A little more
French Polynesia.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to French Polynesia: what to know before you go

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific, made up of 118 islands and atolls spread across five archipelagos, including Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, coral reefs teeming with sharks and rays, and a strong Polynesian culture of dance, tattoo and music define it. It suits honeymooners, divers and snorkellers, and travellers ready to explore remote islands by boat or plane.

Where to go

• Bora Bora. A lagoon of many shades of blue around the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu, ringed by small islets called motus.
• Moorea. A short ferry ride from Tahiti, with jagged green peaks, pineapple fields and two bays, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.
• Tahiti. The largest island has the capital Papeete, with its covered market and roulottes (food trucks) on the waterfront.
• Rangiroa. One of the largest atolls in the world, in the Tuamotus, with a lagoon so large it looks like the open sea.

Best time to visit

The drier, cooler season from roughly May to October is the most popular time to visit, with sunny days, lower humidity and good diving visibility. July is busy with the Heiva festival of dance, music and traditional sports in Papeete.

Staying online in French Polynesia

Mobile coverage is good in Papeete and across most of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, and available in the main villages of other populated islands. On smaller atolls, remote motus, in the mountainous interiors and at sea, coverage is patchy or absent. Many hotels offer Wi-Fi, though on remote islands it can be slow. French Polynesia is outside the EU, so EU roaming allowances usually don't apply. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.