£1 TOP 3.23
Today
4:52 pm
+13h from you
Weather in Tonga
Tonga
27°
Slight rain showers
Wed
27
27
Thu
26
27
Fri
26
27
Sat
26
27
Sun
26
27
SPF level in Tonga
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Tonga
Tipping in Tonga
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Tonga, and it is generally not expected. However, it is always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
Not expected, but 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
Bar/Café
Not expected, but rounding up the bill is common for good service.
Taxi
Not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
5-10 TOP per service is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 TOP per day is appreciated for good service.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost is appreciated for exceptional service.
Safety in Tonga
Tips for British travellers
Tonga is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Petty theft is fairly common so do not leave bags unattended and use hotel safes for valuables.
Topless sunbathing or nudity in public is illegal and can result in a fine or prison sentence.
Swimwear is only acceptable on the beach or by streams; wearing it elsewhere will attract negative attention.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public except at bars or restaurants and the legal drinking age is 21.
It is illegal to swim or kayak with whales unless on a licensed boat with a certified guide, which can result in a large fine or prison.
Bonus tips:
Traffic police can issue on-the-spot fines for speeding and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
Tonga's tides can produce powerful currents; take local advice before swimming or surfing as there have been fatal accidents.
Driving in Tonga
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your UK license.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
65 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
922
Ambulance
933
Fire
999
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Tonga
Voltage
240V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Tonga uses Type I plugs. The standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. UK travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Tonga
Limited
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are primarily available in Nukuʻalofa and major tourist areas. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when travelling to outer islands. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled.
Mobile & roaming
Mobile roaming charges can be high in Tonga. Contact your provider before travelling to understand the costs. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit; check your mobile provider's roaming policy.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 100 TOP (~£35)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Digicel, UCall
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Nukuʻalofa and tourist areas. Internet speeds can be slow. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for better connectivity.
Health & vaccinations in Tonga
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation, as medical facilities in Tonga can be limited. Check that your insurance also covers any planned activities, such as water sports.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Dengue fever
Visit your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss any necessary vaccinations or malaria medication. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in Tonga. Practice mosquito bite prevention. Medical facilities are limited, particularly on outer islands. Bring any personal medications you require, along with copies of your prescriptions.
Calling Tonga
Country code
+676
00 676 [local number]
00 676 23456
To call Tonga from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 676 (Tonga's country code), followed by the local number. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in some areas.
UK Embassy in Tonga
British High Commission Suva (Fiji, also responsible for Tonga)
47 Gladstone Road, Suva, Fiji
Airports in Tonga
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.