Internet Speed in Moorea

20-50 Mbps (Fiber available in some areas, but speeds vary by resort and pension)

Currency & Banking in Moorea

CFP Franc (XPF). 1 USD ≈ 110 XPF. Fixed exchange rate 1 EUR = 119.33 XPF.

Generally not drinkable; stick to filtered or bottled water like Eau Royale.

220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets (European standard)

Vini or Vodafone JP. Pre-paid 'Vinicard' 2GB for approx. 2,500 XPF ($23) at Moorea Airport or local boutiques.

Banking for Expats in Moorea

Banque de Polynésie, SOCREDO, Banque de Tahiti. Revolut is limited; local cash is essential.

Accommodation in Moorea

Mix of luxury overwater bungalows and family-run 'Pensions'. Airbnb is active but expensive.

Cashless Friendly in Moorea

Moderate. Major resorts/supermarkets accept cards; local snacks and craft markets are cash-only.

Short Term Rentals in Moorea

Airbnb and Moorea Beach Lodge (approx. $250/night).

Budget Accommodation in Moorea

Mark's Place Moorea ($80-$120/night) or Moorea Surf Inn ($90/night).

Best Area to Stay for Tourists in Moorea

Teavaro (near Temae Beach) and Cook's Bay for scenery.

Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads in Moorea

Maharepa. It is the commercial hub with the best access to shops, cafes, and stable connectivity.

Moorea, Îles du Vent, French Polynesia

Best Coworking Space in Moorea

None dedicated. Most nomads work from 'L'Espace Coworking' in Papeete (Moore's sister island) via a 30-min ferry.

Best Cafe for Work in Moorea

Carameline in Maharepa. Offers reliable Wi-Fi, great coffee, and a shaded outdoor seating area.

Networking Events in Moorea

Informal meetups often happen at the Moorea Beach Club on Friday evenings.

Social Events for Expats in Moorea

Expatriés à Tahiti & Ses Îles Facebook group is the primary hub for organizing local gatherings.

Best Taxi/Ride App in Moorea

No apps like Uber. Taxis are expensive and must be called by phone (e.g., Moorea Taxi Service: +689 87 70 51 01).

Bike/Scooter Rental in Moorea

Moorea Fun Boat & Bike (Maharepa). Scooters cost approx. 5,500 XPF ($50) per day.

Best Beach Nearby in Moorea

Temae Beach. Public white sand beach with views of Tahiti. Free access.

Top Regional Airline in Moorea

Air Tahiti (Island hopping flights).

Top International Airline in Moorea

Air Tahiti Nui and French Bee (Flying into Faa'a International, Tahiti).

Highway Access in Moorea

One main coastal road (Route de Ceinture) of 60km circling the island.

Main Train/Transit Hub in Moorea

Vaiare Ferry Terminal. Aremiti and Terevau ferries connect Moorea to Papeete regularly ($15 one way).

Public Transport Passes in Moorea

Le Truck (Local bus). No passes; pay approx. 300 XPF per ride. Service is infrequent.

Regional Travel in Moorea

Ferry to Tahiti (30-45 mins) or short 15-min flight via Air Tahiti.

Best Hospital in Moorea

Moorea Medical Clinic (Afareaitu). For serious issues, transport to CHPF Hospital in Tahiti is required.

Yoga & Wellness Centers in Moorea

Moorea Yoga in Ha'apiti. Private and group sessions in outdoor pavilions.

Gyms & Fitness Centers in Moorea

Moorea Gym in Maharepa. Basic weights and cardio equipment (day passes available).

Laundry Services in Moorea

Laverie Moorea in Maharepa. Self-service and drop-off available.

Best Food Delivery App in Moorea

None. Most local 'Snacks' (takeaway spots) require pickup.

Best Local Dish to Try in Moorea

Poisson Cru au Lait de Coco (Raw tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk).

Vegan/Vegetarian Options in Moorea

Golden Lake in Maharepa. Offers vegetable stir-fry and tofu dishes.

Best Dessert Spots in Moorea

La Banane Verte in Ha'apiti for homemade fruit sorbets and tarts.

Affordable Shopping Spots in Moorea

Super U (Are) and Champion (Maharepa). Best for local groceries.

E-commerce/Online Store in Moorea

Limited. Amazon shipping is very expensive; locals use 'Fenua Shopping' (Tahiti-based).

Grocery Delivery in Moorea

Not widely available; individual arrangements with local pensions only.

Bar/Nightlife Area in Moorea

Holy Steak House (Ha'apiti). Features a bar with panoramic views and live music on weekends.

Local Brewery in Moorea

Brasserie de Tahiti (Hinano Beer is the local staple, brewed in nearby Tahiti).

Le Moorea Beach Club offers a sophisticated wine selection by the lagoon.

Street Food Stalls in Moorea

Snack Mahana. Famous for waterfront seafood at street-food prices (approx. $20 for a large plate).

Popular International Cuisine in Moorea

Rudy's (French/Steakhouse) in Maharepa. Famous for parrotfish stuffed with shrimp.

Must-See Landmarks in Moorea

Belvedere Lookout. Provides views of both Opunohu and Cook's Bay.

Museums & Art Venues in Moorea

Te Mana O Te Moana (Marine turtle conservation center at the InterContinental).

Historical Sites in Moorea

Marae Tefauroa. Ancient Polynesian stone temples located in the Opunohu Valley.

Religious Sites in Moorea

Église de la Sainte-Famille (Ha'apiti). A picturesque red-roofed church against green mountains.

Annual Events in Moorea

Heiva i Moorea (July). Cultural festival with traditional dancing, chanting, and sports.

Cultural Districts in Moorea

Tiki Village Cultural Center. Offers traditional feast nights and dance shows.

Theater Venues in Moorea

None. Cultural performances are usually hosted within larger resorts.

Local Markets in Moorea

Pao Pao Market. Sells fresh fish, tropical fruits, and local crafts.

Moorea Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

Essentials

Internet Speed: 20-50 Mbps (Fiber available in some areas, but speeds vary by resort and pension)
Currency & Banking: CFP Franc (XPF). 1 USD ≈ 110 XPF. Fixed exchange rate 1 EUR = 119.33 XPF.
Tap Water: Generally not drinkable; stick to filtered or bottled water like Eau Royale.
Power: 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets (European standard)
SIM Card: Vini or Vodafone JP. Pre-paid 'Vinicard' 2GB for approx. 2,500 XPF ($23) at Moorea Airport or local boutiques.
Banking for Expats: Banque de Polynésie, SOCREDO, Banque de Tahiti. Revolut is limited; local cash is essential.
Accommodation: Mix of luxury overwater bungalows and family-run 'Pensions'. Airbnb is active but expensive.
Cashless Friendly: Moderate. Major resorts/supermarkets accept cards; local snacks and craft markets are cash-only.
Short Term Rentals: Airbnb and Moorea Beach Lodge (approx. $250/night).
Budget Accommodation: Mark's Place Moorea ($80-$120/night) or Moorea Surf Inn ($90/night).
Best Area to Stay for Tourists: Teavaro (near Temae Beach) and Cook's Bay for scenery.
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads: Maharepa. It is the commercial hub with the best access to shops, cafes, and stable connectivity.
City: Moorea, Îles du Vent, French Polynesia
Population: 18,000

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space: None dedicated. Most nomads work from 'L'Espace Coworking' in Papeete (Moore's sister island) via a 30-min ferry.
Best Cafe for Work: Carameline in Maharepa. Offers reliable Wi-Fi, great coffee, and a shaded outdoor seating area.
Networking Events: Informal meetups often happen at the Moorea Beach Club on Friday evenings.
Social Events for Expats: Expatriés à Tahiti & Ses Îles Facebook group is the primary hub for organizing local gatherings.

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App: No apps like Uber. Taxis are expensive and must be called by phone (e.g., Moorea Taxi Service: +689 87 70 51 01).
Bike/Scooter Rental: Moorea Fun Boat & Bike (Maharepa). Scooters cost approx. 5,500 XPF ($50) per day.
Best Beach Nearby: Temae Beach. Public white sand beach with views of Tahiti. Free access.
Top Regional Airline: Air Tahiti (Island hopping flights).
Top International Airline: Air Tahiti Nui and French Bee (Flying into Faa'a International, Tahiti).
Highway Access: One main coastal road (Route de Ceinture) of 60km circling the island.
Main Train/Transit Hub: Vaiare Ferry Terminal. Aremiti and Terevau ferries connect Moorea to Papeete regularly ($15 one way).
Public Transport Passes: Le Truck (Local bus). No passes; pay approx. 300 XPF per ride. Service is infrequent.
Regional Travel: Ferry to Tahiti (30-45 mins) or short 15-min flight via Air Tahiti.

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital: Moorea Medical Clinic (Afareaitu). For serious issues, transport to CHPF Hospital in Tahiti is required.
Yoga & Wellness Centers: Moorea Yoga in Ha'apiti. Private and group sessions in outdoor pavilions.
Gyms & Fitness Centers: Moorea Gym in Maharepa. Basic weights and cardio equipment (day passes available).
Laundry Services: Laverie Moorea in Maharepa. Self-service and drop-off available.

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App: None. Most local 'Snacks' (takeaway spots) require pickup.
Best Local Dish to Try: Poisson Cru au Lait de Coco (Raw tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk).
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Golden Lake in Maharepa. Offers vegetable stir-fry and tofu dishes.
Best Dessert Spots: La Banane Verte in Ha'apiti for homemade fruit sorbets and tarts.
Affordable Shopping Spots: Super U (Are) and Champion (Maharepa). Best for local groceries.
E-commerce/Online Store: Limited. Amazon shipping is very expensive; locals use 'Fenua Shopping' (Tahiti-based).
Grocery Delivery: Not widely available; individual arrangements with local pensions only.
Bar/Nightlife Area: Holy Steak House (Ha'apiti). Features a bar with panoramic views and live music on weekends.
Local Brewery: Brasserie de Tahiti (Hinano Beer is the local staple, brewed in nearby Tahiti).
Wine Bars: Le Moorea Beach Club offers a sophisticated wine selection by the lagoon.
Street Food Stalls: Snack Mahana. Famous for waterfront seafood at street-food prices (approx. $20 for a large plate).
Popular International Cuisine: Rudy's (French/Steakhouse) in Maharepa. Famous for parrotfish stuffed with shrimp.

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks: Belvedere Lookout. Provides views of both Opunohu and Cook's Bay.
Museums & Art Venues: Te Mana O Te Moana (Marine turtle conservation center at the InterContinental).
Historical Sites: Marae Tefauroa. Ancient Polynesian stone temples located in the Opunohu Valley.
Religious Sites: Église de la Sainte-Famille (Ha'apiti). A picturesque red-roofed church against green mountains.
Annual Events: Heiva i Moorea (July). Cultural festival with traditional dancing, chanting, and sports.
Cultural Districts: Tiki Village Cultural Center. Offers traditional feast nights and dance shows.
Theater Venues: None. Cultural performances are usually hosted within larger resorts.
Local Markets: Pao Pao Market. Sells fresh fish, tropical fruits, and local crafts.
Music Scene: Traditional Ukulele and drumming performances at local hotels every evening.
Street Art: Limited; look for hand-painted wooden signs and murals in the Maharepa shopping area.
Cooking Classes: Foodie Moorea Tours often include hands-on 'poisson cru' preparation workshops.
Art Galleries: Galerie l'Atelier located in the village of Ha'apiti for local Polynesian paintings.
Historic Buildings: The Kellum House. An old colonial-style estate in Opunohu Bay.
Local Heritage: Tattoo culture; Moorea is home to world-class traditional Polynesian tattoo artists.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes: Opunohu Valley. Features lush hiking trails and pineapple plantations.
National Parks Nearby: Moorea Lagoon (Protected Marine Area). Excellent for snorkeling/diving.
Cycling/Walking Paths: The loop trail around the juice factory and pineapple fields near Cook's Bay.
Scenic Viewpoints: Magic Mountain. Accessible via 4x4 or a steep hike for a 360-degree lagoon view.
Birdwatching Locations: The forested slopes of Mount Rotui for sighting the Moorea Reed Warbler.
Bonfire-Friendly Spots: Generally discouraged on public beaches; permitted at private beachfront pensions with permission.

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service: OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications). Locations in Maharepa and Papetoai.
Tech Repair Services: Very limited; must take the ferry to 'iStore' or 'Cyber-Tahiti' in Papeete.
Table Tennis Spots: Recreational tables available at the Moorea Beach Lodge for guests.
Language Classes: Private French/Tahitian lessons can be arranged through local teachers on the 'Moorea Community' Facebook page.
Libraries & Study Spots: Small municipal library in Afareaitu; quiet but lacks high-speed internet.
Community Centers: Mairie (Town Hall) of Afareaitu often hosts local communal events.
Gaming Lounges: None available; mobile gaming is common among locals.
Casino & Gaming Halls: Gambling is illegal in French Polynesia; no casinos on the island.

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center): Approx. 750,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $270,000) in Maharepa.
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City): Approx. 500,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $180,000) in southern areas.
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center): Approx. 700,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $380,000) in prime lagoon-front areas.
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City): Approx. 450,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $245,000) in Ha'apiti.
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center): Approx. 650,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $470,000) near Cook's Bay.
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City): Approx. 400,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $290,000) for inland properties.
Corporate Tax: Variable, usually between 25-27% for most businesses in French Polynesia.
Dividend Withholding Tax: 5% to 15% depending on residency status.
Tax System: French Polynesia has its own tax autonomy. No personal income tax for individuals (except for specific solidarity taxes).
Highest Income Tax Bracket: 0% for personal income (one of the few jurisdictions without it).
VAT: TVA is 5%, 13%, or 16% depending on the goods/services.
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules: Follows French-aligned anti-avoidance principles but with local adaptations.
Property Tax: Yes, 'Taxe Foncière' based on the rental value of the property.
Property Transaction Tax: High; Registration fees and notary fees typically total 9% to 11%.
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads: Highly attractive due to 0% personal income tax, though residency permits (Long Stay Visa) are required for stays over 90 days for non-EU citizens.

Moorea digital nomad guide