I have spoken to a few people regarding tipping in Tahiti. Contrary to what the guides say, the Tahitians DO EXPECT A TIP FOR SERVICES!! As a matter of fact, it was expected from bellmen to waiters etc.. I have heard that service in Tahiti can be rude/neglective---I wonder if the tour companies stopped promoting and antiquated custom of non-tipping that service might improve a bit. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

June, perhaps tipping is expected in 5* hotels, but we never found a need to tip when we travelled over there. We were always treated with respect and with smiles by all the locals. Sometimes a difference in cultures can cause misunderstandings. Just accept that FP time is 'when the next coconut falls' <BR>see my photos of our trip on <BR>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...3732&a=1767095 <BR>Peg.

We were in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora in May. We had fabulous service! I cannot find the words to describe how we were treated and helped by the people who helped us. We found that tipping was not expected, however, it was appreciated. Our last day at the Sofitel Motu in Bora Bora, we left a $20 bill in our room - a mere $5.000 per night - for the cleaning staff. The bellman chased us to our departing boat to give us back the money we had left! Once he understood what the money was for, he was quite appreciative, but still surprised. <BR> <BR>Tipping may not be a custom in Tahiti, however, a tip for service well done is never inappropriate - as long as you explain why you are giving it. <BR> <BR>Mary

I agree with Mary. We found the service was excellent and everyone was quite appreciative for tips. Being from the US, and having worked as a waitress when I was quite young, I can't comprehend not tipping for excellent service. We tip everywhere we go - because that is our custom. It was nice in Tahiti, though, because they were more grateful than most...