The best eSIM for French Polynesia depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $14.70, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $46.43. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your French Polynesia eSIM runs on one network: Vini. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Vini by hand.
Vini (historical operator, part of OPT) and Vodafone Polynesia are the main operators. 4G+ coverage across Papeete, all of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Rangiroa. More remote islands (Tuamotus, Marquesas, Australs) have varied coverage — touristed atolls (Tikehau, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva) well covered, uninhabited atolls offline. Bora Bora overwater bungalow resorts have coverage from the atoll's coastal network. French Polynesia is NOT in the EU roam-like-at-home zone despite being French territory — always expensive roaming on EU plans. Type C/E/F French plugs, 220V/50Hz.
Fly into Tahiti-Faaa (PPT) — only international airport. Inter-island flights via Air Tahiti. Currency CFP franc (XPF), ~118 XPF per euro (fixed peg). French Polynesia is very expensive: basic dinner 25-50 USD, Bora Bora overwater bungalow 800-2,500 USD/night. Smart plan: 2 nights Papeete/Tahiti + 3-4 nights Moorea (more accessible) + 3-4 nights Bora Bora (iconic). Tahiti-Moorea ferry 15€ 30 min; flights to Bora Bora 1h. Languages French (official) and Tahitian. Cards accepted at resorts but cash useful for small vendors. Departure tax included in ticket.