Do I need an international drivers license in French Polynesia?
There is no such thing as an International Driver’s License. The proper document that is used to translate your valid driver’s license to English including the 12 other widely used languages worldwide is called an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Although not required, it is highly recommended by tourists who have driven in the country with a motor vehicle rented from a car rental vehicle.
We are the leading IDP provider with IDP is recognized in 165 countries and more, including the following:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Canada
- Congo
- Germany
- New Caledonia
- Brazil
- United Kingdom
- Chile
- Cyprus
Do you need an international drivers license in Tahiti?
As part of French Polynesian Islands, it is highly recommended to get an International Driving Permit to drive in another country. It is highly recommended to when you do a car rental from local car rental companies, get stopped by local authorities on the road in this foreign country, or during checkpoints.
However, you must remember that despite having an IDP, you are still required to follow the road traffic rules and bring your valid home country driving license. An IDP, after all, works as a supporting document to your valid driver’s license.
Can you drive in Tahiti with a US license?
Yes, you can. As mentioned, whether you are driving in Hawaii or any country, all you need is an IDP. And do note, that the application process is straightforward.
The only thing you need to do is to fill out the application form, attach a copy of your valid driver’s license and passport-sized photo, and pay the IDP fee by inputting your credit card details.
Top Destinations in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an archipelago country with 67 inhabited atolls and 118 islands scattered throughout the southern Pacific Ocean. It’s an overseas collectivity of France with five main archipelagos called the Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, and Tubuai Islands. French Polynesia boasts some of the best beaches in the world, one being Bora Bora which is dubbed as one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Bora Bora
This should be at the top of your French Polynesian destination. Bora Bora is the most beautiful and magical place on earth, it’s almost unreal to see the place in real life. It’s where you’ll see the clearest and bluest waters your eyes will ever see, and they change in color depending on how shallow or deep the waters are. A visit to Bora Bora on a sunny day is perfect. You can stay in a luxurious bungalow or villa over the waters for a more relaxing blue water view.
Matira Beach
Situated in Bora Bora on Tahiti island, Matira Beach is a public beach that is popular among tourists. Bright white sand, coconut trees, and lapping waves are the beaches’ main ingredients. You can go on snorkeling in its shallow lagoon openings, and as obvious as it is, the water is blue and crystal clear, just like most of Bora Bora’s. You’ll see colorful corals, and a variety of tropical fish here, something you don’t get to see every day.
Faarumi Waterfalls
The Faarumi Waterfalls is located in Tahiti, and it's the most accessible, making it the most popular waterfall among tourists. The cascading water running through the rugged rocks, down to the cold pool is a perfect in-nature refreshment. Bathe in this natural beauty, or dip your tired toes. There’s a parking spot here near the jungles, then you can walk your way to the waterfalls. You can bring snacks, and bottled drinks you can drown in the cold pool.
Coral Gardens
The fascinating Coral Gardens is, you guessed it, a coral haven. Its shallow depth makes it a great snorkeling spot for tourists who love seeing diverse and colorful coral reefs. And of course, where there are corals, you’d expect fish to thrive there. Some of the fish varieties you’ll find here are the Picasso triggerfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, tang, parrotfish, goatfish, trumpet fish, zebra unicorn fish, grouper, and wrasse or Japanese moray eels.
Magic Mountain
Moorea's Magic Mountain is the island’s highest point. It sits along the exterior of the Moorea islands and offers a great 360-degree view of the island and the clear, blue lagoon that surrounds it. The way up the mountain offers a scenic view of valleys, fruit trees, villages, and pineapple plantations. The spot is not accessible with a regular car, so a 4WD vehicle is a good way to reach it, but you could arrange a guided tour that includes a trip up the Magic Mountain.
Belvedere Lookout
Here’s another awesome spot if you want to get a stunning sight of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mount Rotui, and the Opunohu Valley’s peaks and slopes, featuring the pineapple plantation. Seeing the great views requires you to hike up the hill, though you can reach the lookout with your vehicle as there’s a road leading the way to the top. Sunset is the best here with reds, pink, oranges, yellow, and purple hues painting the skies.
Marche de Papeete
Situated in the beautiful, lively, and laid-back city of Papeete, this market is sought to be the oldest surviving institution on the island. You can pick up traditional handicrafts such as baskets, hats, sarongs, garments, and other woven goodies. When buying these crafts, make sure to look around for a better price as some stalls may sell them at a higher price than others. Tasty treats are also everywhere; tropical fruits and veggies are widely available here.
Most Important Rules in Driving in the Polynesian Islands
When driving in French Polynesia, it's essential to follow the French Polynesian driving rules out of respect for the country's traffic laws and safety regulations. If you've driven in France or other French territories, the standards are similar. So, always remember to adhere to all the rules, including basic ones like not driving under the influence.
Don’t drink and drive
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in French Polynesia. Distracted driving causes accidents on the road, which sometimes results in horrible consequences. When you know you’re about to drive, don’t consume at all. But when you do, observe a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent; failure to adhere will result in a fine and imprisonment.
Use a hands-free device
Here’s another type of distracted driving that leads driver’s and passenger's lives into danger. If you must use your mobile phone, you must invest in a hands-free device. Answer phone calls in a way that you’re not deducting your focus on the road. When you’re speaking to somebody with hands-free equipment while driving, always keep the conversation short. Failure to follow this safety regulation can result in regrettable demise.
Always fasten your seat belt
Drivers and all passengers in a moving car are required to fasten their seat belts. Neglecting the seat belt laws means putting yourself in danger. If you still want to come back home to your family safe and sound, don't underestimate the life-saving power of wearing your seatbelt. French Polynesian traffic officers keep an eye for stubborn drivers who refuse to save their life. Failure to adhere to this regulation could result in a fine or penalty.
Top Destinations in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an archipelago country with 67 inhabited atolls and 118 islands scattered throughout the southern Pacific Ocean. It’s an overseas collectivity of France with five main archipelagos called the Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, and Tubuai Islands. French Polynesia boasts some of the best beaches in the world, one being Bora Bora which is dubbed as one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Bora Bora
This should be at the top of your French Polynesian destination. Bora Bora is the most beautiful and magical place on earth, it’s almost unreal to see the place in real life. It’s where you’ll see the clearest and bluest waters your eyes will ever see, and they change in color depending on how shallow or deep the waters are. A visit to Bora Bora on a sunny day is perfect. You can stay in a luxurious bungalow or villa over the waters for a more relaxing blue water view.
Matira Beach
Situated in Bora Bora on Tahiti island, Matira Beach is a public beach that is popular among tourists. Bright white sand, coconut trees, and lapping waves are the beaches’ main ingredients. You can go on snorkeling in its shallow lagoon openings, and as obvious as it is, the water is blue and crystal clear, just like most of Bora Bora’s. You’ll see colorful corals, and a variety of tropical fish here, something you don’t get to see every day.
Faarumi Waterfalls
The Faarumi Waterfalls is located in Tahiti, and it's the most accessible, making it the most popular waterfall among tourists. The cascading water running through the rugged rocks, down to the cold pool is a perfect in-nature refreshment. Bathe in this natural beauty, or dip your tired toes. There’s a parking spot here near the jungles, then you can walk your way to the waterfalls. You can bring snacks, and bottled drinks you can drown in the cold pool.
Coral Gardens
The fascinating Coral Gardens is, you guessed it, a coral haven. Its shallow depth makes it a great snorkeling spot for tourists who love seeing diverse and colorful coral reefs. And of course, where there are corals, you’d expect fish to thrive there. Some of the fish varieties you’ll find here are the Picasso triggerfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, tang, parrotfish, goatfish, trumpet fish, zebra unicorn fish, grouper, and wrasse or Japanese moray eels.
Magic Mountain
Moorea's Magic Mountain is the island’s highest point. It sits along the exterior of the Moorea islands and offers a great 360-degree view of the island and the clear, blue lagoon that surrounds it. The way up the mountain offers a scenic view of valleys, fruit trees, villages, and pineapple plantations. The spot is not accessible with a regular car, so a 4WD vehicle is a good way to reach it, but you could arrange a guided tour that includes a trip up the Magic Mountain.
Belvedere Lookout
Here’s another awesome spot if you want to get a stunning sight of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mount Rotui, and the Opunohu Valley’s peaks and slopes, featuring the pineapple plantation. Seeing the great views requires you to hike up the hill, though you can reach the lookout with your vehicle as there’s a road leading the way to the top. Sunset is the best here with reds, pink, oranges, yellow, and purple hues painting the skies.
Marche de Papeete
Situated in the beautiful, lively, and laid-back city of Papeete, this market is sought to be the oldest surviving institution on the island. You can pick up traditional handicrafts such as baskets, hats, sarongs, garments, and other woven goodies. When buying these crafts, make sure to look around for a better price as some stalls may sell them at a higher price than others. Tasty treats are also everywhere; tropical fruits and veggies are widely available here.
Most Important Rules in Driving in the Polynesian Islands
When driving in French Polynesia, it's essential to follow the French Polynesian driving rules out of respect for the country's traffic laws and safety regulations. If you've driven in France or other French territories, the standards are similar. So, always remember to adhere to all the rules, including basic ones like not driving under the influence.
Don’t drink and drive
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in French Polynesia. Distracted driving causes accidents on the road, which sometimes results in horrible consequences. When you know you’re about to drive, don’t consume at all. But when you do, observe a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent; failure to adhere will result in a fine and imprisonment.
Use a hands-free device
Here’s another type of distracted driving that leads driver’s and passenger's lives into danger. If you must use your mobile phone, you must invest in a hands-free device. Answer phone calls in a way that you’re not deducting your focus on the road. When you’re speaking to somebody with hands-free equipment while driving, always keep the conversation short. Failure to follow this safety regulation can result in regrettable demise.
Always fasten your seat belt
Drivers and all passengers in a moving car are required to fasten their seat belts. Neglecting the seat belt laws means putting yourself in danger. If you still want to come back home to your family safe and sound, don't underestimate the life-saving power of wearing your seatbelt. French Polynesian traffic officers keep an eye for stubborn drivers who refuse to save their life. Failure to adhere to this regulation could result in a fine or penalty.
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