French Polynesia, All Areas

Overview

French Polynesia, All Areas French Polynesia is in Oceania. An archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean about half way between South America and Australia. The climate is tropical, but moderate.

The official languages are French and Tahitian. English is widely spoken and understood in areas popular with tourists. The knowledge of a few French and Tahitian words will be appreciated. The main religion is Christianity.

The economy of French Polynesia is moderately developed and dependent on imported goods, tourism, and the financial assistance of mainland France. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands.

In French Polynesia, business is generally conducted informally. Expatriate business dress is typically casual business attire. However female expatriates should dress modestly and observe and respect local clothing customs in order to avoid drawing attention.

The security risk for expatriates in French Polynesia is low. Risks include low levels of petty / street crime and those related to tropical storms and cyclones.

The currency of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (XPF). French Polynesia is a French Overseas Territory but is not seen as part of mainland France. Not all credit cards are accepted.

Medical facilities are limited and the cost of treatment for expatriates can be high. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported.

The population of French Polynesia is 276,000 (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 1.1% for French Polynesia as at 2013.

For a single Expat, the personal income tax rate in French Polynesia is progressive up to 45%. Note: For income tax purposes, France covers mainland France, the coastal islands and Corsica; and overseas départements (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion and Mayotte).

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in French Polynesia as at 1 April 2018 is high in comparison to other places in the world.

In French Polynesia, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):
1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: High
2) Clothing: Average
3) Communication: Very High
4) Education: Low
5) Furniture & Appliances: High
6) Groceries: Very High
7) Healthcare: Very Low
8) Household Accommodation: Average
9) Miscellaneous: Average
10) Personal Care: Very Low
11) Recreation & Culture: Very High
12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very High
13) Transport: Very High

French Polynesia is for example 22.9% more expensive than USA for groceries, -5.7% cheaper for household costs than UK, and 182% more expensive for transport costs than India.

French Polynesia is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.

The hardship premium for French Polynesia for an expat from Australia, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (French Polynesia) premium of 30% minus home (Australia) location premium of 10%.

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The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in French Polynesia as at 1 April 2018 is high in comparison to other places in the world.

French Polynesia is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.