Medical care in Tonga, especially in rural areas, does not meet European standards. There are medical centers in larger places like Nuku’alofa, Ha’apai and Vava’u. The emergency number is 911. Travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance are recommended. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within 6 days of staying in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit passengers who have not left the transit area in Tonga. [2] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. [3] Tap water in Nuku’alofa is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, but you may experience a mild stomach upset at first. Bottled water is therefore recommended to help you get used to it. Water outside the capital is not always sterile and should be sterilized or bought pre-packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is pasteurized, dairy products are safe to consume. Meat, poultry and fish dishes are considered harmless as long as they are well cooked.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is common. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Effective insect protection reduces the risk of transmission. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection often goes unnoticed or only has mild symptoms. previously documented, isolated deaths were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended.
Health certificate
Foreigners who stay in the country longer than 6 months must undergo an HIV test there. If the result is positive, the residence permit will be refused.
Money
Currency
1 pa’anga (or Tonga dollar) = 100 seniti. Currency code: T$, TOP (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of T$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1; Coins in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 seniti.
Credit cards
Most major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger hotels, in large shops, some restaurants and by international car rental companies. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. In banks in Nuku’alofa and in the main towns on the islands of Eua and Ha’a pai you can withdraw cash with your credit card from ATMs.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. ATMs are available in all urban areas. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed at a few banks and bureaux de change in Tonga’s larger cities.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.30-15.30, Sat 09.30-11.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions, but there is an obligation to declare when importing goods with a value of more than 10,000 T$.
Currency Exchange
Possible in banks or larger hotels, there is an exchange office at the airport. US dollars, British pounds or Australian dollars are recommended. When traveling to the outer islands, it is advisable to carry enough pa’anga with you.
