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Bora Bora digital nomad guide

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Nomad score 4.8/10

-16.4996, -151.7371 Pacific/Tahiti #2453

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Researched Updated Oct 22, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Working and Networking

Social Events for Expats
No published expat meetup. The island gathering is Heiva i Bora Bora on Place Tuvava'u in Vaitape, held from 26 June to 2 August 2026. 21
Best Coworking Space
No coworking space on the island. Wikivoyage also says there is no library, so remote work is from a pension or a flight to Tahiti. 2

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
No ride-hailing app. The mairie lists private taxis, including Jeremie (+689 87 70 69 16) and Taxi Tafirai (+689 87 24 08 00). Agree the fare; no meter is published. 3
Bike/Scooter Rental
Avis Bora Bora (40 67 70 15). A two-seat petrol scooter is 5,500 XPF for 4 hours or 6,800 XPF for 24 hours, and a manual economy car is 11,900 XPF a day. The ring road is about 31 km. 2 7
Best Beach Nearby
Matira Beach, at the southern tip of the main island, is the main public beach. 2 25
Top Regional Airline
Air Tahiti, from Motu Mute (BOB). A Papeete return starts at 21,746 XPF including 6,246 XPF of taxes, about 50 minutes and 259 km. Air Moana also flies the Society Islands. The boat from the airport to Vaitape is included for Air Tahiti passengers. 3 9 23
Top International Airline
Bora Bora has no international airport. Air Tahiti Nui and Air France fly Los Angeles to Tahiti-Faa'a, United and French bee fly San Francisco, and Hawaiian flies Honolulu. The hop on to Bora Bora is about 50 minutes. 9 23
Highway Access
No highway. One sealed ring road, about 31 km, which Wikivoyage says takes about an hour without stops. The mountainous centre has no road. 2
Main Train/Transit Hub
Vaitape quay. There is no train. Air Tahiti's Bora Bora Navette crosses to Motu Mute airport in about 15 minutes, included in the ticket, and leaves Vaitape 1 hour 30 minutes before departure. 9 33 34
Public Transport Passes
No monthly pass and no published fare. Air Tahiti still lists local trucks at Vaitape, and Wikivoyage describes one bus about hourly, but the mairie says land transport is private taxis and rentals. 2 3 9
Regional Travel
Air Tahiti also flies Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau. Maupiti Express II sails from Vaitape to Taha'a and Raiatea about three times a week (about 2 hours 20 minutes); tickets on board or at the Vaitape desk, 40 67 66 69. 9 22

Essentials

City
Bora-Bora, Leeward Islands (Iles Sous-le-Vent), Society Islands, French Polynesia. The only town is Vaitape, on the west coast. 2 33
Population
10,758 municipal residents in the 2022 census, the legal population still in force, plus 98 counted separately (10,856 in total). 1
Internet Speed
Vini Vinibox UP is fibre up to 200 Mb/s down for 9,000 XPF a month where the line is eligible, plus an 11,400 XPF connection fee and a 12-month term. Starlink antennas cannot be imported while OPT and SpaceX have no operating agreement (administrative ruling of 29 September 2026). 6 18
Currency & Banking
CFP franc (XPF). The mairie converter uses the peg, 1,000 XPF = 8.38 EUR. On 19 October 2026 the ECB rate was 1 EUR = 1.1225 USD, about 106.31 XPF per US dollar. 3 35
Tap Water
The municipal supply is drinkable. The mairie Vaitehi campaign of 17 August 2026 says tap water is safe, and an August 2026 Polynesian Water test at Bloody Mary's found no E. coli. 16 17
Power
110/220 V at 60/50 Hz, depending on the building. Sockets are types A, B and E. Check the outlet before you plug in. 10
SIM Card
Vini is the only operator. A prepaid line needs a passport, national ID, driving licence or residence permit, and can be suspended if identification is not finished within 30 days. A 1,000 XPF recharge is 60 minutes, unlimited local SMS and 5 GB (or 8 GB data-only) for 21 days. Nui 20 GB is 2,700 XPF a month and can be an eSIM. 4 5 19 37
Banking for Expats
Banque de Tahiti, agence Bora Bora, Monday to Friday 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00 (40 60 59 99). Banque SOCREDO, BP 170, Vaitape, Monday to Friday 07:30-11:30 and 13:00-15:30, with an ATM (40 47 00 00). 14 15 32
Accommodation
Motu resorts and Matira beach hotels, or a Vaitape studio. Sunset Hill Lodge, about 1 km from the quay, lists studios from 14,082 XPF a night for two, taxes and cleaning included. 2 8 31
Cashless Friendly
XPF cash still matters. SOCREDO has an ATM in Vaitape, and there is no ride-hailing or food-delivery app on the mairie transport list. Resorts price meals in dollars as well as francs. 2 3 14
Short Term Rentals
Sunset Hill Lodge in Vaitape publishes studios from 14,082 XPF a night for two (Mountain Side Studio 5 or 6), taxes included, about a 10-minute walk from the quay. A live Airbnb monthly checkout was not published. 8 31
Budget Accommodation
Sunset Hill Lodge, Vaitape, is the cheapest rate confirmed on its own site: 14,082 XPF a night for two, taxes, tourist tax and cleaning included. 8
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Matira, at the south end, for the public beach and hotels on the main island. Motu resorts are reached only by boat. 2 25
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Vaitape. The banks, Super U, Chin Lee, the medical centre and the airport quay are in the village. There is no coworking space. 2 3 15

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Centre medical de Vaitape, +689 40 67 70 77, Monday to Thursday 07:30-15:30 and Friday 07:30-14:30. For an ambulance call 15, or 40 48 59 06 from a landline. Serious cases may need evacuation, and a European or UK health card does not cover French Polynesia. 3 20

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
No delivery app is listed by the mairie. Meals are at the Vaitape roulottes, in the town car park from 17:00, or at restaurants such as Bloody Mary's. 2 3
Best Local Dish to Try
Grilled mahi-mahi with fries at the Vaitape roulottes, 1,400 XPF in Wikivoyage's January 2019 note. A hamburger there was 700 XPF at the same date. 2
Affordable Shopping Spots
Chin Lee, in central Vaitape, and Super U on the ring road just north of the village. Wikivoyage says groceries cost more than on Tahiti. 2 28 29
Grocery Delivery
No grocery delivery was published. Shop at Super U or Chin Lee in Vaitape. 2 28 29
Bar/Nightlife Area
Bloody Mary's, on the ring road at Pofai Bay between Nunue and Matira. Wikivoyage puts a meal around US$60 to US$80 a person. The restaurant was still open in August 2026, when the water utility sampled it. 2 17 27
Local Brewery
No brewery on Bora Bora. Hinano, the usual lager, is brewed by Brasserie de Tahiti on Tahiti. 39
Street Food Stalls
Roulottes in the Vaitape town car park from 17:00. In January 2019 a hamburger was 700 XPF and grilled mahi-mahi with fries was 1,400 XPF. 2
Popular International Cuisine
Bloody Mary's on Pofai Bay is the island's well-known American-style fish and steak grill, about US$60 to US$80 a person in the Wikivoyage note. 2 27

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
Mount Otemanu, the sharp volcanic peak above the lagoon. Wikivoyage gives the height as 727 m and, later in the same article, 728 m. 2 26
Museums & Art Venues
No museum. Wikivoyage says there is no museum, cinema or library. Dance and song are staged at Heiva on Place Tuvava'u. 2 21
Historical Sites
World War II American coastal guns from the 1942-1946 supply base (Operation Bobcat). Air Tahiti says the cannons can still be seen, and Wikivoyage describes jeep tours of the emplacements. 2 9
Religious Sites
Eglise Saint-Pierre-Celestin on the ring road in Vaitape, and the evangelical church a short way along the same road. 30 38
Annual Events
Heiva i Bora Bora, on Place Tuvava'u in Vaitape, ran from 26 June to 2 August 2026. Dance and song contests ended on 19 July, won by Tamarii Nunue. 21
Cultural Districts
Vaitape and Place Tuvava'u. The 2026 Heiva was carried by six village groups, including Nunue, Faanui, Anau, Tiipoto, Hitia'a and Amanahune. 21 33
Theater Venues
No permanent theatre. Heiva i Bora Bora 2026 put ori tahiti and himene on Place Tuvava'u, with contest nights from 7 to 19 July. 21
Local Markets
During Heiva, flower-covered food and craft stalls (baraques foraines) fill Place Tuvava'u. No separate weekly market timetable was on the mairie pages opened. 21
Music Scene
Heiva himene and drumming on Place Tuvava'u each June and July. Outside the festival, Bloody Mary's on Pofai Bay is the regular restaurant with a bar. 2 21
Historic Buildings
Eglise Saint-Pierre-Celestin, on the ring road in Vaitape, is the town church. The other standing historic sites are the World War II gun positions. 9 30
Local Heritage
Ori tahiti dance, himene singing and village flower costumes, the core of Heiva i Bora Bora on Place Tuvava'u. 21

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Matira Beach and the lagoon inside the barrier reef. Snorkelling off the beach is free; boat tours go farther out to shark-and-ray spots. 2 25
National Parks Nearby
No national park on Bora Bora. The outdoor land is the lagoon shore and the uninhabited mountainous centre, which has no road across it. 2
Cycling/Walking Paths
The sealed ring road is about 31 km. Mount Pahia has a steep trail, but it crosses private land and Wikivoyage says the gendarmerie will not give the route without a guide. 2
Scenic Viewpoints
The lagoon side of the ring road, looking up at Mount Otemanu, and Matira Beach for the view over the reef. 2 25 26

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
Post offices are the OPT Fare Rata counters. Vini tells fibre customers to subscribe at a Vini shop or a Fare Rata office. A street address for the Vaitape counter was not on the pages opened. 6
Language Classes
French and Tahitian, with English in hotels and shops. No language school was found on the island. 2
Libraries & Study Spots
None listed. Wikivoyage says there is no library, so bring your own reading. 2
Community Centers
Mairie de Bora Bora, Vaitape, +689 40 60 58 00, Monday to Thursday 07:30-12:00 and 12:30-16:00, Friday until 15:00. Public events use Place Tuvava'u. 3 21

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Keller Williams (February 2025) gives Bora Bora one island average of 500,000 XPF per m2, not a studio series. At that average a 40 m2 flat is 20,000,000 XPF. 24
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
No separate village series. The same February 2025 note says sea-view or beachfront property is generally 20 to 50 percent above 500,000 XPF per m2, so a 40 m2 example is about 24,000,000 to 30,000,000 XPF. 24
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Same Keller Williams February 2025 island average, 500,000 XPF per m2, with no one-bedroom split. A 60 m2 example is 30,000,000 XPF. 24
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Sea-view or beachfront is quoted at 20 to 50 percent above the 500,000 XPF per m2 average. A 60 m2 example is about 36,000,000 to 45,000,000 XPF. 24
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
500,000 XPF per m2 island average (Keller Williams, February 2025), not split by size. An 80 m2 example is 40,000,000 XPF. 24
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Beach or sea-view premium of 20 to 50 percent on the 500,000 XPF average. An 80 m2 example is about 48,000,000 to 60,000,000 XPF. 24
Corporate Tax
25 percent on company profits. 20 percent for renewable energy and for firms whose only activity is research or digital. 35 percent for banks, credit and mining, with mining stepping down to 25 percent for years ending on or after 31 December 2027. 12
Dividend Withholding Tax
10 percent withholding on ordinary distributions, plus a 5 percent territorial solidarity contribution. Deposit interest is 4 percent and bond prizes 12 percent, before that contribution. 12
Tax System
Territorial. There is no tax on a person's whole income. Salaries, pensions and similar pay of people domiciled here (home, main stay, or a professional activity) pay CST-S, withheld by the employer. 12 36
Highest Income Tax Bracket
There is no income tax on total income. CST-S on domiciled salaries and pensions reaches 28 percent on the monthly slice above 2,500,000 XPF. 12 36
VAT
16 percent on goods, 13 percent on most services, and 5 percent on a reduced list that includes hotel rooms (luxury villas excluded), passenger transport, electricity and most food. Staple foods and reimbursable medicines are exempt. 12
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
No. The Polynesian code described by ADE has no controlled-foreign-company regime. Companies pay 25 percent on local profits. 12
Property Tax
Yes. Built-property tax is 10 percent of the rental value, after a 25 percent allowance for the owner's costs, plus communal additional centimes of up to 50 percent. It is due for the whole year from whoever owns the property on 1 January. 12 13
Property Transaction Tax
ADE still publishes 9 percent up to 15,000,000 XPF and 11 percent above that, registration and transcription combined. 12
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
No. There is no digital-nomad visa and no nomad tax regime. Many passports, including British, can stay 90 days for tourism or business; work needs permission before travel. Domicile can bring CST-S of up to 28 percent on salaries, and day-to-day prices are resort-island high. 11 12 36

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 22, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. INSEE legal populations 2022, Bora-Bora 10,758Official
  2. Wikivoyage Bora BoraSecondary
  3. Mairie de Bora Bora, useful informationOfficial
  4. Vini prepaid rechargesOfficial
  5. Vini Nui 20 Go, 2,700 F a monthOfficial
  6. Vinibox UP fibre, 9,000 F a monthOfficial
  7. Avis Bora Bora day ratesOfficial
  8. Sunset Hill Lodge Vaitape nightly ratesOfficial
  9. Air Tahiti Bora Bora, fare and airport boatOfficial
  10. French Polynesia plugs and voltageSecondary
  11. UK FCDO French Polynesia entryOfficial
  12. ADE La fiscaliteOfficial
  13. DICP built-property taxOfficial
  14. Banque SOCREDO Bora BoraOfficial
  15. Banque de Tahiti, agence Bora BoraOfficial
  16. Mairie Vaitehi tap-water campaign, 17 August 2026Official
  17. Polynesienne des Eaux Bora Bora, August 2026Official
  18. DGEN, Starlink import ruling 29 September 2026Official
  19. Vini eSIMOfficial
  20. UK FCDO French Polynesia healthOfficial
  21. Mairie, Heiva i Bora Bora 2026Official
  22. Tahiti Tourisme, Maupiti Express IIOfficial
  23. Tahiti Tourisme, flights from the USOfficial
  24. Keller Williams Polynesia, February 2025 m2Listings
  25. OSM Matira BeachSecondary
  26. OSM Mont OtemanuSecondary
  27. OSM Bloody Mary restaurantSecondary
  28. OSM Super U VaitapeSecondary
  29. OSM Chin Lee VaitapeSecondary
  30. OSM Eglise Saint-Pierre-CelestinSecondary
  31. OSM Sunset Hill LodgeSecondary
  32. OSM Banque Socredo VaitapeSecondary
  33. OSM VaitapeSecondary
  34. OSM Bora Bora AirportSecondary
  35. ECB euro reference, 19 October 2026Official
  36. DICP CST-S guide 2025Official
  37. Vini prepaid digital identificationOfficial
  38. OSM Eglise evangelique VaitapeSecondary
  39. French Wikipedia, biere HinanoSecondary

Change history

    • Grocery Delivery Not available; residents shop at Super U or Champion in Vaitape No grocery delivery was published. Shop at Super U or Chin Lee in Vaitape.
    • Gyms & Fitness Centers Bora Bora Fitness (Vaitape center); 1,500 XPF per day pass not set
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 0% (There is no personal income tax in French Polynesia) There is no income tax on total income. CST-S on domiciled salaries and pensions reaches…
    • Highway Access One main coastal road (29km circumference); no highways No highway. One sealed ring road, about 31 km, which Wikivoyage says takes about an hour…
    • Historic Buildings The Fare Pote’e (traditional meeting houses) on surrounding motus Eglise Saint-Pierre-Celestin, on the ring road in Vaitape, is the town church. The other…
    • Historical Sites WWII Guns (Coastal defense guns left by US Navy at Point Fitiiu) World War II American coastal guns from the 1942-1946 supply base (Operation Bobcat). Air…
    42 more changes
    • Internet Speed 20-50 Mbps download via Viti or ONATI fiber; Starlink is now widely used for 100+ Mbps Vini Vinibox UP is fibre up to 200 Mb/s down for 9,000 XPF a month where the line is…
    • Language Classes Private French or Tahitian tutors found via local Facebook community boards French and Tahitian, with English in hotels and shops. No language school was found on the…
    • Laundry Services Self-service 'Laverie' in Vaitape center near the Champion supermarket not set
    • Libraries & Study Spots Small municipal library in Vaitape; limited English selection None listed. Wikivoyage says there is no library, so bring your own reading.
    • Local Brewery Brasserie de Tahiti (Hinano Beer is the local staple available everywhere) No brewery on Bora Bora. Hinano, the usual lager, is brewed by Brasserie de Tahiti on…
    • Local Heritage The Tiare flower culture and Polynesian voyaging traditions Ori tahiti dance, himene singing and village flower costumes, the core of Heiva i Bora…
    • Local Markets Vaitape Sunday morning market for fresh fish and local produce During Heiva, flower-covered food and craft stalls (baraques foraines) fill Place…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub Vaitape Pier (shuttle boats to airport motu and other islands) Vaitape quay. There is no train. Air Tahiti's Bora Bora Navette crosses to Motu Mute…
    • Museums & Art Venues Galeria Alain Despert (World-renowned local artist studio) No museum. Wikivoyage says there is no museum, cinema or library. Dance and song are…
    • Music Scene Live Tahitian ukulele and drumming at Bloody Mary’s Restaurant Heiva himene and drumming on Place Tuvava'u each June and July. Outside the festival…
    • Must-See Landmarks Mount Otemanu (viewing by boat or helicopter) Mount Otemanu, the sharp volcanic peak above the lagoon. Wikivoyage gives the height as…
    • National Parks Nearby Valley of the Kings (Ancient banyan trees and marae ruins) No national park on Bora Bora. The outdoor land is the lagoon shore and the uninhabited…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Coral Gardens (Snorkeling spot near the Sofitel Private Island) Matira Beach and the lagoon inside the barrier reef. Snorkelling off the beach is free…
    • Networking Events Informal gatherings at Yacht Club Bora Bora; no formal tech/nomad meetups not set
    • Parcel Delivery Service OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications) for mail; DHL for air freight Post offices are the OPT Fare Rata counters. Vini tells fibre customers to subscribe at a…
    • Popular International Cuisine La Villa Mahana (Mediterranean-French fusion by Chef Damien Rinaldi-Dovio) Bloody Mary's on Pofai Bay is the island's well-known American-style fish and steak grill…
    • Population Approximately 10,600 10,758 municipal residents in the 2022 census, the legal population still in force, plus…
    • Power 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A, B, C, and E sockets 110/220 V at 60/50 Hz, depending on the building. Sockets are types A, B and E. Check the…
    • Property Tax Yes, Contribution des Propriétés Bâties (CPB), roughly 0.5-1% of value Yes. Built-property tax is 10 percent of the rental value, after a 25 percent allowance…
    • Property Transaction Tax Approx. 9-11% for notary fees and registration taxes ADE still publishes 9 percent up to 15,000,000 XPF and 11 percent above that, registration…
    • Public Transport Passes Le Truck (local bus) is irregular; no formal pass system exists No monthly pass and no published fare. Air Tahiti still lists local trucks at Vaitape, and…
    • Regional Travel Inter-island ferries like the Terevau Piti or Apetahi Express to Raiatea and Maupiti Air Tahiti also flies Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau…
    • Religious Sites Saint-Pierre-Célestin Church (Vaitape) Eglise Saint-Pierre-Celestin on the ring road in Vaitape, and the evangelical church a…
    • SIM Card Vini or Vodafone JP; expect to pay 2,500 XPF ($23) for a SIM with 10GB data Vini is the only operator. A prepaid line needs a passport, national ID, driving licence…
    • Scenic Viewpoints Amanahune Viewpoint for sunset and lagoon vistas The lagoon side of the ring road, looking up at Mount Otemanu, and Matira Beach for the…
    • Short Term Rentals Airbnb is available in Vaitape and Faanui; average $150-$300/night for local villas Sunset Hill Lodge in Vaitape publishes studios from 14,082 XPF a night for two (Mountain…
    • Social Events for Expats Bora Bora Yacht Club Friday nights; Expats in Tahiti/Bora Bora Facebook groups No published expat meetup. The island gathering is Heiva i Bora Bora on Place Tuvava'u in…
    • Street Art Limited; mostly traditional murals on school buildings and community centers not set
    • Street Food Stalls Roulottes (food trucks) in Vaitape square at night; $15-$25 per meal Roulottes in the Vaitape town car park from 17:00. In January 2019 a hamburger was 700 XPF…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 520,000 XPF per m² ($4,750). Example: 40 m² = $190,000 Keller Williams (February 2025) gives Bora Bora one island average of 500,000 XPF per m2…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 400,000 XPF per m² ($3,650). Example: 40 m² = $146,000 No separate village series. The same February 2025 note says sea-view or beachfront…
    • Table Tennis Spots Recreation rooms at larger resorts like the Conrad Bora Bora Nui not set
    • Tap Water Drinkable in most luxury resorts; however, bottled or filtered water is recommended in… The municipal supply is drinkable. The mairie Vaitehi campaign of 17 August 2026 says tap…
    • Tax System French Polynesian tax autonomy; no personal income tax for residents on local earnings Territorial. There is no tax on a person's whole income. Salaries, pensions and similar…
    • Tech Repair Services Viti Shop in Vaitape (basic mobile/tablet repair only) not set
    • Theater Venues Traditional dance performances at the InterContinental or Le Bora Bora hotels No permanent theatre. Heiva i Bora Bora 2026 put ori tahiti and himene on Place Tuvava'u…
    • Top International Airline Air Tahiti Nui, United, and French Bee (via Papeete) Bora Bora has no international airport. Air Tahiti Nui and Air France fly Los Angeles to…
    • Top Regional Airline Air Tahiti (the domestic carrier) and Air Moana Air Tahiti, from Motu Mute (BOB). A Papeete return starts at 21,746 XPF including 6,246…
    • VAT 13% for services/goods; 5% for hotels (TVA) 16 percent on goods, 13 percent on most services, and 5 percent on a reduced list that…
    • Vegan/Vegetarian Options Arii Moana (Four Seasons) offers specialized vegan menus; Saint James for veggie pastas not set
    • Wine Bars The Wine Shop Bora Bora (Vaitape) for high-end French imports not set
    • Yoga & Wellness Centers Deep Ocean Spa at InterContinental; private sessions at Moorea Yoga not set

    Corporate Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax, Tax System, Highest Income Tax Bracket, VAT, Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules, Property Tax, Property Transaction Tax, Best Area to Stay for Tourists, Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads, Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads — aligned with ADE, the DICP CST-S guide and FCDO entry rules (service-public.pf, service-public.pf, gov.uk).

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