By Car

Car rentals are available on nearly every major island in French Polynesia. If you are going to the outlying islands, cars are scarce, and often can only be rented with a driver. Given the astronomical price of renting a car, not to mention petrol, consider other transportation options outside of the major islands: scooters are often available for rental (outside of Tahiti), boat transfers are a great way to get around, and biking is popular and safe—the roads are primarily flat and, outside of Tahiti's main cities, there isn't much traffic. Hotels often provide transportation, or rent bikes, scooters, and even cars, so it's best to check with your accommodation first before looking into rentals from airports or major city centers.

You only need to bring your national driver's license to drive in French Polynesia.

Most islands have one main paved road encircling their perimeters. Some of the larger islands (like Tahiti) have paved roads that wind into the interior, but most roads (aside from the primary perimeter one) are generally dirt tracks suitable only for 4WD.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and is relatively straightforward. That being said, keep your wits about you, as local drivers can often leave you with your heart in your throat.

Gasoline

In French Polynesia, petrol stations (as they're called) are easy to find and are competitively priced in the main city centers. However, once you start driving in the more remote areas, petrol stations are few and far between. Plan ahead and make sure you have a full tank before heading out to explore. Petrol is sold by liters, and the cost can range widely—just plan on it being expensive. The good news is that, given the size of French Polynesian islands, it's nearly impossible to go through a lot of gas. Cash is usually the only payment accepted, and most stations are self-service.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are available in French Polynesia's major islands from international agencies, such as Hertz, Budget, and Avis. However, renting a car is extremely expensive, and the price of petrol makes it even more so. Given compact size of the islands, the lack of paved roads, and the variety of ways to get around, it's recommended that you arrive at the island first and see what your travel needs are before committing to renting a car. Often your accommodation can provide boat or vehicle transfers, or rent bikes, scooters and even cars, so check with them before you make any arrangements.

Roadside Emergencies

Discuss with the rental agency what to do in the case of an emergency, as this sometimes differs between companies. Make sure you understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn't, and it's a good rule of thumb to let someone at your accommodation know where you are heading and when you plan to return. If you find yourself stranded, hail a bus or speak to the locals, who may have some helpful advice about finding your way to a phone or a bus-stop. Keep emergency numbers (car rental agency and your accommodation) with you, just in case.