Social Conventions Shaking hands is a suitable form of greeting. Although by Western standards Tongan people are by no means rich, meals served to visitors will usually be memorable. A token of appreciation, while not expected, is always welcome, especially gifts from the visitor’s homeland. Casual wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach. It is illegal for both men and women to go shirtless in public. Sunday is regarded as a sacred day, an aspect of Tongan life thrown into sharp relief by the controversy surrounding the so-called ’Tongan loop’.
The International Date Line forms a loop around the islands, thereby making them a day ahead of Samoa, even though Samoa is almost due north of Tonga. Members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church therefore maintain that a Tongan Sunday is really a Saturday, and are unwilling to attend church on a day which is only a Sunday because of an apparently arbitrary manifestation of international law. This complex and almost insoluble problem may cause visitors a certain amount of confusion, but travelers to Tonga are advised to respect the religious beliefs of the islanders.
International Travel:
Getting There by Air The main airline serving Tonga is Air Pacific (website: www.airpacific.com). Air New Zealand and Polynesian Airlines also serve the country.
Air Passes Visit the South Pacific Pass: valid with Solomon Airlines (IE), Air Vanuatu (NF), Our Airline (Air Nauru) (ON), Qantas (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Aircalin (SB) and Air Pacific (FJ). The pass allows flexible island-hopping within the South Pacific, for up to 40% off normal airfares.
Departure Tax TOP25 for all passengers; children under 12 years of age and transit passengers continuing within 24 hours are exempt.
Main Airports Fua’Amotu (TBU) is 13km (8 miles) from Nuku’alofa. To/from the airport: Transport by taxi and bus is available. Facilities: Car hire, bars, bank/bureau de change, shops, tourist information and a duty-free shop.
Getting There by Water Main ports:Neiafu, Niuatoputapu, Nuku’alofa and Pangai.
There are no regular passenger services, but berths may be available on cruise ships.
Overview The following goods may be imported into Tonga without incurring customs duty by persons over 18 years of age only:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1l of alcoholic liquor (only for persons 21 years and over). • Reasonable quantity of perfume. • One camera and personal belongings.
Note: Birds, animals, fruit and plants are subject to quarantine regulations.
Prohibited Imports The import of arms, ammunition and pornography is prohibited.
Prohibited Exports The export of valuable artifacts and certain flora and fauna is restricted.
Internal Travel:
Getting Around By Air Domestic carriers Peau Vava’u (PVL) (website: www.peauvavau.to) and Airlines Tonga (website: www.airlinestonga.com) provide inter-island services.
Getting Around by Water Local ferries sail between all the island groups. There are regular sailings from Faua Wharf in Nuku’alofa to Ha’apai and Vava’u. Ferry schedules are subject to change according to demand or the weather.
Getting Around by Road Traffic drives on the left. There is a good network of metalled roads, although with some potholes. Horses are often used. The low speed limits are strictly obeyed.
Bus: Minibus services are available throughout Tongatapu.
Taxi: Saloon-car taxis, minimokes and minibuses are available.
Car hire: May be arranged through various agencies. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available.
Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18.
Documentation: A current local driving license is required, available from the Police Traffic Department in Nuku’alofa on production of a valid national or international license, the fee and a passport.
Journey Times The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Nuku’alofa to other major centers on Tonga.
