Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Tipping in French Polynesia Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tahiti & French Polynesia
watsoff 19:49 UTC 30 Dec 2009 | I've been asked about the practice of tipping in French Polynesia but as I've never been there I don't know have an answer. Tipping is not a common practice throughout most of Melanesia (it's against custom) and in some other Polynesian islands, but what about French Polynesia? How about New Caledonia - what's the norm there? Does anyone have anything definitive? Any info greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance.... |
silvanocat 21:03 UTC 30 Dec 2009 | It's against custom in French Polynesia. It might even offend. However, they used to get a lot of American visitors. Many of these visitors would tip. Now tipping is expected in some places from Americans (with English only signs indicating that tipping is okay). I have been there three times and have never tipped (and never thought anyone expected a tip.). In discussions on this matter on the Tahiti Explorer forum the old timers, Americans who have been visiting for years, do not tip. First time visitors often insist on tipping because that is what they are used to elsewhere. | 1
watsoff 16:31 UTC 31 Dec 2009 | Thanks sivanocat, I'll pass this along. | 2
Laszlo 00:34 UTC 02 Jan 2010 | Tipping certainly did not seem to be expected in New Caledonia, where I did not meet any American visitors (other than one Canadian). I don't think it would offend though - tipping is not unknown in Europe, after all. | 3