I know this is an area where we will all be differenct; however, looking for guidlines on how much money I need to convert to CFP.

We have the two day precruise in PPT. I assume taxi, le truck, le roullettes, etc all want CFP; is this true? I assume all charges at Beachcomber are on room bill (inlcluding tips) so I don't need any cash their; is this true or do I need cash to tip room service and housekeeping?

While on PG, we are full up with Radisson excursions. Is it customary to tip operator? If so, does it matter CFP or USD? Is $5 pp about right or should we tip more or less?

I assume all stores take credit cards so no need for cash; is this wrong? If I do need cash (e.g., to buy vanilla), do I need CFP?

I don't want to get stuck with any CFP at the end; any ideas on how much I should exchange? Is the airport as good as anyplace to make the exchange? Is the CFP included at IC Beachcomber come with a decent exchange rate?

thanks,

When we went last time everyone we dealt with took dollars, but I am not sure we got a great exchange rate. They gave change in CFP. Paying with credit cards was no problem. I don't know if there is a need to exchange money.

I have never exchanged money on any of my trips Marc. I may be paying or tipping slightly more with US dollars but it is worth it not to mess with changing money. Everyone takes US $$$.

Michael & Ngaire, that's the answer I was looking for! I will be collecting ones and fives for the next couple of weeks so we are ready!

thanks!

Yes, they happily took dollars everywhere. ( and use credit cards for "major" purchases.. umm like those black pearls ( for your lady) ..;-)

I did read to get some CFP - maybe $100 or so. We can always pay for the cab to the airport and some other minor purchases with them.

Both trips we have converted a small amount. For us it makes more sense, since we're Canadian. But I just like using the local currency. And having a few CFP left over makes me feel like I have to go back to spend it some day! Left-over Euros also work--FP is converting to the Euro in a couple of years, I believe. At the moment I have spare USD, CFP and Euros lying around--I will bring them all!

Marc is right about bringing small bills--good to have something to tip the tour guides, even though they don't really demand it, I think they appreciate it.

Frank read somewhere yesterday that tips are not the norm in FP except for cabs.

A story about tips--our first trip we had the good fortune to spend a 3-night pre-cruise at the Pearl Beach Manihi, in the Tuomotus. The staff were brilliant, friendly, eccentric, great. The main bartender was particularly nice, helping me with my fractured French. We tried to tip her the last night there, and she was mortally offended. As reparation, she insisted on buying *us* a farewell drink--we sat and watched the sunset over the lagoon drinking our complimentary cocktail.

Of course, that was the Tuomotus, alot less touristy than BB or Moorea. The Polynesians seem fairly universally friendly and welcoming, but I think most of the excursion guides will not turn down a tip.

Oh, and the other thing, is that in general haggling is frowned upon. The price you see is the price you get.

We did usually tip the tour guides when we did a RSSC tour. They always accepted it. I do think the Marquesas and the Tuamotus are not as "Americanized" as French Polynesia. I doubt a a tip would be turned down in FP. It is a personal call. Not everyone tips.

I have always used US currency. The only time this posed a problem was in the marketplace in Papeete where I wanted to buy a coke out of a soda machine and needed Polynesian francs. Instead I went to the bar on the second floor and they sold me one for a US dollar. I do take plenty of 1's and 5's as they will make change in francs not dollars. The ship is also good about changing larger bills to smaller bills if you run out. I have bought food or Hinano beers in grocery stores with US money and didn't think I was getting overcharged. All the cabs I have taken accepted US money also. I understand from others I have talked to that the exchange rate at the hotels is not great, but I don't have personal experience with that.