Culture & Customs of Tonga

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand and members of the EU don't need a visa to travel to Tonga, and can stay on the Island for up to 30-90 days within 180 days. If you are a national of Japan, South Korea, Fiji, Malaysia, Samoa, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, you can obtain a visa on arrival for 31 days. All travellers must hold a valid passport for at least 6 months.

The tropical maritime climate allows you to enjoy the Kingdom of Tonga and all its small islands throughout the year. Snorkelling, diving, sunbathing and other outdoor activities can be fully enjoyed from May to October, which is the driest season. On the contrary, if you are planning to go from November to April, the wet season, be aware that heavy rainfall and cyclones hit the island and most of the outdoor activities are cancelled.

At first glance, life in Tonga might appear to have remained unchanged for generations, with its deep-rooted hierarchies still firmly in place. Although men often seem to hold more prominent roles in society, within Tongan families, it's the sisters who hold higher rank. The eldest sister is typically the decision-maker, and her younger siblings are expected to respect her authority without question. Tonga is a very Christian country, meaning that Sunday is devoted to family and the church. Sunday Law prohibits all types of activities, from playing, working to even doing housework. In Tonga, it's important to avoid being topless in public, as this is illegal for both men and women. Additionally, wearing black clothing is associated with mourning in Tongan culture, so it's best to be mindful of this when choosing what to wear. Last but not least, the ubiquitous pigs of Tonga are an attraction in themselves: they roam the island freely and in large amounts, so you're essentially guaranteed to run into at least a few dozen.

In Tonga, several companies operate ferry services between the islands, each serving different routes. Malau Shipping connects Tongatapu and ‘Eua, while Tofa Ramsay Shipping offers routes between Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and ‘Eua. The Friendly Island Shipping Agency also services Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and The Niuas. Since schedules can change, it's advisable to check with the operating company for the most up-to-date information. If you're planning to head directly to the northern islands, it's a good idea to confirm departure times before you arrive.

You can easily identify a taxi in Tonga by the 'T' at the beginning of its number plate. Like many services in Tonga, taxis do not operate on Sundays. It's important to confirm the fare with the driver before you agree to pay or start your journey. While there are plenty of taxis available on Tongatapu and Vava’u, they are scarce or nonexistent on other islands.

The main Post Office is located. They offer shipping and receiving mail, printing services and business services.

Neeru's Pharmacy and Universal Pharmacy are the largest drugstores in Nuku'alofa. For more serious medical issues, head to the Village Mission Clinic and Pharmacy.

Country code: +676

The standard voltage is 240V/50hz. The power plug and socket are type I, meaning that if you're travelling from Europe, the US or Canadá an adapter is required. Travellers from China, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific don't need an adapter.