French Polynesia
Nationwide coverage
Data across French Polynesia — Bora Bora's lagoon, Moorea's peaks, the Tuamotu atolls and Papeete's market. French territory, but not at French prices. Here's why.
- 5G where available
- No roaming charges
- Instant eSIM delivery
- Keep your number
eSIM + QR code emailed instantly · no physical SIM
Why this isn't £1.00 like Réunion or Martinique
A fair question if you've seen our other French territory pages. Réunion, Martinique and Guadeloupe cost £1.00 a gigabyte because they're overseas departments of France and part of the European Union, running French networks at EU rates.
French Polynesia is different. It's an overseas collectivity with substantial autonomy, it is not part of the European Union, it uses the CFP franc rather than the euro, and it has its own telecoms operator. EU roaming rules simply don't apply.
So despite the tricolour, you're paying Pacific island rates — £20.99 a gigabyte. Worth knowing before you assume French means cheap.
Vini across the islands
Your eSIM connects to Vini on 5G. Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea are all covered around their populated areas and lagoons.
The Tuamotu atolls and the Marquesas are far more remote. Rangiroa and Fakarava have coverage in the villages; the outer motus and dive sites generally don't.
How much to buy
Overwater bungalow resorts almost universally include Wi-Fi and it's usually decent, so most visitors need very little mobile data.
Buy 1 GB at £20.99 for the transfer days, the Papeete stopover and the boat trips, and let the resort handle the rest. There's rarely a case for going larger here.
Good to know
Questions, answered
It's French — why isn't it £1.00 like Réunion?+
Because French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity outside the European Union, using the CFP franc and its own telecoms operator. EU roaming rules don't apply. Réunion and Martinique are EU departments, which is why they're a pound a gigabyte and this isn't.
Do I need much data if I'm at a resort?+
Usually very little. Overwater bungalow resorts almost all include decent Wi-Fi. Buy the 1 GB for transfer days, the Papeete stopover and boat trips, and let the resort cover the rest.
How do I install it?+
After checkout we email your eSIM and a QR code. Scan it in your phone's settings, switch the line on, and you're ready — do it before you fly and it activates when you land.
Will it work on my phone?+
Most phones from the last few years support eSIM (iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung/Pixel). Check your phone in Settings, or use our compatibility checker.
When does my plan start?+
Validity counts from first connection in the destination, not from purchase — so you can buy and install early without wasting days.
Can I keep using my normal number?+
Yes. The eSIM is data-only and runs alongside your usual SIM, so calls and texts on your main number still work.
Networks
Your eSIM hops onto the strongest of French Polynesia’s local networks automatically — no setup, no choosing.
Coverage
Full nationwide data across French Polynesia on tier-1 partner networks.