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Travel to Tonga to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Tonga: table of content

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 Tonga

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Backpacking or travelling in Tonga?

  • Tonga, known as the "Kingdom of the Islands", is an archipelago of 169 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Only 36 of them are inhabited, making it a paradise of untouched nature, turquoise waters and authentic Polynesian culture. The country also has no mass tourism, so a truly unique experience.
  • Activities: whale watching in Vava'u; diving at Haʻapai; exploring Eua Island; relaxing on Pangaimotu; traditional partying at a Fiafia Night; admire the Mapu'a 'a Vaea blowholes; discover Anahulu Cave; explore the royal capital Nuku'alofa; sail along remote islands; visit local markets.
  • Animals: humpback whales, manatees, giant turtles, colourful reef fish, coconut crabs, Tonga fruit bat, sharks, parrotfish, Tonga megapode. Food spotting: ota ika, lupulu, kapisi pulu, Tongan lobster, taro chips, sipi, poi, fresh coconuts, faikakai.
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Studying in Tonga?

  • The study options in Tonga are very limited. You can choose from studies in the field of education, social sciences, accounting and tourism.
  • Study city: Nuku’alofa.
  • Language: English and Tongan.
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Internships in Tonga?

  • There are internships possible in the field of technology, research (marine, health care etc.), tourism and agriculture.
  • Competencies: working in small-scale isolated communities, practical knowledge of nature conservation, intercultural communication, creativity.
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Volunteering in Tonga?

  • There are several options for volunteering. For example, there are options in agriculture, education, health care, climate change, tourism, nature conservation and economic development.
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Working in Tonga?

  • In Tonga, you can find work in the tourism industry, for example as a diving instructor or guide, at NGOs or research centers in the field of nature conservation, in agriculture and in education.
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Working as a digital nomad in Tonga?

  • Tonga can be an interesting destination for digital nomads because of the beautiful beaches, friendly locals and relatively affordable costs, but the internet and facilities leave much to be desired.
  • Favorite locations: resorts in Vava’u and Tongatapu with reasonable WiFi connections.
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Living in Tonga?

  • Tonga is a destination for adventurers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to take a break from the modern world. Life here is about simplicity, connectedness and the pure beauty of nature.
  • Education: there are a limited number of international schools.
  • Expat community: there is a reasonably large expat community.
  • Safety: it is a safe country, except for the risks of cyclones and tsunamis.
  • Be aware: employment opportunities are limited, life can be isolated and healthcare is limited.
  • Health insurance: care is limited and for more serious treatments you have to evacuate abroad. So make sure you have your own good health insurance.
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Supporting content

Tonga Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Tonga Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Tonga on WorldSupporter

Tonga: Updates & Travel
How does healthcare work in Tonga, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
Tonga: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Supporting content:
Tonga: Updates & Travel

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Tonga: Updates & Travel
  • Travel in Tonga?
  • Updates Tonga?

    • Travel in Tonga?

    • The 177-island kingdom of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean is an archipelago where a laid-back culture dominates the islands. The islands, surrounded by wide open seas, offer unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling,...
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Icon Tonga: Updates & Travel
Tonga: Updates & Travel
  • Travel in Tonga?
  • Updates Tonga?

    • Travel in Tonga?

    • The 177-island kingdom of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean is an archipelago where a laid-back culture dominates the islands. The islands, surrounded by wide open seas, offer unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling,...

Safety and insurances for Tonga

How does healthcare work in Tonga, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Tonga, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

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How does the healthcare system work in Tonga?

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What is the quality of healthcare in Tonga?

  • Tonga has reasonably good healthcare, but care is quite limited.
  • When you get sick or injured, you may need a medical evacuation,
  • There are no recompression chambers. You have to go to New Zealand to find a diving chamber.
  • All medicines are imported, so they may not be in stock. It's best to bring your own medicines, just to be sure.
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How does the public healthcare system work in Tonga?

  • Tongans are entitled to free healthcare. Foreigners have to pay a fixed price for access to care (fortunately it is quite cheap).
  • There are around fourteen health centres and four hospitals, each serving around 7,200 people.
  • The healthcare facilities provide limited care and there are particularly few emergency care facilities.
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How does the private healthcare system work in Tonga?

  • There are a few private healthcare facilities and some traditional healers.
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How is the general practitioner arranged in Tonga?

  • There is only one GP clinic in Tonga – the Village Mission Clinic.
  • Several GPs from all over the world come to work in this clinic for short periods of time.
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How is the dentist arranged in Tonga?

  • Dental care is mainly provided by the Vaiola Hospital in Nuku’alofa and a few school and health clinics.
  • There are very limited private dental clinics.
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How is pregnancy care arranged in Tonga?

  • There is maternity care, but it is very limited. It is therefore safer to spend your pregnancy abroad.
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How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Tonga?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Tonga?

  • Crime rates in Tonga are not too bad, but petty crime is not uncommon. The situation is comparable to Australia and New Zealand.
  • The risk to become a victim of crime increases especially in the evenings. Think of robberies, sexual crime, burglaries, etc.
  • There are also natural hazards in Tonga. Volcanoes can erupt and tsunamis can occur.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Tonga?

  • In Tonga you run the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika. So protect yourself well!
  • It is recommended to only drink filtered or bottled water.
  • Also watch out for ciguatera and scombroid poisoning from eating reef fish. If you think you have any symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Tonga?

  • Driving in Tonga is quite relaxed. On Tongatapu, Vava’u, Lifuka and Foa the roads are reasonably good.
  • The roads are often unpaved, but luckily for all drivers still reasonable.
  • You share the road with many others: pedestrians, children and animals, which makes driving at night dangerous.
  • There are no traffic lights! You would think that would be nice and easy, but make sure you pay attention. Every driver is also required to stop at roundabouts.
  • Petrol stations can only be found in the big cities.
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What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Tonga?

  • Is the trip to Tonga and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

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What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Tonga if you are going to live there for a while?

  • It is important to have good international health insurance, because of the risk of medical evacuation and high costs. 
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
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