Tonga Travelers

I thought I'd take this week's blog and focus on some of the things we have learned about Tonga over the past 14 months (yes you heard me right - we've been out 14 months now) and pertains almost exclusively to the main island of Tongatapu.  We're hoping it will provide some good information to any who may be traveling to Tonga for a visit (short or extended).  Please feel free to add comments below or send me an email if you have additional input that you think travelers would find beneficial.  I'll add your input into the appropriate location in this blog.

Since money is at the root of all evil, I thought I'd start there.

Money

The first thing to know is that Tonga is a cash society.  Very few businesses
will even take a credit card.  Also, converting other currencies into Pa'anga (TOP) can only be done in a bank or specific currency conversions kiosks at the airport or scattered around the main town of Nuku'alofa (there may be a few other locations that I am unaware of).  There are also a few Western Union locations to send and receive money but there are frequently waiting lines during business hours.

The easiest was (and it really is easy) is to use a debit card (not a credit card) with a pin.  You are limited to $900 - $800  TOP per 24 hour period  ($900 TOP with ANZ bank and $800 TOP with BSP; Bank of South Pacific).  There is also a $12.00  TOP transaction fee with each withdrawal so it is more cost efficient to get the max each time.  You should also notify your Bank or Credit Union that you will be in Tonga so the card doesn't get denied or even worse, kept by the ATM.  If your debit card uses a chip (which most do now) you will need to use one of the ATMs in downtown Nuku'alofa as the few that are scattered around the island do not have chip readers.  They are not hard to find and there are quite a few of them so don't be scared ... be prepared.

Currency conversion rates to Tongan Pa'anga or TOP can be found on the web but they have been  pretty consistent at around $2.23 TOP = $1.00 USD for the past year.  They will say dollars when you make purchases but they are always talking $TOP (nothing is priced or referred to in any other currency).

Personal Safety

Tonga is a very safe country for visitors in general and other than being in unfamiliar surroundings you should feel safe in pretty short order.  Walking around downtown during the day is not a problem even if you get off the beaten path by a few blocks.  The only caveat would be that I hear the downtown district with the bars can be a little bit dicey late at night (I'll take their word for it).  There's really no reason to go there as the stores and market are all closed.  Except for a few restaurants and a couple of small stores everything closes earlier, especially on Saturday night.

Personal Medications

Bring what you need with you or have a reliable way to have them delivered to you (I do not recommend mail).  Medications are very limited here and can be hard to obtain.  There are 3 main pharmacies (and a few other community ones) but their stock is limited.

Postal service

Tonga Post Office

This is more for long term visitors to Tonga.  Shipping to and from outside countries (U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, etc.) will be expensive. Packages to and from the U.S. can take up to anywhere from 2-6 weeks (plan on 4) before they are available for pickup only at the Post Office.  We have seen things arrive in as little as 10 days but that is the exception.  There may also be additional customs fees assessed that can match or exceed the value of the contents.  These fees can only be paid in person when picking up the package.  It is better to have someone deposit money in your bank account that you can withdraw from the local ATMs than to send an expensive package of something that can be purchased locally.

Transportation

Buses, Taxi's and cars oh my!  Buses run regularly to (or thru) almost every village.  The schedule or "frequency" which may be a better term, varies quite a bit especially as you get to some of the outer villages.  They are inexpensive (1-2 $TOP), safe, and very easy to hail; just put a hand out when you see one coming.  They have their destination listed on the front and if they are headed to town there is one main bus stop they all go to or you can get off almost anywhere along the way by letting them know you want off.

Taxis are reasonable but get a rate before you get in just to make sure.  I have not seen a meter in any taxi but I have not ridden in one either.  A seasonable rate from the airport to Downtown Nuku'alofa is $40 TOP.  I have heard them offer $30 but I don't know if that sealed the deal.  Also, you can rent a car but we have been told to make sure you get a temporary drivers license (about $30 TOP).  They are easy to get and there is rarely a line.  You have to show them a current valid drivers license and pass the test ... it only has one question; do you have $30 TOP?  If you pass the test you get your photo DL on the spot (kind of a cool souvenir as well).  Street signs are mostly non-existent so a good detailed map is nice to have but hard to find.  I recommend printing a few to bring with you especially of downtown Nuku'alofa and an overall map of Tongatapu can be very beneficial if you plan on driving.

Communication (and electrical info)

English is spoken by almost everyone over the age of 12 to one degree or another.  Most (if not all) signs are in English.

There are only 2 cell phone and internet providers in Tonga, Digicel and TCC.  I started with TCC and have switched to Digicel (my recommendation) and found them to be very reliable and less expensive.  You first buy a SIM card for your phone about $10 TOP and then purchase minutes that also converts to data if you have a smart phone.  You can add extra time on the fly by purchasing Top-off cards in $10 and $20 TOP increments and entering them into your phone when needed.  You can also monitor your usage very easily from your phone.  There are international calling options as well but you should ask before using.  I highly recommend Skype and/or MagicJack (which I use).  Face time works but it can be a data hog and data can get expensive.  Data speeds are okay but none of the internet connections are fast so moving big files back and forth may take hours and use lots of your data.

*** Please note ***  You can use your own phone if it is unlocked and takes a SIM card.  You will need to purchase a local SIM card or pay through the nose to use your phone while connected to an outside network.  Verizon iPhones and Androids are not locked ... I'm not sure about any of the other providers so check with your provider to make sure).  It will be easier and cheaper to get it unlocked before you arrive.  If your smart phone and/or laptop are tied into one of the cloud services, get everything you think you will need on your device and then disable the cloud syncing before your get here.  You can blow through a lot of data while automatically syncing photos in the background.  There are no unlimited data plans so you pay for what you use.  I have a 100 G / month data plan for my internet and it costs $200 TOP per month.  I have seen people who are new to Tonga go through that in a few days because of the cloud, face time, video streaming so please make sure you understand the implications of syncing anything with the cloud (iCloud, Google drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Outlet type in Tonga

This section is important and applies to phone chargers, laptops,  and any other electrical equipment you bring with you (your 110V blow dryer and curling irons will not work here - don't bother bringing them).  Electricity is 220V and the standard outlet looks like this (see photo on left).

Plug adapter

Most AC power adapters will work from 110 - 220V but you do need to read the power specifications on each one to make sure.   If it will work with 220V then you will still need an adapter (not a big heavy expensive power converter).  The adapters can be hard to find here and can be ordered for only a couple of dollars each on eBay.  I would bring a few with me.  They look like this (see photo on the right).  There are many different styles to choose from.  Just make sure your device is rated for 220V or you will cause damage to the device.

Shopping (stores, markets, and misc )

Shopping is pretty straight forward here and you can find most western products if you look hard enough.  With the new expanded Costlow, it's kind of like a mini Costco in the states but they are somewhat limited with variety.  There are also a few other stores that carry US and NZ products and many local stores where you can buy food, snacks, and supplies.  They are like a small 7-11 or gas station store as far as selection.

You will also find 2 very nice hardware stores, Jones Industries Ltd (near the new Costlow) and PTH (Pacific Timber and Hardware.  They are both pretty expensive from a U.S. standard but you have to keep in mind that they have to ship everything in.

There are 2 main markets and many road-side markets.  The 2 main ones are located on the Wharf road and across from the Hospital.  They are a cross between a flea market and a farmers market.  There is very little shopping outside of the capital city of Nuku'alofa except for the small local stores for food and supplies and the roadside markets.

Touristy things to do

There are many thing to do and see on the main island and I'll just list a few.

• Houma Blow Holes
• Ha'omanga
• Land Bridge
• Royal Palace
• Royal Tombs
• Camp Makeke
• Abel Talismans Landing
• Captain Cooks Landing
• Tsunami Rock
• Oholelei Resort and show (Tongan feast and show on Wed. and Fri. evenings only)
• Ancient Tonga demonstration (most days by appointment)
• Pangaiamoto
• Kayak rental
• Many beaches around the island

• LDS Temple (for members only) English session Thu. 6:30 p.m.  Translation headphones are available for other sessions.  Clothing rental available.

You may also want to visit the islands of Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua.

Places to stay

Tanoa International Dateline Hotel

Tanoa International Dateline Hotel is probably one of the few hotels that meets most U.S. expectations.  This is not to say that's it's the only place to stay in Tonga but it does have A/C where most others do not.  There are many nice clean resorts scattered around the island.  I just caution you to do the best research you can.  Many resort hotels are quite affordable at around $100 TOP and they have good airflow and can be quite comfortable especially during the cooler parts of the year (April - Oct).

If you are staying over on a Sunday make sure you have food (on Saturday).  Most businesses close early on Saturday afternoon and will not reopen until Monday including local restaurants.  A few of the nicer hotels and resorts have restaurants that are open on Sunday but they are for their guests only. I have heard several stories of people wandering around town on Sundays looking for a place to eat.

Restaurants

There are no fast food options, no franchised restaurants, and no good way to see a reliable rating.  Many places may not look great from the outside so you have to rely on a recommendation from someone you trust.  We have not become sick from eating at any of the restaurants on our list below. There are lots of places to eat so I thought I would just list some of our favorites*:

• Roby Anne's - Limited menu but good food.  Only open in the evening from 6-10 p.m. One of my two favorite restaurants.  (NZ BBQ steak and good Mahi Mahi).
• Sea View Restaurant - Limited menu but good food.  One of my two favorite restaurants.  (NZ BBQ steak and Mahi Mahi).
• Carpe' Diem - A/C good sandwich shop (very clean)
• Tropical Taste - No A/C good stir-fry, fried chicken and hamburger
• Marco's Pizza - Good pizza, pasta is available at times depending on Marco
• Sabrina's Chicken - Roasted chicken w/sweet chili sauce (local fare wonderful chicken)
• Luna Rossa - Very good Italian food and good atmosphere
• Nukunuku Business Center (in Nukunuku) Very good fried chicken and chips
• Cafe Escape - Good local diner sandwiches etc.
• Gnati Ruby's - Good food (the place with Bend Ova Chicken and Porkisms)
• Gnutulei Restaurant and bar - good fish and chips
• Little Italy - Italian food and pizza
• Friends Cafe - Good local diner sandwiches etc.
• Singapore Chicken - Local diner with typical fried chicken and good fried rice
• Dragon Cafe - Local diner with standard menu
• Billfish Restaurant and Bar - Food is pretty good but mostly a bar environment
• Chef Zero - Good food but more expensive
• The Green Store (not it's name, but the walls on the inside are green and that is how the missionaries refer to it) - Good fried chicken, fried rice and sweet and sour

Lastly

I'm sure I have missed many things on this blog and I do apologize if I missed or rated your favorite lower.  It is not my intent to be the expert so I am just expressing my opinion. I am happy to add your comments and even adjust my thinking if needed.

Personal note

I wanted to end this week with a link to some humanitarian work being done in the Marshall Islands.  Our dear friends Elder Craig and Nancy Preston have been serving there for that past almost 18 months.  They finish up their 2nd mission (previously served in Croatia) in about 2 weeks.  They are the ones that bumped us out of our comfort zone when they challenged us to serve.  They have been able to do some wonderful things for the people of the Marshall Islands so I thought I'd link to an article in Newsroom Pacific (click here) that highlights some of their work.  It helps illustrate how the Lord does work in mysterious ways sometime to fulfill his purposes.

Well done Craig and Nancy!