tahiti on the cheap

Hi,

the two of us are going to the Pacific in July/August.
The trip will be long and the budget is all but pitiful.
We know the place is outrageously expensive, but we'll try it anyway.

Any tips to survive there on the cheap? Accommodation, food, transport, kayaking...

Are the campings affordable? Safe?

Where do you leave your gear while out for the day (if you're camping?)?
Are there lockers anywhere in Bora Bora, Fakarava, Moorea, Huahine?

Where to sleep in Papeete (really cheap)? Campings?

Do we need warm clothing? Coats?

We're flying with an airpass.

Thank you very much for your input.

In Fr. Polynesia the main difference between a cheap and an expensive trip is what accommodation you use. There are hostel-like places on most islands, good camping on Moorea and a couple of others.

Baguettes are cheap, as is local produce, fish is often just as cheap as in your home country.

You probably will not need any warm clothes, such as coats, etc. unless you are hiking in the Tahiti mountains in July (rare to do anyway) . Just bring a light jacket, maybe a warm shirt, light sweater, and use all in layers if it is chilly. Chilliest months are July and august, and nights of course are chillier than days. Even in July/Aug it will be warm during the daytime.

I am not aware of any lockers in French Polynesia. There is left luggage at the Tahiti airport.

Camping is affordable and safe as far as physical danger goes. (FP is a safe place.) However, there have been reports of thefts and break-ins in over the years from people staying in pensions located on the west side of Moorea where Camping Nelson and Moorea Camping are located. Keep your valuables with you. I would assume that you would keep your gear in your tent when you are out for the day..

There is no camping in Papeete (it's a city) or in Tahiti Nui.

To survive on the cheap I would suggest really doing your homework and reading up as much as you can about FP.

your comments are much appreciated. Thank you.
Are there campings in Bora Bora? Rangiroa? Fakarava?

thank you.

I went in French Polinesia around 6 years ago , so my informations are very old.
we spent less than in our Africa travel. we slept to the PETITE HOTELLERIE and are very important you choose half board. you can save money eating homenade food ,restaurant was very expansive.
we Felt well in nice ,clean boungalow whit fan and food was always good .
we called all pension a few day before so they collect us at the airport.
There were also Hostel whit kitchen and some hoteliers gave a possibility to camping.
For the lunch we usually bought something in a small market: 1lt water ,4 sandwich 1100CFP
you consider that tour are expensive . In Rangiroa we spent 7500CFP to Blue lagon, same to Ile aux recife and 10000 to pink beach all tour included good lunch buffet .

sorry, I don't speak English

grazie, Mario.

Si voi, capito il italiano.