ADDITIONAL INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flying via Tokyo to Papeete (PPT)
China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, some India, and some Russia
Tokyo to PPT
You can also fly from Hawaii to Papeete (PPT) but only once a week
Flying from Europe to Papeete (PPT)
with a stopover in LA
Paris-LA (direct flight)
London-LA (direct flight)
Madrid to LA (direct flight)
Moscow to LA (direct flight)
Rome to LA (direct flight)
Frankfurt to LA (direct flight)
Istanbul to LA (direct flight)
Australia to Papeete (PPT)
via Aukland
many guests from India also will do this route and combine NZ and Tahiti
Latin America to Papeete (PPT)
Mexico city to LA direct flight) then LA to PPT
Argentina to Santiago-Santiago to Easter Island-Easter Island to PPT
Brazil-to Easter Island-Easter Island to PPT
Chile to Easter Island-Easter Island to PPT
Peru to Easter Island-Easter Island to PPT
*this Easter Island to PPT flight is only once a week*
CONNECTING FLIGHTS
If you have to purchase two (2) or more connecting flights involving multiple airlines that have an Interline Agreement, it is best to book all of your flights at once to ensure they get issued on the same e-ticket. This will allow you to check your luggage through.
Note: For connections between US carriers and Air Tahiti Nui, it is required that you allow yourself a minimum of three (3) hours to connect with your LA, Air Tahiti Nui flight
TRAVEL TIPS
Before planning for your trip and leaving for the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What to pack?
Bora Bora is ideally situated very near to our Equator and so our recommendation is to dress cool. While that can mean “hip” to some, which we do encourage, it also means think lightweight clothing. Fabrics comprised of cotton, linen, or silk blends are essential. Also, a good hat is your best asset, as the sun can be quite strong in this region.
· Daytime attire: Casual – Swimsuits & cover-ups, casual cotton shorts, tank tops and t-shirts
for pool-side and on-the-water activities. For activities ashore, we recommend a bit more coverage. Cotton shorts & tops, as well as good walking or tennis shoes and a hat are also recommended for island tours & excursions.
· Evening attire: Resort Casual – Capri pants, skirts, sundresses, and stylish sandals or flats for women. Nice cotton shorts or casual pants, polo or tropical shirts, and loafers or sandals for men.
· Smart Casual – Sundresses, cotton, silk or linen separates, and stylish sandals are ideal for women; Bermuda shorts, lightweight slacks (no denim, please), polo or cotton/linen shirts, and loafers or nice sandals for men.
· Other “must have” items to throw in your suit case: sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, 1 or 2 light jackets as it can be chilly sometimes at night with the breeze (and in the plane as well!), Ipod/Mp3 player, as well as your most colorful bathing suits
Baggage Allowance
In compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority Regulations, it is necessary to limit the size; weight and number of each customer’s carry-on and checked baggage. Air Tahiti Nui’s complimentary baggage allowance is one carry-on with a maximum of 10 kg and one (1) pieces of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg per piece. Air Tahiti’s complimentary baggage allowance is one carry-on with a maximum of 3 kg and one (1) piece of checked baggage with a maximum weight 20 kg per piece. We recommend packing only 1 checked in luggage and 1 carry on.
Baggage Regulations
1. Checked Baggage
From charges to weight and size, it is recommended that you check with your airline(s) about checked baggage regulations and fees prior to departure.
Note: For multiple connecting flights, you must check and comply with the baggage regulations of each airline, unless there is an existing Interline Agreement between the two companies, and if the connecting flights are all issued on the same e-ticket.
2. Carry-on Baggage
Whether you’re traveling in the US or international, you are entitled to one (1) small carry-on luggage and one (1) personal item. However, the weight and size for carry-on luggage vary between airlines.
3. Check Through Luggage
For connecting flights, it is best to check your luggage through to avoid claiming and re-checking your luggage between each connecting flights, and having to pay multiple baggage fees. In order to benefit from this, all of your connecting flights must be issued on the same e-ticket.
If you have a connection time of four (4) hours or more between flights, you must claim your luggage and re-check it.
Note: For all flights departing from Tahiti Faa’a International Airport, luggage cannot be checked through. All passengers must claim their luggage upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and re-check them at the “Connecting Flights” counter in the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Contact Information
For any questions or more information, please contact Air Tahiti Nui at 1-877-824-4846.
Telephones/Cellular Phones/Blackberry Services
The mobile operator in French Polynesia is Tikiphone Vini Network (F-VINI). To use your mobile phone in
Bora Bora, you have to have service with one of their roaming partners (ie: Vodafone, Orange…) and advise your service provider of your need for international roaming while in Polynesia. Prior to your departure, you can contact your provider to advise them that you will be traveling international. Although roaming is available, we recommend purchasing a phone card as roaming charges to your cellular phones will apply and are costly. Most importantly, please note that some Blackberry service is currently available in Bora Bora or throughout Tahiti for data. This service is dependent upon your provider so please check with your cellular provider to see if you will have coverage during your stay. The iPhone is generally able to utilize the FVINI network and tends to work well in Polynesia.
Laptops with WiFi capability can successfully utilize the resort’s WiFi network, if you prefer to bring your laptop to check emails. In addition, we offer complimentary internet access through our Business Center. Internet wired and wireless access is available in all of our Overwater Bungalows and throughout the resort if you do decide to bring your laptop with you.
iPods / Personal Music
We do provide iHome docking stations in all of our Overwater Bungalow suites (adjacent to the bed) should you wish to bring your personal iPod or mp3 player along with you.
Voltage
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora uses 220 volt outlets, similar to those you would find in France. We suggest you bring a converter or adapter, if you have one. We can provide electrical outlet adapters for you from Housekeeping.
Time Difference
During summer time, Bora Bora is on GMT – 11.
Currency
No currency is needed while you are on the resort property. However, if you plan to venture to the main island and the town of Vaitape for shopping or dining, having a bit of local currency (Pacifique Francs –CFP / XPF) can be very convenient. If you forget to exchange currency at LAX, the Resort’s Front Desk can accommodate any currency exchange requests.
Visa and passport
A valid passport and a roundtrip or return ticket are required for all visitors entering Tahiti. Visas are not required for French, Spanish, English, Swedish, UK citizens for stays of less than 90 days. A new security requirement is in place for international travelers eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Prior to entering the USA, any international traveler must apply for the authorization online at the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/est/esta
Gratuities and tipping
While tipping is not customary in Polynesia, at the Four Seasons we aspire to the highest levels of service and therefore we impose a service charge and resort fee is to reward our resort staff. In 2012, the service charge is 4% and resort fee is 7%. The service charge and resort fee is added to all meal checks and guest room charges and is used as staff compensation. This takes the form of both a standard gratuity, as well as a supplement to their housing on the main island and complimentary transportation to/from the resort. Additional gratuities beyond the service charge are always welcomed by local staff for exemplary service.
What is the Time Difference?
During Daylight-Saving Time (April to late October) the time difference is three hoursbehind the West Coast. The balance of the year, the time difference for French Polynesia istwo hours behind Pacific Standard Time. French Polynesian maintains the same time zone asthe Hawaiian Islands.
Do we cross the International Date Line?
No, but you do cross the equator.