Travelling to French Polynesia?

Get the best rates for French Polynesia currency online

Prepare for your holiday today! Order your CFP francs French Polynesia from Manor FX now. Our excellent CFP franc exchange rate ensures you’ll have extra XPF currency to enjoy. 

You can safely receive your CFP Franc banknotes at home or work, or you can collect them from the Manor FX bureau close to Heathrow.

Manor FX provides swift delivery and a straightforward online ordering experience to exchange your pounds to CFP francs.

French Polynesia travel money

Here are some useful details about CFP francs, cash and card payments.

What is the CFP franc?

The CFP franc is the currency used in French Polynesia, a stunning island paradise in the South Pacific. 

XPF is the currency code and the official money used in this breathtaking destination.  

Where is CFP currency used?

The CFP franc (XPF) is used in the following French Pacific territories:

1. French Polynesia (including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea)
2. New Caledonia
3. Wallis and Futuna

These territories are part of the French Republic, but they have their own local governments. 

If you visit any of these stunning Pacific destinations, buy XFP currency beforehand.

Where can I get French Polynesian francs?

CFP Francs are a minor currency and are harder to come by in the UK than major currencies. 

Compare the best CFP Francs exchange rates and fees from different sources to get the best value for your  GBP to XPF conversion.

Alternatively, choose Manor FX, the best French Polynesia currency converter and get the best exchange rates guaranteed when you buy XPF currency.

We’ll also help you convert your leftover French Polynesia currency to GBP when you get back.

Should I exchange currency before I travel to French Polynesia? 

Yes. Buying CFP Francs in the UK before you leave is a good idea. 

This will help you cover any immediate expenses on arrival and ensure you avoid high airport rates.

You can also use ATMs to withdraw local currency in French Polynesia as needed during your stay. 

Just be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with your cards abroad.

What is the best currency to bring to French Polynesia?

The best currency to bring is the local currency, which is the CFP franc (XPF).  

If bringing foreign currency, euros (EUR) and US dollars (USD) are the easiest to exchange to CFP francs at French Polynesia currency exchange offices. However, exchange rates may not be favourable. 

Can I use my bank card in French Polynesia?

Yes, you can use your bank card, especially in hotels, restaurants, and major shops. 

However, some remote areas and small businesses may only accept money (CFP francs – XPF). 

ATMs are available in main towns, but it’s best to check with your bank about fees and international usage before you travel.

On smaller, less touristy islands like Tubuai, Ua Pou, and Mangareva, you might not be able to pay by card. 

Carrying cash for transactions is often advisable in remote areas, as card payment infrastructure may be less developed. 

You can always exchange XPF to GBP when you return hassle-free.

Should I use cash in French Polynesia?

Yes, it’s advisable to carry some cash (CFP francs – XPF), especially for small businesses, local markets, and remote islands where card payments may not be widely accepted.  

While credit cards are widely used in hotels and tourist areas, having physical money ensures you’re covered for places that only take cash payments.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in French Polynesia?

Using a combination of cash (CFP francs) and cards is advisable. 

Use physical money for small expenses and in areas with limited card acceptance. Then, rely on cards for convenience, security, and larger transactions. 

Don’t forget to inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.

And convert any leftover XPF currency to pounds with Manor FX.  

How much cash should I take to French Polynesia?

Budget travellers: Expect to spend 8,000–12,000 XPF (£50–£80) daily. Bring 100,000–150,000 XPF (£700–£1,100) for a 7–10 day trip.

Mid-range travellers: Daily expenses range from 12,000–20,000 XPF (£80–£145). Carry 200,000–250,000 XPF (£1,400–£1,800) for 10–14 days.

Luxury travellers: Spending can exceed 20,000–40,000 XPF (£145–£290) daily. Bring 300,000–500,000 XPF (£2,200–£3,600) for a lavish two-week stay.

We offer the best CFP francs buy back rate if you return with currency left over. 

How can I avoid ATM fees in French Polynesia?

To avoid or minimise ATM fees, consider these top five tips:

1. Carry sufficient money. Bring enough money with you for small expenses, especially if you plan to visit remote areas where ATMs are unavailable. This reduces the need for frequent ATM withdrawals.
2. Currency exchange in advance. Exchange a portion of your home currency for CFP francs using a currency exchange service before your trip. This way, you’ll have money when you arrive and may not need to rely on ATMs immediately.
3. Withdraw larger amounts. Instead of making frequent small withdrawals, withdraw more significant amounts of cash less frequently. This reduces the number of transactions and costs. 
4. Opt for card payments. Whenever possible, use your credit or debit card for larger expenses. Card payments typically offer better exchange rates and lower fees than ATM withdrawals.
5. Use ATMs from major banks. Stick to ATMs that belong to well-known major banks, as they often have lower or no withdrawal fees. Look for ATMs operated by banks like Banque de Tahiti, Socredo, or Banque de Polynésie.

Is French Polynesia expensive?

Yes, French Polynesia is expensive, particularly for accommodation, food, and activities. 

Prices are high because of its remote location, reliance on imports, and popularity as a luxury travel destination.

• Accommodation: Budget stays from £50/night, mid-range from £150–£300/night, and luxury resorts from £500+ per night.
• Food: Local meals cost £10–£20 while dining at mid-range restaurants is £30–£60 per person.
• Transport: Ferries and public buses are affordable, but flights and taxis are pricey.
• Activities: Excursions like snorkelling, diving, and boat tours can range from £50 to £200+ per person.

How to save: Stay in guesthouses, eat at local roulottes (food trucks), use public transport, and book activities in advance.

Recoup a bit extra on your return when you convert XPF to pounds sterling with Manor FX.

Do you tip in French Polynesia?

No, tipping is not expected, as service charges are usually included in bills. 

However, if you receive exceptional service, leaving a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated but not required.

French Polynesian currency

Banknotes 

CFP franc banknotes come in various denominations and showcase local culture and nature. 

Standard denominations include 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 CPF franc banknotes with unique designs and colours. 

Higher denomination banknotes like 20,000 and 50,000 XPF are also in use. 

These banknotes have security features to prevent counterfeiting.

Coins 

Common coin denominations include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 CPF francs. These coins vary in size and metal composition, with each denomination featuring its specific design and imagery.

Did you get back with some leftover CFP franc coins? Our sister company, Leftover Currency, can help you exchange CFP Franc coins back to cash. 

French Polynesia’s currency import and export regulations

The currency regulations are the same as those in France. Travellers must declare if they are entering or leaving with currency over €10,000 or equivalent in foreign or domestic banknotes and coins.

Remember that regulations can change, and specific circumstances may apply to individuals or transactions. 

Before your trip, verify the current currency import and export limits with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the law and a smooth travel experience.

Convert CFP Franc currency online

Order CFP francs online and have them swiftly and securely delivered to your home or workplace using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®. 

Alternatively, you can collect your currency from our travel money shop near Heathrow Airport.

Click here to buy CFP francs online

Selling back CFP Francs 

If you need to convert leftover XPF currency to GBP, simply follow this link to exchange CFP franc to GBP. Click on ‘sell currency’ and choose ‘XPF French Polynesian CFP Franc’. 

We offer competitive rates for your XPF to British pounds conversion.  

FAQs