Money in French Polynesia
French Polynesia uses the CFP franc. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- XPFCFP franc
- Symbol
- F
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in French Polynesia
Pegged to the euro. Carry cash for outer islands and small shops.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Small shops, markets and some remote islands often require cash, and Austral, some Tuamotu and Marquesas islands are often cash only. Tahiti Tourisme says to bring cash before travelling to the outlying islands.
- ATMs
- ATMs are in Papeete and on Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora, per Moana Voyages. Moana Voyages says the Tuamotu, Gambier, Austral and Marquesas islands have no cash withdrawal options.
- Foreign currency
- Tahiti Tourisme says US dollar bills and coins are not accepted. Air Tahiti Nui says some businesses occasionally take US dollars or euros but recommends local currency.
- Exchanging money
- There is an exchange office at Tahiti-Faa'a airport and two in Papeete, plus banks in Papeete and on main islands. Tahiti Tourisme says hotels exchange at less favourable rates.
- Watch out for
- The CFP franc (XPF) is pegged to the euro at a fixed 1 EUR = 119.33 XPF, per Moana Voyages and Air Tahiti Nui. Moana Voyages says Pacific francs are unlikely to be found outside the territory.
Tipping in French Polynesia
Tipping isn't customary, and some hotels and tourist restaurants add a service charge. Rounding up for great service is welcome.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Tahiti Tourisme, Moana Voyages, Air Tahiti Nui, Tripmasters.
Convert to and from XPF
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 107 XPF | 119 XPF | 143 XPF |
| 10 | 1,065 XPF | 1,193 XPF | 1,429 XPF |
| 50 | 5,326 XPF | 5,967 XPF | 7,147 XPF |
| 100 | 10,652 XPF | 11,933 XPF | 14,293 XPF |
| 500 | 53,259 XPF | 59,666 XPF | 71,467 XPF |
What each amount is worth in XPF. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does French Polynesia use?
French Polynesia uses the CFP franc (XPF).
Do you need to tip in French Polynesia?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary, and some hotels and tourist restaurants add a service charge. Rounding up for great service is welcome.
Can you pay by card in French Polynesia?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Small shops, markets and some remote islands often require cash, and Austral, some Tuamotu and Marquesas islands are often cash only. Tahiti Tourisme says to bring cash before travelling to the outlying islands.
Are there ATMs in French Polynesia?
ATMs are in Papeete and on Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora, per Moana Voyages. Moana Voyages says the Tuamotu, Gambier, Austral and Marquesas islands have no cash withdrawal options.