LOCATION
Tonga is located just west of the International Date-line and approximately 600 miles east of Fiji. It is made up of an archipelago of 170 small islands spread over 270,000 square miles of ocean.
Tonga can be reached by flying to Fiji and catching a connecting flight to Nuku’alofa. The actual flying time from Los Angeles is approximately 11 ½ hours.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Tonga’s main international airport Fua’amotu, located on the main island of Tongatapu, is approximately 15 miles from Nuku’alofa, the capital.
Domestic airports are also located on Vava’u and Ha’apai however there are no domestic air services on Sundays.
VISITOR VISAS
Bona-fide tourists may enter Tonga for a period not exceeding 30 days and will be issued a visa, free of charge, for the period of one month from the date of arrival, providing that the visitor holds a valid passport and an onward air or sea ticket. If visitors wish to extend their stay, permission must be requested from the Principle Immigration Officer.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
It is prohibited to bring firearms, ammunition, drugs and pornographic materials into Tonga. Birds, animals, fruit and plants need certification from Quarantine.
Apart from their own personal effects, each traveler over the age of 18 is allowed to bring the following into Tonga. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.
| Item |
Limit |
| Cigarettes |
2 cartons per person |
| Liquor |
2 litres |
CLIMATE
The climate in Tonga is pleasant, slightly cooler and less humid than most tropical areas. The average daily temperature during the summer months of November to April is approximately 82F and during the winter months of May to October, 72F.
POPULATION
The population of Tonga is approximately 104,000 of which 98% is of Polynesian origin. The majority of people live on the main island of Tongatapu.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Tongan but English is widely spoken.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Tongan Pa’anga. One Pa’anga is equal to 100 seniti. Notes are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Pa’anga. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 seniti.
Banking facilities which are available on all islands are generally open from 9.00am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 11.30am on Saturday.
BUSINESS HOURS
| Monday to Friday |
8.30am to 4.30pm |
| Saturday |
8.00am to 12.00n |
SHOPPING
Shops ranging from clothing, souvenir & duty free shops to supermarkets are available, though limited. Local arts and crafts, especially Tapa cloth are of high quality. Few shops accept credit cards.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008
| Date |
Holiday |
| January 1 |
New Year's Day |
| March 21 |
Good Friday |
| March 24 |
Easter Monday |
| April 25 |
ANZAC Day |
| June 4 |
Emancipation Day |
| July 12 |
Birthday of the Heir to the Crown Tonga |
| August 1 |
Official Birthday of the King of Tonga |
| November 4 |
Constitution Day |
| December 4 |
Tupou I Day |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day |
| December 26 |
Boxing Day |
ELECTRICITY
The voltage is 240 and so you will need a step down converter.
DRIVING
Driving is on the left hand side of the road in Tonga. Visitors require a Tongan drivers license which can be purchased for T$10.00 at the police station upon showing your passport.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
The main form of transportation on Tongatapu, Vava’u and ‘Eua is by bus. Taxis and rental cars are available on Tongatapu. As there are no meters we recommend that you negotiate a fare before departure.
Small freighter ferries depart weekly to the outer islands.
DRINKING WATER
We recommend drinking bottled water although the tap water is chlorinated and deemed safe.
HEALTH
Visitors do not require vaccinations unless arriving directly from an infected area.
There are government hospitals located on Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai for the treatment of minor ailments.
NIGHTLIFE
There are a variety of nightspots in Tonga as well as a local movie theater. Hotels offer Tongan feasts with traditional dancing and the Tongan National Centre provides entertainment and traditional feasts regularly during the week.
DINING OUT
Tonga has a small selection of restaurants and cafes offering an international mix of dining choices. Some hotels offer traditional Tongan feasts and entertainment.
TIPPING
Tipping is not customary in Tonga but no offence will be taken if excellent service is rewarded.
The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
