Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Papeete uses the XPF (₣) and Kingston uses the JMD ($). Language shifts too — French in Papeete, English in Kingston. Be careful behind the wheel: Papeete drives on the right, Kingston on the left.
- Country
- French Polynesia
- Capital
- Papeetē
- Currency
- CFP franc (XPF · ₣)
- Language
- French
- Calling code
- +689
- Drives on
- Right
- Country
- Jamaica
- Capital
- Kingston
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD · $)
- Language
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Left
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Papeete and Kingston?
Papeete is 5 hours ahead of Kingston. Papeete runs on GMT-10 and Kingston on GMT-5. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 3 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is Papeete from Kingston?
About 8,884 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 10h 57m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do Papeete and Kingston use?
Papeete uses the CFP franc (XPF, ₣); Kingston uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD, $). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call Papeete from Kingston?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 011), then +689, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in Papeete and Kingston?
Papeete primarily speaks French; Kingston speaks English, Jamaican Patois. English is widely used in business contexts in major cities of both, but written contracts may need translation.
Do Papeete and Kingston drive on the same side of the road?
No. French Polynesia drives on the right, Jamaica on the left. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.