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CLIMATE: The
Kingdom of Tonga enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate year
round. The drier months from April to November have an average
maximum temperature of about 26 degrees centigrade with lower humidity
levels. A sweater is sometimes needed in the winter evenings
June through August. During December through March the humidity
is higher with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees centigrade
and 28 degrees. Cyclone season is between November and March,
however, severe weather is rare and infrequent. Eua Island is noticeably
cooler than Tongatapu, however the other outer islands are noticeably
warmer.
 |
MAX
TEMP (C) |
MIN
TEMP (C) |
Hours
Sunshine |
| JAN |
29.8 |
22.9 |
179 |
| FEB |
30.1 |
23.1 |
171 |
| MAR |
29.9 |
22.6 |
181 |
| APR |
28.2 |
22.0 |
174 |
| MAY |
26.6 |
20.4 |
162 |
| JUN |
25.6 |
19.3 |
169 |
| JUL |
25.2 |
18.6 |
177 |
| AUG |
24.9 |
18.4 |
182 |
| SEP |
25.3 |
19.1 |
177 |
| OCT |
26.0 |
20.0 |
185 |
| NOV |
27.1 |
21.0 |
178 |
| DEC |
28.8 |
21.9 |
181 |
CURRENCY:
The Tongan Pa'anga is the unit of currency. Tongan banknotes
come in denominations of T$1, T$2, T$5, T$10, T$20 T$50and T$100.
The coins called seniti come in denominations of 1, t, 10,20 and
50. For current exchange rates please visit the currency
converter. There are three commercial banks in Tonga. Bank of
Tonga, ANZ Bank and Malaysian Borneo-Finance. The best rate of exchange
can be found at Globalex (Western Union Offices) with several branches
on Tongatapu and one branch in Vava'u. Money transfers
may be sent to Tonga from anywhere in the world via Western Union
Money Transfer Service. Western Union is the quickest, most
efficient system to transfer money either to or from the Kingdom
of Tonga
CREDIT CARDS:
Most major credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, hotels and stores. There is an ATM machine at the ANZ Bank. Cash advances
on your Visa, Master Card, American Express or Diners Club cards
can be arranged at the Western Union office.
Please note: Credit cards are not widely accepted
in the Outer Islands.
DEPARTURE TAX: Adult: TOP
$25.00 Child (2-11): TOP $15.00 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A visiting visa is not required for stays of 31 days or less.
An onwards airline ticket is required. Extension of visitor
stays for up to 6 months may be granted by the Principal Immigration
Officer
INSECTS: Most
tropical destinations have annoying insects. You will see
cockroaches, mosquitoes and lizards even at the best establishments.
Protect yourself against mosquito bites by bringing mosquito repellant.
You might also like to bring a burner with small candles and lemon
scent or citronella. These are small items to include in your
traveling case and provide a lovely scent to your room while keeping
the mosquitoes at bay.
HOLIDAYS:
Christmas Day - 25 December, Boxing Day - 26 December,
New Years Day- 01 January, Good Friday, Easter Monday,
Birthday Crown Prince - 4 May, Emancipation Day - 4 June,
King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV's Birthday - 4 July,
Constitution Day -4 November ,
King George 1 Day - 4
December
INTERNET SERVICES: There
are several cyber cafes downtown Nuku'alofa and also one on the
Island of Vava'u.
There are no services, however, on the other outer islands.
SHOPPING:
The shopping hours are 8:30am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday and 9am
to 12noon on Saturday. The main shopping area is located downtown,
Nuku'alofa. You can buy baskets, tapa, mats and shell work at Talamahu
Market or the Tongan Women's Assoc handicraft centre. Locally grown
vanilla pods and coffee are also worth buying as well as the coconut
scented oil with candlenut. The Flea Market held on Saturday mornings
on Taufa'ahau Rd is excellent for inexpensive clothing and second-hand
merchandise.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
The Heilala Festival - Held week of 4 July.This is a week
long festival celebrated on Tongatapu around the King's Birthday.
The festival features parades, music festivals and competitions,
cultural events and dance, art, craft, beauty and sports competitions.
Coinciding with this festival is the torch-lighting ceremony Tupakapakanava
in which people line the northern coastline carrying flaming torches
of dry reeds.
Easter Festival:
Held in Easter Week-This week long festival features youth choirs,
passion plays, band concerts and cultural performances.
Red Cross Festival
- Held in May This is a festival ends with a Grand Ball
in Nuku'alofa.
Tonga International
Billfish Tournament - held in late September: This tournament
attracts both local and international anglers to Vava'u while there
is also a sailing regatta in Nuku'alofa.
Ha'apai Festival
- Held 4 June: The festival begins on the outer islands
of the Ha'apai group and end on Lifuka Island on the 4 June.
Vava'u Festival - Held 4 May. This week long festival includes
a variety of events from parades to weaving and dance classes to
sports matches, drinking and feasts. The festival is held the week
before 4 May with the final day on the 4 May
TIPPING:
Tipping is not expected in the Kingdom of Tonga and there is no
service charge added to restaurant or service bills.
HOLIDAY PACKAGES TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Jetsave Taufonua Travel is conveniently located in the heart
of Nuku'alofa at Fund Management House next to Western Union
and the Escape Cafe. Hotels, Airfares, Accommodation and Outer
Island Packages booked through Jetsave Taufonua Travel are subject
to a deposit of 25% within 10 days of  booking.
Final payment is due 60 days before arrival to allow for mailing
of tickets and documents. Amendments and Reservation Changes.
All changes to confirmed reservations are subject to a change
fee of $30 per person. Cancellation and Refund Policy. Refunds
are subject to the individual policy of selected accommodation.
No refund applies to house rentals unless accommodation
can be re-sold. All refunds are subject to a documentation
fee of $250 per booking file plus individual accommodation cancellation
fees. Many hotels have a no refund policy if cancelled within
30 days. No Refund applies for no-shows. No Refund applies
for unused services. Insurance is recommended for all
travelers as protection in case of flight delays and/or cancellations,
sickness and accidents.
INSURANCE: Jetsave
Taufonua travel recommends that all travelers obtain insurance
prior to departing from your home city. Insurance may
be purchased together with your holiday package from Taufonua
Travel. Sample rates are listed below. We can provide
insurance for any length of journey. Please contact Taufonua
Travel for specific insurance details for your holiday.
| Insurance Policy Rates (TOP $) |
3 Days |
8 Days |
15 Days |
31 Days |
2 Months |
| Worldwide |
$117 |
$153 |
$203 |
$318 |
$415 |
| From Australia & New Zealand |
$47 |
$61 |
$81 |
$127 |
$166 |
| Cover Details TOP$ |
NZ & Australia |
Worldwide |
| Medical |
$150,000 |
$300,000 |
| Personal Baggage |
$4,500 |
$9,000 |
| Loss of Deposit
Cancellation |
$1,500 |
$3,000 |
| Rental Vehicle
Excess |
$1,500 |
$1,500 |
| Accidental Death |
$75,000 |
$75,000 |
| Money & Travel Documents |
$1,250 |
$1,500 |
| Travel Delay
Missed Connection |
$2,500 |
$3,750 |
| Strikes/Hi-jacks |
$4,000 |
$7,500 |
| Liability Protection |
$750,000 |
$1,500,000 |
| Tour Operator Collapse |
$1,500 |
$3,000 |
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