Bora Bora, a Polynesian island located in the archipelago of the Society Islands, is a dream for all those who wish to break free from their daily routine and offer themselves a haven of luxury for an endless vacation.
Thanks to its sublime landscapes ranging from coral reefs to white sand beaches, its turquoise lagoons and its unique location, Bora Bora is one of the most coveted dream destinations in the world.
However, you might be wondering what would be the minimum wage needed to enjoy the wonders of this paradise island. Whether you want to stay there for a few days, weeks or even to live permanently, here we provide you with the information and estimates you need to obtain an idyllic vacation in Bora Bora.
Packing for Bora Bora
If you’re willing to pack your bags for Bora Bora, you’re going to need a good paycheck. Many of the luxury hotels on the island are reserved for high-income earners.
Prices for a day at an upscale hotel such as The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort or Le Méridien Bora Bora are very valuable. Rates per night range from 2000€ to 3000€, so there is something for all budgets.
If you can’t afford your own private estate on the lagoon, you can rent villas or a bungalow to suit the experience and ambiance you want. Rental prices vary widely and can range from €50 per night for a villa to €1200 for a luxurious two-bedroom villa.
On the other hand, if you plan to settle for good in Bora Bora, you will need to make precise estimates and have an adequate salary for your plans.
Cost of living in Bora Bora
From the tax rate to access to basic services, the cost of living in Bora Bora is double that of France or the United States. With the French annual minimum wage of €17,000 and the US monthly median wage of €3,500, you won’t be able to live much in Bora Bora.
You will have to think of far more ambitious purpose to get yourself out. The annual minimum salary necessary for a decent lifestyle in Bora Bora continues to melt and is approaching €60,000.
If you want to live in Bora Bora while working, earnings for Society Island residents are generally lower than those in developed countries, with air travel time and a general lack of job opportunities, wages in Bora Bora can be exceptionally low.
Despite everything, there are jobs available for those looking to settle permanently in Bora Bora. A research on the job sites locals will give you a better idea of the salaries and types of jobs available.
TEA sectors the most popular in Bora Bora are hotels, real estate, restaurants and tourism. Once you’ve made a plan and found the job that’s right for you, you’re halfway there.
How to obtain a visa to settle in Bora Bora?
Then you have to figure out how to live in Bora Bora without violating the legislation Polynesian. The easiest way to do this is to obtain a temporary residence visa for a maximum period of one year.
You must also show that you have a financial strain sufficient to cover the needs of your own and your family for the duration of the stay. To do this, you will need to prove that you have a certain fixed amount of money at your disposal.
Once you have obtained your visa, you will receive the Resident Card of Bora Bora, which gives you the right to stay on the island for one year. You must renew it every year for five consecutive years to acquire permanent status.
Some companies can also offer you a temporary visa if you are hired by a company in Bora Bora.
What salary to live in Bora Bora?
Despite high, high salaries and high taxes, Bora Bora can be affordable if you have a good sized salary.
TEA service cost and essential goods is considerably higher than in Europe or North America. An average basket of basics such as vegetables, fruit, a bottle of water and a bag of sugar usually costs between 25 and 30 euros.
On the service side, health care are not free in Bora Bora as in France and the United States. Consultation fees vary depending on the type of service provided and the type of doctor. Medical insurance premiums are also available and cover major medical expenses, but they are expensive and require serious wallet to subscribe them.
The bills for the accommodation monthly include both the rent and the regular drinking water delivery service. An apartment located in a decent neighborhood in Bora Bora can easily cost between 500 and 900 euros per month.
When you take into account the additional costs, such as electricity and water, the price can be doubled.
Once all of these costs are factored in, you should aim to have an annual salary of at least €75,000 to keep up with the quality of life in Bora Bora.
How to find a job in Bora Bora?
Finding a job in Bora Bora can be easy or difficult depending on your profession and your qualifications. TEA local employment groups and websites can provide information on jobs available in Bora Bora and average salaries.
The main sectors of activity in Bora Bora are hotels, restaurants, tourism and real estate. These sectors offer a variety of jobs, including hospitality positions, outsourcing positions, project assistant positions, computer engineers, and management positions.
Part-time positions are also available in Bora Bora, so be sure to research the opportunities available to you thoroughly.
It is also important to note that the language can be a hindrance to your job. The two main languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French, so speaking these two languages could be an advantage when looking for a job.
If you are an entrepreneur, Bora Bora is also a great place to provide services. Tourists are flocking to the island, driving the demand for photographers, tour guides, divers, and chefs.
In short, Bora Bora is an ideal destination for those wishing to stay and work abroad. In order to be able to effectively influence the Polynesian way of life, you will need to have a solid source of income and a reasonable “plan of action”.
Conclusion
Bora Bora may indeed seem inaccessible for an average budget. However, it can be affordable if you can afford it. If you want to enjoy the most beautiful beaches and paradisiacal lagoons of the island, a solid financial foundation is necessary to cover the costs of accommodation, food and basic services.
In addition, to live in Bora Bora, you must obtain a resident card, which requires solid financial solvency.
Finally, job opportunities in Bora Bora are limited, but if you are willing to adapt to a local job and culture, you should be able to increase your salary considerably.
In summary, if you want to live in Bora Bora, the minimum wage should be €75,000 per year. So pack your bags and go!