Administration. www.tsa.gov.

General Info & Warnings

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Consular Affairs Bureau of Canada. www.voyage.gc.ca.

U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office. www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

U.S. Department of State. www.travel.state.gov.