Essentials
- City
- Uturoa, Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
- Population
- Approximately 12,500
- Internet Speed
- Average 40-100 Mbps via Viti or ONATY fiber; Starlink is now widely available and much faster.
- Currency & Banking
- CFP Franc (XPF). Fixed exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ 119.33 XPF. 1 USD ≈ 110 XPF.
- Tap Water
- Generally not recommended for drinking; locals use filtered water or 'Fontaine de Vie' stations (100 XPF per 20L).
- Power
- 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets (standard European).
- SIM Card
- Vini or Vodafone French Polynesia. A 'Vinicard' starter pack is approx. 2,500 XPF ($23).
- Banking for Expats
- Banque de Tahiti, Banque de Polynésie, and Socredo. Revolut works for transfers.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouses (Pensions) and Airbnb are standard. Monthly rentals range from $1,200 - $2,500.
- Cashless Friendly
- Moderate. Cards accepted in major markets and Uturoa shops; cash required for markets and food trucks (roulottes).
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb, Booking.com, and local guesthouses like Pension Manava ($110/night).
- Budget Accommodation
- Pension Tiare Nui (approx. 8,000 XPF/night) or Raiatea Lodge Hotel (mid-range).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- West Coast near the lagoon for sunsets or Uturoa for convenience to shops and the ferry.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Near Uturoa center for reliable power/internet and walking distance to the marina and supermarkets.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- No dedicated coworking spaces; 'The Hub' in Tahiti is the closest. Most nomads work from Raiatea Lodge Hotel's lounge.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Café du Port in Uturoa. Reliable Wi-Fi and overlooks the harbor (approx. 500 XPF for coffee).
- Networking Events
- Informal meetups at the Marina d'Uturoa. Yacht crews and remote workers gather at the 'Sunsets' bar.
- Social Events for Expats
- Facebook Group: 'Vivre à Raiatea'. Friday evening drinks at the Raiatea Lodge are popular for expats.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber/Bolt. Taxi Raiatea (Philippe): +689 87 73 99 97. Uturoa to Airport is approx 1,500 XPF.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Raiatea Rent-a-Car. Bicycles approx. 2,500 XPF/day; Scooters approx. 5,500 XPF/day.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Motu Ofetaro (requires a boat/kayak from Uturoa) or the public beach at PK 15.
- Top Regional Airline
- Air Tahiti (domestic flights between islands).
- Top International Airline
- Air Tahiti Nui and French Bee (fly into Papeete, then connect).
- Highway Access
- One main coastal road (RT2) circles the island (approx. 100km total loop).
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- No trains. The Uturoa Ferry Terminal is the hub for boats to Taha'a and Bora Bora.
- Public Transport Passes
- None. Very limited 'Truck' (bus) service for school/work hours only.
- Regional Travel
- Maupiti Express ferry or water taxis to sister island Taha'a (approx. 1,500 XPF one way).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Hôpital d'Uturoa (Uturoa Hospital), the second largest in the territory.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga Raiatea (Local classes held in various community halls/pensions).
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Raiatea Fitness in Uturoa. Daily passes approx. 1,500 XPF.
- Laundry Services
- Laverie automatique next to Champion Supermarket in Uturoa (approx. 1,000 XPF per load).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None available. Most restaurants offer take-out (à emporter).
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Poisson Cru au Lait de Coco (Raw tuna with coconut milk). Approx. 1,800 XPF.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Restaurant Fish & Blue offers elevated veg options with lagoon views.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Pâtisserie de l'Aéroport for French-style pastries and macarons.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Uturoa Public Market (Marche de Uturoa) for fresh fruit and local produce.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon FR ships via 'Colis Expat', but local store 'LS Pro' is used for electronics.
- Grocery Delivery
- Not standard; shopping is done in person at Champion or Super U in Uturoa.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Very quiet. Evening 'roulottes' (food trucks) in Uturoa center serve as socializing spots.
- Local Brewery
- Hinano (Tahiti-based, widely available). Try 'Tabu' for a local flavored beer.
- Wine Bars
- La Cave de Raiatea in Uturoa for French wine imports and tastings.
- Street Food Stalls
- Roulotte chez Maeva for grilled steak and fries (approx. 1,500 - 2,000 XPF).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Steak House Uturoa (French/International) or Jade Palace (Chinese).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Taputapuatea Marae (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Ancient temple complex.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Exhibits on Polynesian navigation at the Taputapuatea site visitor center.
- Historical Sites
- Mount Temehani, the only place on earth where the Tiare Apetahi flower grows.
- Religious Sites
- Saint-André Church in Uturoa.
- Annual Events
- Hawaiki Nui Va'a (International outrigger canoe race) in November.
- Cultural Districts
- Opoa (South Raiatea), the spiritual center of the island.
- Theater Venues
- None; traditional dance performances (Heiva) take place in the Uturoa town square.
- Local Markets
- Marche de Uturoa (every morning, best on Sundays at 5:00 AM).
- Music Scene
- Live ukulele and traditional bands at bigger hotels like Raiatea Lodge on weekends.
- Street Art
- Small murals in Uturoa celebrating Polynesian myths.
- Cooking Classes
- Inquire at 'Pension Fare Vai Nui' for local Tahitian cooking workshops.
- Art Galleries
- Galerie Anuanua in Uturoa for local paintings and carvings.
- Historic Buildings
- The Gendarmerie and original colonial-era post office in Uturoa.
- Local Heritage
- The Tiare Apetahi flower, sacred to the island's mountain heritage.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Faaroa River; the only navigable river in French Polynesia (kayak tours available).
- National Parks Nearby
- No formal 'National Park', but the Taputapuatea zone is a protected UNESCO site.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The hike up Mount Tapioi for panoramas (Note: check access status as it is private land).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Belvédère de Faaroa overlooking the bay and the lush crater.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Upper slopes of Faaroa Valley for endemic tropical birds.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Strictly regulated; motu (islet) picnics usually allow small grilling fires in designated pits.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- OPT (Office des Postes et Télécommunications) in Uturoa.
- Tech Repair Services
- Raiatea Informatique in the Uturoa center.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Local sports hall near the Uturoa stadium (Salle Omnisports).
- Language Classes
- Private French/Tahitian tutors can be found via the 'Vivre à Raiatea' FB group.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Bibliothèque de Uturoa (Small local library near the school district).
- Community Centers
- Mairie d'Uturoa (Town Hall) hosts local community and cultural meetings.
- Gaming Lounges
- None available; mobile gaming is popular among locals.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Not permitted in French Polynesia.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 400,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 16,000,000 XPF / $145,000).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 320,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 12,800,000 XPF / $116,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 380,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 22,800,000 XPF / $207,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 300,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 18,000,000 XPF / $163,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 350,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 28,000,000 XPF / $254,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 280,000 XPF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 22,400,000 XPF / $203,000).
- Corporate Tax
- Standard rate 25% (depending on turnover and sector).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- Typically 10% (RCM tax).
- Tax System
- Territorial tax system; no personal income tax for residents on salaries (replaced by social contributions).
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 0% personal income tax (Note: high social charges and import duties apply).
- VAT
- TVA is 5%, 13%, or 16% depending on the goods/services.
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- French rules apply generally, but with local territorial exemptions.
- Property Tax
- Yes, 'Contribution Foncière' based on rental value, but often exempt for first 2-10 years of new builds.
- Property Transaction Tax
- Transfer tax approx. 7-11% of the purchase price.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- High (0% Personal Income Tax), but cost of living and import taxes are very high.