So, you've finally booked that flight to Papeete. You’re looking at pictures of overwater bungalows, dreaming of Hinano beer, and then it hits you: the money. Dealing with tahitian francs to dollars is usually where the vacation daydream hits a bit of a mathematical wall.
It’s not like converting pesos or euros where the numbers feel somewhat familiar. The French Pacific Franc (XPF) is a different beast entirely. Honestly, the first time you see a menu where a burger costs 2,500 francs, your brain might short-circuit for a second. Don't worry, you aren't actually spending a small fortune on a cheeseburger.
The Weird Truth About the Tahitian Franc
First thing you need to know: the Tahitian Franc—officially the CFP Franc—is actually "pegged." Basically, it has a fixed relationship with the Euro. This is a carryover from the days of the French Franc, but now it’s tied to the Euro at a permanent rate of 1 Euro to 119.33 XPF.
Because of this, the rate for tahitian francs to dollars fluctuates based on how the US Dollar is doing against the Euro. As of mid-January 2026, $1 is roughly equal to 102 XPF.
If you want a quick "vacation math" trick that doesn't involve a calculator while you're standing in a grocery store, just drop the last two zeros. 1,000 XPF? That's roughly $10. It’s not perfect—technically it’s closer to $9.76 right now—but it keeps you from overspending when you’re three Mai Tais deep in Bora Bora.
Where to Get Your Cash (And Where to Avoid)
You've probably heard this before, but it bears repeating: the airport is convenient, but you pay for that convenience. The exchange offices at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) usually have a line and a slightly worse rate than what you'll find downtown.
If you're landing late at night, you might not have a choice. Taxis in Tahiti are notoriously cash-only. A ride from the airport to a hotel in Papeete might run you 2,500 to 3,500 XPF, and while some drivers might take US dollars if you're desperate, they’ll usually give you a 1:1 rate that is, quite frankly, a total rip-off.
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Pro tip: Walk past the exchange booths and find the ATM. There are several at the airport, including a Banque Socredo and a Banque de Tahiti. Your bank’s ATM fee is almost always going to be cheaper than the "spread" a currency exchange booth charges you.
Does Everywhere Take Credit Cards?
Mostly. But "mostly" can get you into trouble in the islands.
In the big resorts on Moorea or Bora Bora, you can live your whole life on a Visa or Mastercard. But the moment you wander off-property to a local roulotte (those amazing food trucks in Papeete) or a small pearl shop, they’re going to want francs.
Also, American Express is hit or miss. If that’s your primary card, bring a backup. Many small vendors won't touch Amex because the merchant fees are too high for them to handle.
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Real-World Costs: What Your Dollars Actually Buy
To give you an idea of how the tahitian francs to dollars conversion looks in the wild, here are a few common prices you’ll see right now:
- A bottle of water at a Magasin: 200 XPF (About $1.95)
- A casual lunch at a Roulotte: 1,500 - 2,200 XPF (About $15 - $22)
- A cocktail at a high-end resort: 2,500 - 3,500 XPF (About $24 - $34)
- Gasoline (per liter): Roughly 150 XPF (About $1.47, or $5.50 a gallon)
Prices in French Polynesia are high. There's no way around that. Almost everything is imported from France or New Zealand. When you're converting your money, just be prepared for a bit of sticker shock, especially on the outer islands like Maupiti or the Marquesas where supply chains are even tighter.
The "Leftover Franc" Problem
What happens when you’re headed back to the States and you still have 8,000 XPF in your wallet?
You have two real options. You can exchange them back at the airport before you clear security, but you'll lose a chunk of change in the process. Or, you can do what most seasoned travelers do: use the cash to pay off a portion of your final hotel bill. Most resorts will happily take whatever cash you have left and put the remaining balance on your credit card.
Wait. There is a third option. The coins are actually beautiful. The 100 XPF coin is large, heavy, and features local designs. They make great cheap souvenirs for kids or for that one friend who collects weird currency.
Dealing with Banks in the U.S.
Don't bother trying to find Tahitian Francs at your local bank branch in Ohio before you leave. Most U.S. banks don't stock XPF. If they do order it for you, the exchange rate will be abysmal. It is much better to arrive with a few hundred US Dollars as a backup and just hit the ATM the second you land in Tahiti.
One thing people get wrong: they think they can just use USD everywhere. While some tour operators will take your greenbacks, they are doing you a "favor" by settting their own exchange rate. You will almost always end up paying 10-20% more than if you had just used local currency.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Check your daily withdrawal limit: Before you leave, make sure your bank knows you're in French Polynesia and that your daily limit is high enough to cover a few days of cash needs.
- Always choose "Local Currency" at the ATM: If the machine asks if you want to be charged in Dollars or Francs, always pick Francs. This lets your home bank do the conversion instead of the Tahitian bank, which saves you a few percentage points.
- Carry small bills: 10,000 XPF bills are common from ATMs, but trying to buy a 500 XPF pineapple with one is a headache for the vendor. Break those big bills at the hotel front desk or a larger grocery store.
- The 10% Rule: Since tipping isn't mandatory or even expected in Tahiti (unlike the US), you don't need to factor that into your currency conversion math. If the bill says 5,000 XPF, you pay 5,000 XPF.
Managing tahitian francs to dollars isn't as scary as it looks once you realize the peg to the Euro keeps things relatively stable. Just remember the "drop two zeros" rule for quick math, keep a debit card with no foreign transaction fees handy, and try to spend your coins before you leave the islands.
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Next Step: Check your credit card's benefits guide or app to see if they charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. If they do, it might be worth opening a travel-specific card like a Chase Sapphire or a Capital One Venture before your trip to save hundreds of dollars on conversion fees alone.