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French Polynesia is comprised of more than 100 islands in the South Pacific, and is extremely popular with tourists. Using your phone there can work out to be quite costly, so to keep expenses down why not switch to a local SIM card so you can take advantage of better plans, deals and tariffs? French Polynesia has a prepaid SIM card deal for travelers, with offers that could reduce your bills. So, whether you’re planning a quick break, an extended trip or an exploration, check out the best SIM card options available.
The French-speaking nation has two main operators: Vini and Vodafone.
Both operators have been tried and tested by local residents and international travelers, and can be trusted. However, unless you can find SIM plans better than your existing provider, we strongly advise you to keep the one you have. The wrong plan can prove expensive!
Vini and Vodafone both offer prepaid SIM cards. They can be purchased from the official store and approved resellers. The islands are not considered part of the EU, so EU roaming caps don't apply and charges can be very high for roaming. Vini already offers 4G/LTE wireless while Vodafone plans on offering the service toward the end of the year. Below, we have listed both providers and what they can offer you during your stay in French Polynesia.
State-owned Vini S.A.S. is the main provider on the islands. It offers 4G/LTE services and quite good network coverage. Two types of prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers:
Text “conso” to 7100 to check your balance.
The following data packs can be added:
10MB | CFP100 | Valid for 1 hour | Text “IM10” to 7071 |
50MB | CFP350 | Valid for 24 hours | Text “IM50” to 7071 |
Data only SIM cards called Internet Mobile Prépayé are available:
Credit can be added by texting the 14-digit code to 7010. Text “conso” to 7100 to check your balance.
Vini’s APN: Internet
Website:http://www.vini.pf/
If you plan to travel around the islands then Vodafone is the better option, because it has far-reaching network coverage. Vodafone’s 3G services are actually very good and compete with Vini’s 4G offering. Vodafone plans on providing a 4G/LTE service of its own toward the end of 2017.
The following Vodafone SIM cards are available:
Credit can be purchased for:
Dial *1122# to check your balance.
The standard default data rate is CFP11 per MB on all prepaid SIMs. The following data packs can be added:
Website:http://www.vodafone.pf/index.php
While it’s well known for its reviews, booking hotels, flights and holidays, TripAdvisor also has many user comments that can help guide you through what SIM cards have been tried and tested in French Polynesia.
Here are some top tips from TripAdvisor users:
“It doesn't cost you if somebody calls you but unless the person calling you has an international calling plan it is very expensive for them. I usually connect to Wi-Fi and use Skype or Facetime”
“All incoming calls, even international, are free on the Vini phone/text SIM card, and yes, you will be assigned a local Tahitian phone number”
“The phone can be reloaded with credits with a Vini recharge card, available at all post offices and many stores and shops”
Both providers require you to have a SIM-unlocked GSM compatible international phone. To double check you have this option, or to find out whether it’s possible to unlock your device, contact your provider before you set off on your travels.
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What is the best phone SIM to buy when travelling around Tahiti Islands, French Polynesia and Bora Bora?
Hi Tony,
Thank you for reaching out.
It shows that Tahiti Island and Bora Bora are both islands in French Polynesia. There are currently two service providers in French Polynesia – Vini and Vodafone. Both providers offer prepaid SIM cards that you can purchase from the official store and approved resellers. It appears that Vini already offers 4G/LTE wireless while Vodafone plans on offering the service toward the end of the year. We have listed above on what both providers can offer you. You may need to check on their plans and see what will best suit you based on your preferences.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai