French Polynesia is an expensive destination. With its French influence and remoteness in the South Pacific, prices are high in Papeete and other islands such as Moorea and Bora Bora.
So how do you save money on food without blowing your budget? Where can you buy cheap food? Where can you get a cheap meal? What food is cheap to buy? Papeete on a budget – the best places to buy food and save money has the answers.
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Where to buy cheap food in Papeete
To save money and keep food costs down, visit one of the local supermarkets, convenience stores or markets. The best places to visit in Papeete are; Carrefour, Foodies, Shell gas station and the markets.
Carrefour
Carrefour is a French owned supermarket chain in many countries worldwide.
There is a Carrefour in Faa about 5 minutes outside of Papeete. It is a large hypermarket – think supermarket combined with a department store. There are great prices and a large selection of food to choose from. The perfect place to get breakfast goods, bread, meats, fruit and other food items or to pick up your last minute souvenirs.
Foodies
Foodies is a convenience store right near the cathedral in central Papeete. Food sold is of the ready to go type but there is a good selection of bread, cereals, fruit and drinks available.
Markets
Head to the markets to reduce your food costs. Fruit is especially cheap and in big supply. Watch out for the quality though as it can be on the ripe side so you need to eat it as soon as you can.
Small sized bananas and other tropical fruits such as papaya and pineapple are the best buys. Meat and other food is also available. Make sure you bargain for the best price.
Shell gas station
The local Shell gas station in Papeete is a good option to grab some quick food. Food is similar to what Foodies offer – fruit, breadsticks, cold meat and hot and cold ready to eat meals. Shell is on the main road in Papeete – Ave du Prince Hinoi which is a short walk from the middle of town.
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Where to buy a cheap meal in Papeete
If you’re looking for a cheap meal in the evening, you must visit one of the many food trucks or ‘roulettes’ scattered throughout Papeete.
A wide range of food is available in the food trucks; fish, burgers, sandwiches, Chinese or French inspired food and much more. Truck food is popular, cheap and delicious and is available to eat until very late. Most trucks start serving food from 7pm onwards.
What food is cheap in Papeete?
Long breadsticks
Long French style breadsticks are very cheap at 60 Pacific Francs each (price current at date of publishing) and are deliciously fresh. Buy a breadstick and some cold meat and you have a ready made lunch, French style.
Fruit
Fruit is lush and plentiful here so grab a bag and fill it up. Pineapple, Papaya, grapefruit are some of the favourites here and prices are very cheap.
People also sell fruit and other food on the side of the road, so check out what they have on offer because prices can be even cheaper than in the markets.
Water
Bottled water is very cheap in Papeete. In fact the water quality is so good in Papeete that you can safely drink water from the tap. So why not grab your empty water bottle and do a refill? The ultimate money saver!
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Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
