How to Call French Polynesia
Complete guide to dialing French Polynesia (country code +689)
Making international calls can feel complicated, but calling French Polynesia is straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether you're contacting family in Tahiti, reaching a hotel in Bora Bora, or conducting business in Papeete, knowing how to call French Polynesia correctly ensures your connection goes through smoothly the first time.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for calling French Polynesia successfully. You'll learn the exact dialing instructions from various countries, discover the most common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them), understand local phone etiquette to make a great impression, and access a list of useful numbers for emergencies and travel assistance. By the end, you'll feel confident making calls to this beautiful South Pacific destination without hesitation or confusion.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding French Polynesia's Dialing Format
French Polynesia uses country code +689 and has a straightforward numbering system with no area codes. All phone numbers contain 6 digits, making it one of the simpler international dialing destinations.
International Dialing Structure
The basic format for calling French Polynesia follows this pattern:
[Exit Code] + 689 + [6-digit local number]
Note: French Polynesian numbers don't use leading zeros, so there's nothing to drop when dialing internationally.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the United States:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 689 (French Polynesia country code)
- Dial the 6-digit local number
Example: To call 40 50 60 from the USA, dial 011-689-405060
From the United Kingdom:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 689 (country code)
- Dial the 6-digit local number
Example: To call 87 12 34 from the UK, dial 00-689-871234
From Other Countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow with 689 and the local number.
Specific Number Examples
Example 1 - Landline in Papeete:
To call 40 43 82 00 from Australia, dial 0011-689-404382
Example 2 - Mobile Number:
To call 87 76 54 32 from Canada, dial 011-689-877654
Example 3 - Business Line:
To call 40 50 12 34 from Germany, dial 00-689-405012
Example 4 - Hotel in Bora Bora:
To call 60 55 44 33 from Japan, dial 010-689-605544
Quick Tips
- Mobile numbers typically start with 87, 88, or 89
- Landlines usually begin with 40 or 60
- Always verify the complete 6-digit number before dialing
- Use the + symbol on mobile phones to automatically insert the correct exit code
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Common Mistakes
When calling French Polynesia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Many French Polynesian local numbers start with 0, but you must omit this when dialing internationally. If the local number is 040 50 12 34, dial +689 40 50 12 34, not +689 040 50 12 34.
Using the wrong exit code: Different countries have different exit codes (011 for the US/Canada, 00 for most European countries). Verify your country's exit code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with an area code: French Polynesia uses +689 as its country code and has no additional area codes. All numbers follow the same format: +689 plus the local number.
Incorrect digit count: French Polynesian numbers are typically 6 digits (landlines) or 8 digits (mobile numbers starting with 8 or 9). If your number doesn't match this format, double-check it.
Adding unnecessary spaces or punctuation: While spaces help readability, some phone systems may not process them correctly. If experiencing issues, try entering the number without any spaces or dashes.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in French Polynesia, understanding local customs helps build respectful relationships. The islands blend French formality with relaxed Polynesian warmth, creating unique communication expectations.
Always begin calls with a proper greeting. Use "Bonjour" (good morning) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) before stating your purpose. In more casual settings, you might hear "Ia orana," the traditional Tahitian greeting, which shows cultural appreciation when used appropriately.
Business calls should maintain professional courtesy. Address people formally using "Monsieur" or "Madame" unless invited to use first names. Personal calls can be more relaxed, but still begin respectfully before transitioning to casual conversation.
The best calling times are between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:30 PM) when many people take breaks. Evening calls after 8:00 PM should be reserved for close friends and family.
Voice messages are commonly accepted. Keep them brief and clear, leaving your name, reason for calling, and contact information. Many locals prefer text messages for non-urgent matters, so consider this alternative when appropriate.
Important cultural considerations include patience with slower-paced conversations and understanding that island time operates more flexibly than mainland schedules. Don't rush through calls—taking time for pleasantries demonstrates respect. Also remember that many residents speak both French and Tahitian, so language barriers may occasionally require extra patience and clarity.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in French Polynesia:
- Police (Gendarmerie): 17
- Fire Department (Pompiers): 18
- Ambulance (SAMU): 15
- Maritime Rescue: 16
- General Emergency (from mobile): 112
All emergency numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobiles and payphones. The European standard number 112 works from all mobile phones and connects to emergency services.
Important Notes:
- All services operate 24/7
- Operators primarily speak French and Tahitian; English-speaking assistance may be limited
- In remote islands, response times can be significantly longer
- For non-urgent medical issues, contact your hotel or local medical centers
- Keep your accommodation address written in French for emergencies
- International travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance, as medical evacuation can be extremely expensive
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Inquiries: 12 12 (domestic phone numbers and business listings)
- International Operator: 00 (for operator-assisted international calls)
Tourist Information
- Tahiti Tourism Office: +689 40 50 57 00 (visitor information, travel assistance)
- Air Tahiti Nui Reservations: +689 40 46 03 03
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Consular Agency (Papeete): +689 40 42 65 35
- Australian Consulate: +689 40 46 88 04
- New Zealand Consulate: +689 40 54 07 43
Useful Services
- Post Office Information: 36 20
- Electricity Service (EDT): 40 50 65 65
- Water Service (Polynésienne des Eaux): 40 50 30 30
- Marine Rescue Coordination: +689 40 46 29 65
- Hospital Appointments (Centre Hospitalier): 40 48 62 62
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay for smooth travel and daily needs.
Tips for Calling French Polynesia
When calling French Polynesia, plan carefully around their UTC-10 time zone. If you're calling from New York (EST), add five hours to your local time; from London (GMT), subtract ten hours. For optimal connection rates and costs, call during off-peak hours—typically evenings and weekends—when international rates are often lower.
Business calls should target weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM local Tahitian time, with late mornings (10:00 AM-12:00 PM) being ideal. Always schedule important business calls in advance, as island time moves differently and spontaneity isn't valued in professional settings.
Avoid calling during major holidays including Bastille Day (July 14), Heiva Festival (July), Christmas, and New Year's. Many businesses close for extended periods during these times.
For clear communication, speak slowly and consider language barriers—French is the official language, though English is understood in tourist areas. Have key information written down beforehand. Account for potential delays in mobile connections to outer islands. If calling remote atolls, expect variable call quality and consider confirming important details via email afterward. Test your connection quality early in the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for French Polynesia is +689. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to French Polynesia from anywhere in the world.
To dial French Polynesia from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US), then 689 (country code), followed by the 6-digit local number. For example: +689 XX XX XX or 011-689-XX-XX-XX.
No, French Polynesia phone numbers don't have a leading zero to drop. Local numbers are 6 digits long. Simply dial +689 followed by the 6-digit number directly without any additional prefixes.
The cheapest way to call French Polynesia is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling French Polynesia.
In French Polynesia, dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. These emergency numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within French Polynesia.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to French Polynesia directly from your web browser. Simply visit ZippCall's website, add credit to your account, enter the French Polynesian number, and start calling—no downloads or installations required.
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