Tonga Travel Information

Tonga, also known as the "Friendly Islands", is a Polynesian kingdom located in the South Pacific Ocean. With its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and rich cultural heritage, Tonga offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are the top 10 things to do in Tonga:

1. Visit the Royal Palace of Tonga

Explore the official residence of the King of Tonga and learn about the country's history and cultural heritage.

2. Snorkel in the Coral Gardens

Discover the colorful marine life and coral formations in one of Tonga's many protected marine reserves.

3. Swim with Humpback Whales

Join a whale watching tour and experience the thrill of swimming with these majestic creatures during their annual migration.

4. Explore the Mapu a Vaea Blowholes

Admire the powerful natural phenomenon of the Mapu a Vaea blowholes, where seawater shoots up through cracks in the rocks.

5. Visit Anahulu Cave

Discover the beauty of the Anahulu Cave, a limestone cave system filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

6. Visit Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon

See the impressive Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon, a stone archway thought to have been built by the Tu'i Tonga dynasty.

7. Hike in the Eua National Park

Take a hike through the Eua National Park and experience the island's lush tropical forests and breathtaking views.

8. Visit the Tongan Royal Tombs

See the resting places of Tonga's past royalty and learn about the country's cultural traditions and beliefs.

9. Take a Cultural Tour

Join a cultural tour and learn about Tonga's rich history, traditions, and way of life from local experts.

10. Participate in a Kava Ceremony

Experience the traditional Tongan kava ceremony and learn about the cultural significance of this important social event.

Tonga has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit Tonga depends on your interests and what type of weather you prefer.

Climate

Tonga has a warm and humid tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). The hottest months are December to April, and the coolest months are June to September. There is occasional rain throughout the year, with the wettest months being January to March.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tonga depends on what you hope to experience during your trip.

For Swimming and Snorkeling

The best time for swimming and snorkeling is from May to November, when the water is calm and clear.

For Whale Watching

The best time for whale watching is from June to November, when humpback whales come to Tongan waters to mate and give birth.

For Cultural Events

The best time for experiencing Tongan cultural events is during the annual Heilala Festival, which takes place in July and celebrates Tongan culture, music, dance, and food.

Overall, the best time to visit Tonga is from June to September, when the weather is dry and cool, and the water is calm and clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Tonga offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a budget-friendly option for travelers and offer simple, clean rooms with basic amenities.

Hostels

Hostels in Tonga are a great option for budget-conscious travelers and often offer dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities.

Hotels

Hotels in Tonga offer a range of room options, from standard rooms to suites, with comfortable amenities and often a restaurant and bar on-site.

Resorts

Resorts in Tonga offer a higher level of comfort and luxury, with rooms that are often spacious and well-appointed, and a range of on-site facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and bars.

Private Island Resorts

Private island resorts in Tonga offer the ultimate luxury experience, with exclusive access to private beaches, high-end amenities, and personalized service.

Eco-Lodges

Eco-lodges in Tonga offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation option, with a focus on preserving the natural environment and promoting local culture.

Tonga offers a range of transportation options to help visitors get around the islands, whether it be by air, sea, or land.

Domestic Flights

The main domestic airline in Tonga is Real Tonga, which operates flights between the main islands.

Ferries

Ferries operate between the main islands and offer a cost-effective way to travel, as well as scenic views of the islands and surrounding waters.

Yachts

Chartering a yacht is a popular way to explore Tonga's islands and surrounding waters, offering flexibility and privacy for travelers.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Tonga and offer a convenient way to get around the islands, especially for short distances.

Buses

Buses are a more budget-friendly option for travel within the islands, although they are often crowded and may not be available at all times.

Cars and Motorcycles

Renting a car or motorcycle is a convenient way to explore the islands and offers visitors greater flexibility and independence.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.