manarii
American expat in French Polynesia
Forum posts
50
Contacts
10
About me
American
Lives in Papeari
Speaks English, Tahitian, French
Registration: 16 January 2013
Can I retire in French Polynesia with a US Passport? by aimeecroteau
I have passive income for my family of 4. Hoping to retire there and wondering if anyone has a good immigration lawyer or advice for me.
You will need more than a passport. The biggest hurdle is to demonstrate that you all possess enough funds to live here without working. I retired here after selling my medical device company in Florida, USA. This is the name and number for an ... Read More
Building permit to build a house in Tahiti by jenHI
Hello,Does one need to get a building permit to build a house in Tahiti?聽 If so, from whom?聽 Do they have an online application process?
IaOrana, @jenHIYou can contact the fenua building engineering firm in Papeete for help. Their fees are reasonable. Give them a call at聽***Nana,Manarii Tane聽(Steve)I moved to Papeari, Tahiti from USA. Read More
Expat Residency in French Polynesia by dvschafer
My wife and I are retired in France and considering moving to Tahiti. So far we have found the cost living and real estate prices are within our budget. Our main question/concern are the conditions for long term residency in French Polynesia. My ...
@dvschaferThe requirement for residency in Tahiti that stops most people, is that they must show that they can support themselves without working here or being a burden on society, by having adequate funds. Things here are very expensive, much more ... Read More
Buying a house in Moorea by Xxyy
How do you get a building inspection done on Moorea by an engineer. Are there people / companies that do these in Tahiti Thanks
IaOrana Xxyy, I only know of one engineering company in Papeete, but I don't know if they do building inspections. You can give them a call and see if they do or perhaps they can give you a recommendation for someone else if they don't. The ... Read More
Becoming an expat living permanently in French Polynesia by MOOREASHEVILLE
Hey, This is Ray. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to become a citizen of french Polynesia? I have no interest in having an extended visa requiring me to leave the islands and return to the US. This would be a one way street. Please ...
Hi, The power is actually 60 cycles, not 50 cycles and is 220 volts Manarii Tane (Steve) Read More
Relocating to Tahiti? by Newbie2015
Hello All, I recently relocated to Tahiti and I found that the info available was limited and out dated. Whilst still in South Africa I was trying to prepare a budget to see what would be needed in terms of earnings, to cover the expenses that I ...
Ia orana, The short answer is no. You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially without government assistance. Just buying the property does not suffice. I am retired here in Papeari on the island of Tahiti from Florida USA after I ... Read More
European buying land/house but not French
Ia Orana Sioux Chief, I just noticed your post. Yes, it is possible to purchase land or a home here in French Polynesia. I did. I am an American living and retired in the district of Papeari on Tahiti. If you rent your home (called a g卯te or ... Read More
Shipping personal items to Huahine by AlishaG
Can anybody offer advice on how to ship personal items, currently located in Ensenada, Mexico to Huahine? I don鈥檛 have anything very large (no furniture) - it鈥檚 mainly clothes, kitchen items, sports equipment. I鈥檓 estimating ...
IaOrana, I just found your post today. I moved to Papeari on the island of Tahiti from Florida a bunch of years ago and I used NEX shipping. There is no "cost effective" shipping to Tahiti. - it's all expensive. I don't remember ... Read More
Becoming an expat living permanently in French Polynesia by MOOREASHEVILLE
Hey, This is Ray. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to become a citizen of french Polynesia? I have no interest in having an extended visa requiring me to leave the islands and return to the US. This would be a one way street. Please ...
IaOrana Ray, I am an expat living on the island of Tahiti in the district of Papeari. I moved here after I sold my medical business. If you want to become a citizen, it takes a while, like 4-5 years. You will be required to show financial proof ... Read More
French Family Book by tetawelch
This may sound a little weird, but I was turned down for a family visa because I did not have a family book. The French Consul in Miami did not tell me anything except I have to have one. I searched google to no avail. So what is a family book and ...
Ia Orana Tetawelch, I have a friend who is a commissioner in the French Polynesian government. This is what he told me regarding your question and the documents required. Proof of nationality for parents (Passport and birth certificate) If both ... Read More
New members of the French Polynesia forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the French Polynesia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us ...
IaOrana Latai, I wish you luck in your future. It will be a challenge to demonstrate that you can support yourself. The government needs to know that you have your own resources (money) to live here without relying on government help. Best way is to ... Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
No, I don't know the cost, but I do know that some imported goods have an import tax on them. Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
There are many building supply companies in Tahiti, such as ENTREPRISE PUGIBET, that sell everything you need for building a house. Manarii Tane Papeari, Tahiti Read More
Relocating to Tahiti? by Newbie2015
Hello All, I recently relocated to Tahiti and I found that the info available was limited and out dated. Whilst still in South Africa I was trying to prepare a budget to see what would be needed in terms of earnings, to cover the expenses that I ...
Ia Orana, I retired to the island of Tahiti many years ago from USA. To move here, you will need to show that you have sufficient funds to survive here without being a burden on the government. It is not too likely that you would get a job here ... Read More
Who could help me with information ?
IaOrana, There is an association of lawyers in Papeete that can help you. You can call them at 689.40.43.34.28 and ask for the type of help you need. This service is not free, so you will need to pay the lawyer. Nana, Manarii Tane (Steve) Papeari, ... Read More
Who could help me with information ?
IaOrana Laura, I retired in Papeari Tahiti after I sold my business in the USA. I've been here a number of years and really love it. There are some things you have to get used to. My Tahitian friends have given me a Tahitian name, Manarii, and, ... Read More
Mistakes expats make in French Polynesia
Hi Priscella, I would highly recommend that for anyone contemplating a move to French Polynesia, that you rent a place for a few months. You might even consider renting in a few districts or islands just to see what each offers and the problems you ... Read More
Weight limit on packages sent to French Polynesia?
Ia orana, If you are mailing from USA, the package weight limit is 70 lb (31.8 kg) maximum. But the shipping cost is high. I hope this helps. Nana, Steve (Manarii Tane, Papeari, Tahiti, French Polynesia, PK 52 Read More
Environmental protection in French Polynesia
Actually, my concern is that construction is causing silt runoff in many of the rivers. This may cause problems with the reefs. Read More
Relocating to Tahiti? by Newbie2015
Hello All, I recently relocated to Tahiti and I found that the info available was limited and out dated. Whilst still in South Africa I was trying to prepare a budget to see what would be needed in terms of earnings, to cover the expenses that I ...
Hi Roeanne, I am not aware of any filipinos here. Before I moved here, my secretary in my company was a filipina from Quezon City. There are many Chinese people here and French. As mentioned earlier, French is widely spoken along with Tahitian. ... Read More
Relocating to Tahiti? by Newbie2015
Hello All, I recently relocated to Tahiti and I found that the info available was limited and out dated. Whilst still in South Africa I was trying to prepare a budget to see what would be needed in terms of earnings, to cover the expenses that I ...
Ia Orana, I can try to help. I am an American who retired here. I don't know what laws you need to know about, but it is typical French law. If you want to know something specific, I can try to answer it. The people are mostly Tahitian, Chinese, ... Read More
Natural Farming Advice by Kanale Mareko
I seek your assistance and advice. My wife and I are seriously considering moving from the Caribbean to French Polynesia. I am a natural farming agricultural consultant with 40 years experience in this work.. We desire to start a totally natural ...
Ia Orana Kanale, I understand your response, but you didn't mention where or how you need help. There certainly is land you can buy and start a farm. If you are more specific as to the help you need, I will try to assist. By the way, I'd ... Read More
Natural Farming Advice by Kanale Mareko
I seek your assistance and advice. My wife and I are seriously considering moving from the Caribbean to French Polynesia. I am a natural farming agricultural consultant with 40 years experience in this work.. We desire to start a totally natural ...
Hi, I'll try to help. I am an expat engineer from USA and retired in Papeari on the island of Tahiti. Were you trying to start a business here or trying to start a school to teach others to farm here? There are several governmental departments ... Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
Ia Orana, I have lived here in Papeari, Tahiti for almost 10 years. I have a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and I am still registered in Florida. I owned a medical device company and sold it when I was made a nice offer. I would be happy to answer ... Read More
Italian Passport, income US$1400 per month.
Hi, You will find it difficult to live on only 1400 per month. Rent alone will take most of that. If you buy a home and pay cash, you may be able to get by, but not well. If you have to buy a home with a mortgage, you will find it very difficult, ... Read More
Top hiring sectors in French Polynesia by Julien
Hi, let聮s talk about job opportunities in French Polynesia. What are the top hiring sectors? And according to you, what are the most promising job sectors, which will keep creating jobs in French Polynesia? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Ia Orana, The small business environment here is not too bad. The government encourages outside investors or businesses. However, if you plan on starting a business here, you must know your market and your customers. There are a lot of businesses ... Read More
Top hiring sectors in French Polynesia by Julien
Hi, let聮s talk about job opportunities in French Polynesia. What are the top hiring sectors? And according to you, what are the most promising job sectors, which will keep creating jobs in French Polynesia? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
This is a tough one! Some of the largest employers include: government, health care, teachers, aquaculture, pearl farmers, auto industry, small shops, manufacturing, tourism. For the "keep creating jobs", I don't think most will grow, except for ... Read More
Bac+5 Informatique Tahiti by pacifican
Bonjour, J'emm茅nage en Polyn茅sie en Janvier 2014 afin de rejoindre ma conjointe, originaire de Tahiti, qui a trouv茅 un emploi 脿 Papeete pour retourner au Fenua. Auriez vous des contacts 脿 me conseiller pour d茅crocher un job en d茅veloppement ...
IaOrana Romain, Vous 锚tes tahitien? Je suis un am茅ricain qui a pris sa retraite 脿 Papeari, Tahiti, donc s'il vous pla卯t pardonnez mon mauvais fran莽ais. Il est extr锚mement difficile pour un 茅tranger d'obtenir un emploi ici. Tous les travaux sont ... Read More
Successful job interview in French Polynesia
Ia Orana Philippe, The economy is not very good here right now, so it is unlikely that you will find a job, because any jobs created are given first to native Tahitians due to the 25-30% unemployment. You may want to try Petites Annonces in our ... Read More
transport voiture papeete raiatea by alezennnn
bonjour, quelqu'un pourrait-il me donner des tuyaux pour faire transporter une voiture de Papeete 脿 Uturoa ? merci
Salut Je suis un am茅ricain qui a pris sa retraite 脿 Papeari, Tahiti, donc s'il vous pla卯t pardonnez mon mauvais fran莽ais ! Je vais vous donner quelques informations ci-dessous et vous pouvez les contacter directement. Voici les transports maritimes ... Read More
looking for a job as a tourist guide
Are you French citizens? You would be better off investing and starting your own business. The economy is not very good here right now, so it is unlikely that you will find a job, because any jobs created are given first to native Tahitians due to ... Read More
Looking to be a language assistant at a local school by dangershfield
Hi - My name is Daniel Gershfield and I am a second year student at the University of Bristol in England. I study French and Spanish and as part of my degree I am spending next year in French and Spanish speaking countries. I would love to work as a ...
Hi, I am an American expat living in Papeari, Tahiti. There are not many people in Tahiti that read this blog (online is expensive!!!). If you are interested in teaching, you may want to try contacting the government official in charge of all ... Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
Hi, The real estate tax is 10% of the home value, but the tax is levied on 75% of the home value. Some districts add 5%, like Punuaauia. Yes, new homes are exempt for 5 years. Hope this helps. Lots of other taxes, but at least there is no income ... Read More
Visa in french Polynesia by daphne5
Great, sounds perfect! Only 400 people on the atoll of Manihi but we want this, we love a peaceful and quiet life! We are in touch with teachers there for a house to rent. Should I get the visa before leaving or can I arrive as a tourist and change ...
I don't know if you actually need a visa if your wife is a French citizen. Does she have a French passport? You should contact the government first before you arrive to be sure. You can always extend tourist visas, but can't change to a work visa ... Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
Ia Orana Robert and Daphne, Nice to meet you. Wow, Manihi in the Tuamotus? I have been their diving. That is very remote and I think less than 1000 people live there. Do you already have a place to live or rent? One paperwork you will need is your ... Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
Hi, My house is in the district of Papeari on the island of Tahiti adjacent to the water at PK52. It has 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms, one indoor bathroom, one kitchen, a total of about 1500 square feet (140 square meters. It is made of wood and fibrocement ... Read More
Construction cost in Tahiti and Bora Bora by Khuu
How much more expensive is construction cost in Tahiti and Bora bora compared to USA or New Zealand? How transportation and tariff cost? How much is a 3 bedroom 2 stories is costed to construct?
Hi, I am a retired American engineer and I built a home in Papeari Tahiti adjacent to the water. The cost depends upon several factors. Actual size of the house in square meters, whether you use concrete blocks or wood, one or two stories, what ... Read More
Organize your move to French Polynesia by Julie
Hi all, we invite you to share your experience about moving to French Polynesia. Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to French Polynesia: What would you bring and what would you leave behind? Is it ...
Ia Orana, 41I've never heard of a child being kicked out of elementary school for language. If your children do not know French, they will have difficulties until they learn some. Kids learn quickly, so you may want to enroll then in a French class ... Read More
Organize your move to French Polynesia by Julie
Hi all, we invite you to share your experience about moving to French Polynesia. Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to French Polynesia: What would you bring and what would you leave behind? Is it ...
Ia Orana, I have only had experience with Ecole El茅mentaire Protestante Charles Vi茅not in Papeete, a private school and the high school (Lyc茅e) in Taravao, a public school. They are based on the French system and are generally good. What specific ... Read More
Organize your move to French Polynesia by Julie
Hi all, we invite you to share your experience about moving to French Polynesia. Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to French Polynesia: What would you bring and what would you leave behind? Is it ...
Ia Orana, I am a retired American living in Papeari, Tahiti, PK 52, with my Tahitian wife of 12 years. A few thoughts for you. 1. Yes, it is more expensive to live here, but stick with the wonderful seafood, pork, an island fruits and vegetables as ... Read More
Looking for jobs in the Biotechnology field
Hi, There's no biomedical or medical device manufacturing here. But you can certainly start your own firm and locate here. There is some industry and it is possible to do well. But you must know the transportation expenses to sell your product ... Read More