Stuff you need backpacking around Tonga

Tongan is the most widely spoken language in Tonga. English is also widely understood because many of the high schools teach exclusively in English.

Tongan feasts are a must do although for most visiting tourists on short trips, the choice of restaurants will have to suffice. For a small town, Nuku'alofa offers a decent range of restaurants and bars although they are divided into two localities about 20 minutes walk apart. In the town centre there are a few around the main market and post office whilst down towards the ferry terminal there are a few others. Expect to pay 15-40 Pa'anga for a main course in a restaurant and about 5 Pa'anga for a takeaway at one of the roadside sellers. Seafood is usually good.

Beer and liquor are available from many outlets, including Fijian, Australian and New Zealand imports to compliment the local brews. If you are keen to check out native drink, try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once. The local beer is called Ikale and is sold in 330 ml bottles in most restaurants and bars (4.50-5 Pa'anga). Or you can buy the same bottles from one of the many 'Chinese' roadside shops or a supermarket for 2 Pa'anga or less. Imported beers are mainly from Australia although there are also some from Europe. Most are sold in 330 ml cans or bottles.

The national currency is the Pa'anga, or Tongan dollar.

Cost

Although Tonga is a developing country, prices for many things are comparable to or slightly cheaper than New Zealand. A good meal out will cost 30-50 Pa'anga, a beer in a restaurant or bar costs about 5-6 Pa'anga, hiring a car is about 50-60 Pa'anga a day and cigarettes are 7-8 Pa'anga for a pack of 25.