Tonga

=== Visas === Visa exemption is in place for citizens of any Schengen country (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), who do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less within a 180-day period. Visa is also not required for citizens from China, Israel and United Arab Emirates.

The national currency is the pa'anga, or Tongan dollar, denoted by the symbol "T$" or sometimes "PT" (ISO currency code: TOP). Coins of Tonga are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 seniti and 1 pa'anga and banknotes of Tonga are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pa'anga.

To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or sail). Motorbikes, scooters and cycles can be rented on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai. On Tongatapu you can hire a car. There are also taxis. To get around the main island, Tongatapu, Teta Tours and Toni's guest house offer day tours of all the main tourist sights. The speed limit is usually 40 km/h and this is stuck to by the local drivers. You're meant to also buy a local Tongan driving licence on top of your existing licence before you drive (25 pa'anga). The roads are good in and around Nuku'alofa but deteriorate the further from…

The official languages of Tonga are Tongan and English. Tongan is the most widely spoken language in Tonga. English is also widely understood because many of the high schools teach exclusively in English. Even natives who speak exclusively Tongan will know at least a bit of English, because of the latter's cultural and linguistic influence. As is common on some other Pacific island nations, many Tongans, when asked a question they are unsure of or don't understand, will reply with a "Yes". In th…

=== Marine wildlife === Since the whole country is situated on the Pacific Ocean, there are many sharp corals on Tonga's beaches. It's a good idea to wear some footwear while walking around. === Natural hazards === Tonga is vulnerable to a number of natural hazards due to its location.

An outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, started in 2014, so take precautions against mosquito bites. An outbreak of Dengue fever was also reported in early 2015. There is no malaria in Tonga though.

Telecommunications in Tonga are handled by two operators; Digicel Tonga and Tonga Communications Corporation. The latter operates a 900 MHz GSM-network. WiFi hotspots are how people connect to the Internet in Tonga and you should expect slow connection speed, data limits and high prices. Given the country's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean it's not surprising.

Tongans in general tend to have a relaxed attitude towards life. They place a lot of emphasis on humility and hospitality. Being a conservative, highly religious country, Tongan culture is heavily influenced by Christian values and principles.