Tourist Information for Tonga

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tonga

  • What is the Capital of The Kingdom of Tonga? Nuku'alofa

  • Which Airlines Fly to Tonga? Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways

  • Where is the International Airport? Fua'amotu on Tongatapu Island

  • What is the currency of Vanuatu? Tongan Pa'anga

  • What Electricity and Electrical Sockets are in Vanuatu? Same as Australia / NZ

Tonga Tourist Information

Which Airlines Fly to Tonga?

Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways.

Where is the International Airport?

Fua'amotu Airport on the main island of Tongatapu. The airport is 21km from Nuku'alofa Town

What is the Weather like?

The weather in Tonga is tropical, although it is noticeably milder than Fiji or Samoa with typical day time temperatures averaging 26 degrees Celsius by day and dropping only a few degrees at night giving need to a light jumper on Winter evenings only. Vava'u, being further north than the main island of Tongatapu is ever so slightly warmer. There are no high islands in Tonga so rainfall is generally less than experienced in neighbouring Fiji, Samoa or the Cook Islands.

When is Winter? When is Summer?

Winter is from May to October when temperature average 24 degrees by day and can get down to 16 degrees at night. Summer, starting in November and ending in April, is hotter and more humid with frequent intense tropical rainfalls in the late afternoons and evenings with a tropical depression or cyclone occurring on average once in a season.

What is the capital of Tonga?

Nuku'alofa Town, located on a lagoon has a population of just under 23,000. The people of Tonga are of Polynesian descent.

What is the currency of Tonga? Are there banks and ATM machines?

Tonga uses dollars and cents with its own currency being called the Tongan Pa'anga. Banks and ATM machines are found in Nuku'alofa Town (on the main island of Tongatapu) and Neiafu Town (on the island of Vava'u) There are money exchange booths and a bank at the international airport.

Can I use my Credit Card?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted by most restaurants and shops in Nuku'alofa, by the majority of hotels and resorts, although smaller guesthouses and budget properties may not have the facility for payment. A credit card fee of between 3% to 5% is commonly charged.

What Electricity and Electrical Sockets are in Tonga?

240V - three pin plugs - the same as used in Australia and New Zealand.

What Tourist Information is available in Tonga?

There is a tourist information centre on Vuna Road in Nuku'alofa and also in the central fale in Neiafu Town. However, if in Nuku'alofa, visit Friends Cafe which has the best knowledge and can book most day tours.

Should I Tip for Service?

No - tipping is not encouraged in the South Pacific although a gratuity box is often displayed on hotel reception desks with the money either contributing to the staff Christmas Party or to a local community project

What Items should I pack for holiday?

A wide brim hat, sunglasses and suncream are the most essential items.
A good water bottle if you're going to explore.
Airy clothes, preferably cotton with an emphasis on shorts and shirts or t-shirts.
A light jumper is handy to have in winter in case it gets cool.
Reef shoes if exploring the sea or beachcombing.

Small practical gifts like stationary, books, magazines if visiting a village, and perhaps some play items like a rugby ball, soccer ball or netball if you have space, or miniatures if you don't.

Find out more about where Find out more about where to stay in our comprehensive Tonga Accommodation Guide