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Tipping in French Polynesia 💰

How much do you tip in French Polynesia? Compact guidelines plus an interactive calculator with live currency conversion — for restaurants, taxis and guides.

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The rules at a glance

Situation	Tip	Note
🍽 Restaurant	—	Tipping only for private guides
🚕 Taxi	—	–
🧭 Guide	500–1,000 XPF per person	–

Usual tipping currency on the ground: XPF (Franc).

When to tip in French Polynesia

In French Polynesia, tipping is uncommon and occasionally inappropriate. At restaurants the norm is around — of the bill; for taxis —, and for guides 500–1,000 XPF per person. Check your bill for an existing service charge — if included, you can give nothing extra or just a small amount.

How to pay a tip in French Polynesia

Easiest in cash and in XPF (Franc), small change ready before you head ashore. Cards work in many restaurants too — add the tip to the amount or write it on the slip. In many countries small notes are more appreciated than large ones.

Tip calculator

Basis: In Europe and most countries, tips are calculated on the total bill including VAT/service. In the USA, it is common to tip on the pre-tax amount — simply enter the pre-tax subtotal there.

Conversion uses live ECB rates (with fallback). Values are guidelines only, without guarantee.

Frequently asked

How much do you tip in French Polynesia at a restaurant?
Rule of thumb: —. Tipping only for private guides

Do you tip taxi drivers in French Polynesia?
Rule of thumb: —.

Which currency should I use for tips in French Polynesia?
Easiest in XPF (Franc) – have small change ready before you leave the ship.

Cruise ports in French Polynesia

In French Polynesia, cruise ships call at 4 ports — from Bora Bora to Raiatea. Tipping rules apply everywhere the same way; prices on the ground can vary slightly per port.

Bora Bora

Tender landing at Vaitape.

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Moorea

Tender landing in Opunohu or Cook Bay.

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Papeete (Tahiti)

Berth right in the town centre, the market is walkable.

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Raiatea

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Other countries in Pacific

Sources and freshness

Values from common travel practice, cross-checked with country guides and travel publications. Last updated: 2026-09-08. All values are guidelines only, without warranty.

The calculator for your journey

This tipping calculator is available in your browser for free and without an account. The Portolana app is still in development.

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