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Q:
What currency does Tonga use and what money do I need?
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Currency
- The Tongan dollar or Pa’anga (TOP) equals 100 seniti (cents). Roughly speaking $AUD1 = $TOP1.45 / $NZD1 = $TOP1.30
- Tonga's own bank is the Tonga Development Bank and the Kingdom is also is home to two international banks being the Westpac and ANZ banks
- Banks are generally open from 9.00am to 4pm Monday to Friday in Nuku'alofa (Tongatapu), Pangai (Ha'apai) and Neiafu (Vava'u)
- ATM cash withdrawal machines are increasingly available thoughtout Tongatapu and in Neiafu Town (Vavau)
- Currency exchange is available at Fua'amotu International Airport (Tongatapu) but there are no facilities at the domestic airport.
Paying For Goods & Services Electronically
- During your visit you will find that the use of bank EFT-POS, debit and credit cards in shops and eateries is not widely spread (although increasing).
Tipping and Bargaining
- Tipping is not expected in Tonga however some cafes and bars may have a tips jar and rewarding for good service will not casue offense
- Bargaining is not practiced and people expect to be paid the asking price.
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Q:
Do I need Travel & Medical Insurance?
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In a word - YES!
Tonga is a very small country with limited resources. Furthermore its island groups are widely spread.
Please ensure that you protect yourself, as well as your family, by carrying adequate travel and medical insurance.
Important Note: if you miss your domestic and / or international flight, for whatever reason, and you have not taken adequate travel & health insurance then you do so entirely at your own risk. This includes aviation & weather disruptions.
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Q:
How Should I Dress?
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Being tropical the climate is very kind all year round.
- Light casual clothing is recommended
- Footwear: Do wear good footwear so that you can enjoy the walking. It's the tropics so you are better with open style footwear
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In Public places - clothing should be respectful without too much exposure. Guys - You need to wear a shirt. Everyone - wearing swimwear in public places is not permitted.
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Somewhere Special: If, by chance, you are invited to any sort of official function then ladies should cover their shoulders and their dress length should be at knee length or longer
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At The Beach: Topless bathing is not permitted, water shoes are often a great idea due to the coral
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Q:
What Is The Climate Like?
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The Kingdom Of Tonga has a comfortable sub-tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25 C to 33 C for most of the year.
Winter (July through to September) the temperatures range range from 22-25C however may dip as low as 18 on a cooler day
Average annual rainfall, most of which occurs from December to March during the hot season, is 160 cm (63 in) on Tongatapu, 257 cm (101 in) on Niuatoputapu, and 221 cm (87 in) on Vava'u.
The mean relative humidity is 80%.
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Q:
What visa and passport requirements apply to Tonga
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6 months validity on passport required
Please check with your travel advisor for specifics related to your home country
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Q:
What language do people speak?
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Tongan (lea fakatonga) is an Austronesian language spoken in the Kingdom.
Education is highly regarded and you will find many Tongan people fluent in English.
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Q:
What time zone is Tonga in?
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Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +13 hours with no daylight savings.
During the period October - March - When it's Noon Monday in Tonga, it is:
- Fiji 11:00 A.M. Monday
- London midnight Sunday
- Sydney 10:00 A.M. Monday
- Brisbane 9:00 A.M. Monday
- Los Angeles 3:00 P.M. Sunday
- New Zealand Noon Monday
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Q:
What is the electricity voltage
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Like Australia and New Zealand the power in Tonga is 230 volts / 60 Hz
Most power is diesel generated and expensive. For that reason you will find that power supply can be a trifle inconsistent with outages commonplace.
Tonga has initiated a number of sustainable policies for power generation particularly to support the outer islands and is actively engaged in the implementation of these.
TIP - you are on holiday. Forget hair dryers and other non-essential appliances.
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Q:
Are there taxis?
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Yes! There are a number of taxi services in place. Here is what you need to know:
- There are no taxi meters - before you get in the cab, ask the driver what the fare will be
- Vehicles range from modern to "you are kidding!"
- Taxi services may not be available on a Sunday - please ask your host's advice if you need Sunday transport
- Some outer islands have limited to no services - again just ask your host's advice.
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Q:
I Have Dietary Needs - Will That Matter?
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Most food ranges in Tonga are simple and fresh. You will probably find other food choices difficult to purchase therefore if you have specific health and dietary needs then you will need to bring most of these with you.
For example:
- Bread tends to be somewhat bland with only white, wholemeal and kibble being commonplace.
- Seasonal fruit and vegetables are available from the markets
- Red meats are imported
- Freshly caught fish & seafood is abundant and delicious
- Even in restaurants and at resorts, options for those lactose resistant, vegetarian or avoiding dairy are very limited
- As so much food is imported supplies can fluctuate.
Importing food items ? Ensure all food items are sealed and (for meats) are vacuum packed. Declare your food stuff and carry the receipts for customs.
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Q:
What Health Advice Do You Have?
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- No vaccinations or inoculations are required
- Mosquito repellent is a must due to the nuisance factor. Malaria is not found in the Kingdom however there have been some incidences of Dengue Fever
- Soap and Water can be lacking when you are out and about and you might appreciate carrying the likes of Dettol's Instant Hand Sanitiser
- Use sun block as well as hats
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Q:
When is the best time for swimming with whales?
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The humpback whales visit the Kingdom, to birth and mate, during the southern hemisphere's winter months. We generally tend to see them from July through to late October or early November. As whales don't make appointments we recommend the following:
- Give yourself plenty of time to see the whales - at least a week during which you can go out with an authorised Whalewatch operator several times.
- August and September are the high season so book well in advance to avoid disappointment
Tonga offers many of the South Pacific's top destination dive spots, sporting and game fishing adventures as well as pristine beaches set amongst diverse landscapes. If all you want to do is curl up with a great book and chill out then that can be easily achieved also. Largely undiscovered, you will not lack for land and sea adventures whilst visiting the Kingdom.
