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Tag: Tonga travel

  • Managing Money in Tonga

    We all know that Tonga is one of the most affordable destinations in the South Pacific.

    But how should you manage your money once you get there? Tongan pa'anga banknotes are available in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, and 50. One hundred seniti is equivalent to one TS$1. Seniti coins come in denominations of one, five, 10, 20, and 50. Tongan banks are generally open between 9 am and 3:30 pm, although these trading hours may be extended in major tourist centers including Nuku'alofa and Neiafu. These cities have automatic teller machines; find them at the ANZ Banks in both cities and the Westpac Bank in Nuku’alofa. However, the machines can be fickle so make sure you don’t wait until your cash is running low to get more. Few businesses accept foreign currencies, so it's important to exchange cash from your homeland. Australian, New Zealand, Fijian, and US dollars and pounds sterling are easily exchanged, although you also shouldn't have any problems trading euros or yen. Foreign monies can be exchanged at the Tongatapu airport and the Treasury offices on the islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou. Credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist centers, but they tend to attract a 5% fee. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are the most commonly used cards, although JCB is also accepted in many places. EFTPOS, however, is not commonly used in Tonga. tonga for cheap Travelers checks are also a good way for tourists to carry their funds. They fetch 4% to 5% more than cash, and transaction charges are small when compared to credit cards. Tongan businesses commonly accept all brands of travelers checks. As with any holiday destination, the amount you'll spend in Tonga each day depends on your vacation style. You can laze about on most Tongan beaches for nothing, but scuba diving trips and surfing safaris will quickly empty your wallet. Frequenting the local bars and fine dining options will also drain your finances quicker than eating at cafes and other small eateries. Visitors staying at average hotels and dining at mid-range restaurants can expect to spend around $125 a day. When traveling about Tonga it's important to carry small denominations of money. People operating public transport and eateries often cannot change big bills, so having smaller notes available can avoid a lot of hassle. Tipping and bargaining are not customs practiced in Tonga as they are in many parts of the world. However some high class establishments will accept tips from tourists who wish to express their gratitude for good service. If your funds become low it's good to know that international transfers are easily organized. There are many Western Union offices throughout Tonga, and visitors can also transfer funds using Moneygram through the Bank of Tonga. Funds can be transferred in a matter of minutes, so it need not slow your vacation down.

  • Vacation on a Budget in Affordable Tonga

    The South Pacific has a reputation as a luxury holiday destination, with the prices to match. If you don’t want to abandon your dreams of a Pacific getaway but you’ve got a strict budget to follow, consider heading to Tonga.

    This island nation has a reputation as the best value destination in Oceania. While those with cash to spare can splurge on deluxe digs, there are a wide range of accommodation for travelers on a budget. There are many affordable options scattered around the islands including Otuhaka Beach Resort in Tongatapu, Paradise Hotel on Vava’u, and SandyBoyz Motel in the capital city, Nuku'alofa. They might not offer the most plush accommodation or all the modern conveniences, but these modest options have everything you really need in some beautiful locations. Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere are eligible for an Air Pass, which allows them to fly between the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua for a fixed price. Tourists from the south can save cash by catching the inter island ferries. The sea journey is slower, but more affordable. Tongatapu has Tonga's most extensive bus network, although some buses also run on Vava'u and the tourist centers of Lifuka and Foa in Ha’apai. The bus stops of Tongatapu are marked by the word "Pasi"; elsewhere you’ll need to flag down a bus as you would a taxi. Bus fares are inexpensive, ranging from 50 seniti to T$2. There are many inexpensive activities to pass to your time in Tonga. Relaxing on the sandy beaches and swimming or snorkeling in the oceans around Tongatapu and Ha'apai is an easy way to pass the time. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tonga's history with a trip to the ancient Royal tombs at Lapaha and the Ha'amonga’a Maui trilithon, Tonga's answer to Stonehenge. The natural wonders of Tonga also cost nothing to enjoy. You can hike through the tropical rainforest at 'Eau or marvel at the massive volcanic crater on Tofua Island. One thing's for certain; even if you're not spending a lot of money in Tonga you certainly won't be bored!

  • Get Married in the South Pacific – Tropical Weddings in Oceania

    The South Pacific has become a hot destination for couples wanting to get hitched and enjoy their honeymoon at the same time. Most resorts in the Oceanic region offer wedding packages, with ceremonies typically performed on the tropical locale’s beaches.south pacific wedding

    A marriage license should be obtained on arrival in the South Pacific. This is generally a simple process, but both bride and groom must ensure they have their identity documents. These include a passport, certified copies of your birth certificate and, where applicable, copies of decrees of divorce or death certificates if widowed.

    Fiji is the most popular destination for South Pacific weddings. It has numerous resorts providing wedding packages, and many even have their own chapels. If you hope to invite more than 30 guests, a large resort is the best option.

    While the atmosphere may be less personal, these hotels are able to cater for a sizable party. For something more intimate, the smaller resorts on Fiji's outskirts are more appropriate. The Cook Islands' capital, Rarotonga, offers weddings at almost every resort. The packages are varied, offering everything from a traditional wedding on a beach, to a church wedding backed by a full choir or a private ceremony on an uninhabited isle. Samoa has a fledgling wedding industry, with only a handful of resorts offering beach weddings. These include Le Vasa Resort, Siufaga Beach Resort, and Le Lagoto Resort. While the back-to-basics style may not suit flashier couples, it's ideal for those looking for something low-key and romantic. Tahiti poses the most challenges for couples, with an exhaustive amount of paperwork required before the ceremony. Thankfully resort staff will be happy to help should you get stuck. The effort is worth it though, with Tahiti offering some of the most indulgent wedding packages in the South Pacific. Traditional ceremonies and dance performances are designed to make your big day memorable. Tonga is the most conservative island in the South Pacific, and as such it does not permit beach weddings. Instead Tonga encourages couples to have a Christian ceremony in one of the island’s many churches.