$$ Exchange / ATM

[Meggiemotu]

So looking forward to Tuesday departure ! $$ question. Is there an ATM at the airport in Tahiti or near the Carrefour close to ICH? We prefer to use local currency when we travel, will have rental car in Moorea and will do local shopping in various ports.

Where is the best place to find a working ATM?

Thanks

[Tikiintahiti]

When you come out of customs go to the right. About 50 yards right next to the street that fronts the airport.

 

There will also be an ATM at the large market 0.6 miles from the IC Tahiti

[cruisefun27]

Have a great trip. Can't wait until our times comes in Nov. Take lots of pictures.

[Emdee]

IC rates and PG rates not that bad either.

IC in Tahiti also has an ATM.

 

Enjoy!

[Tikiintahiti]

Never knew there was an ATM at the IC Tahiti .....

 

Where is it?

[twin123185]

Me either - stayed there 4 or 5 times!

[Emdee]

Tiki from what I recall it is to the right when you enter the hotel and are facing the pool. I think it was somewhere near the store.

This Feb we withdrew our money from the ATM. However, another person from our group used the reception and actually got a better rate than the ATM for the Canadian $. The rate was so good that he actually went back to the reception and told them that they had made a mistake but they said they hadnt!

 

In 2010 the ATM at the IC was not working. Mighty Quinn was the first one to tell me about this ATM.

 

We too had stayed there a few times but never never knew about it before.

[Tikiintahiti]

So many of us have stayed at the IC Tahiti and have never seen the ATM ........... means it isn't in a good place ;)

[Icecat]

So many of us have stayed at the IC Tahiti and have never seen the ATM ........... means it isn't in a good place ;)

 

I know it's there since my spouse found it, just as Emdee stated.

[remaxlu]

Any Canadians know is it best to exchange with my bank in Canada or use the bank machine when I get to the airport? The current bank rate is $106.80 cdn for 8000 xpf.

[Emdee]

ATM at Papeete airport is a lot better than what I have ever got in Toronto.

 

Ship is also a lot better than what I got here but they only take US $

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I agree with Emdee. Airport ATM. I usually carry some USD since it's so easy to use that if you're stuck (but then I usually carry it anyways, coming from L.A.)

[Tony Horton]

Which is the best way to exchange?

[Tikiintahiti]

1. How much do you want to exchange

2. What country your from

3. Type of CC you have

[RZ3]

So, when talking about using the ATM, you're talking about using a credit card in the ATM, correct? If so, the fee is whatever cash advance rate is on the card, isn't it?

 

Bank of America has an option for an advance purchase of foreign currency. Has anyone used that? How do the rates compare to cash advance fees?

[Tikiintahiti]

Wells Fargo consistently has the best exchange rate. If your going to want to exchange a large amount and you live state side then Wells Fargo is your best option. You can order from their web site.

[Emdee]

So, when talking about using the ATM, you're talking about using a credit card in the ATM, correct? If so, the fee is whatever cash advance rate is on the card, isn't it?

 

Bank of America has an option for an advance purchase of foreign currency. Has anyone used that? How do the rates compare to cash advance fees?

 

No, used our bank debit card so no cash advance.

[RZ3]

After doing a little research I found that both my ATM and credit cards would have a 3% fee if used there. ATM used to be 1%, but that changes in November to 3%.

[twin123185]

There are many credit cards out there with no fee. Those fees can really add up! My TD bank ATM card worked in Tahiti no problem, the rate was good and there was no fee.

[RZ3]

My signature card has no foreign transaction fee, but I've never seen a card with no cash advance fee. Unfortunately, BofA doesn't have any agreements with any banks in Tahiti so there's a transaction fee on any ATM transactions that's equal to the credit card cash advance fee.

[twin123185]

My mistake. The next day I was charged $2.50. Didn't realize it until this morning! I had pulled 30,000 XPF out.

[RZ3]

That's a very good rate. Sounds like what BofA charges now for ATM transactions, but changes in November.

[Emdee]

My signature card has no foreign transaction fee, but I've never seen a card with no cash advance fee. Unfortunately, BofA doesn't have any agreements with any banks in Tahiti so there's a transaction fee on any ATM transactions that's equal to the credit card cash advance fee.

 

We used a debit card to draw money and not a credit card. We have a long standing account with no charges whatoever. Something you cannot get now but grandfathered as loyal customers......maybe its different in the US.

[loungelizard61]

We opened a Charles Schwab bank account just for the free ATM use when traveling. It does need to be linked to a brokerage account but they do rebate ATM fees when withdrawing from your checking account. Their customer service is excellent too. Has worked well for us all over the world.

[whencanwego]

We, too, used our Schwab debit card to get Polynesian francs from the Banque de Polynesie ATM at the airport on 10/2/13. When I compared the exchange rate (oanda) on the day of withdrawal to the amount charged to my Schwab account, it was about $4 more. Since Schwab rebates all fees, I figure this must have been a 1% exchange fee (I got 2 withdrawals of $400 worth of francs), instead of an ATM fee - which would have been credited. Still, this small charge saved a LOT of money on the shore excursions I booked myself (5-10%). Unfortunately, the "receipt" I got from Banque de Polynesie told me NOTHING except how much I had withdrawn in francs! Do NOT use a credit card, as you will pay cash advance fees, as well as - usually - foreign transaction fees (usually 3%).