Tonga is 13 hours ahead of GMT or UTC, and is 1 hour ahead of New Zealand standard time. Japan is 4 hours ahead of GMT or UTC. The Royal Kingdom of Tonga is the first country in the world to see each "new" day.
AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
The airport departure tax is TOP$20. Exempt are 24 hour transit passengers and children under the age of 12 years.

STANDARD TIME
Tonga is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time or UTC..

CLIMATE
Tonga's climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than that of most tropical areas. Mean annual temperature in Nuku'alofa is 23.7 C, with a mean humidity is 76%.

POPULATION
The population of Tonga is estimated to be 105,600. (July 1995), with a growth rate of 0.78%.

LANGUAGES
English is widely spoken and used in formal meetings.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 240 volts AC.

ECONOMY
The Tongan economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. Agricultural products comprise over 90 percent of exports, There is a large cottage industry for the manufacture of handicrafts. A push in recent years to create a light industrial sector has led to the establishment of several ventures. The Government is giving strong backing to tourism in its current development plans.

TIPPING
Tongans do not expect tipping, though no offense will be caused if special service is rewarded in this way.

CURRENCY
The Tongan dollar or Pa'anga equals 100 seniti (cents). Foreign exchange is available at banks and major hotels. , US$1 = Tonga $1.98 -- subject to change.

MEDICAL FACILITIES
Government provides comprehensive medical and dental facilities for residents and visitors, including modern hospitals in Nuku'alofa, Ha'apai and Vava'u. There are also dispensaries, chemists and pharmacies available. There are no major communicable diseases.

VISAS
Tourists and business persons may enter Tonga for a period not exceeding 30 days providing that the visitor holds a valid passport, an onward air or sea ticket and proof of adequate funds. If visitors wish to extend their stay, permission must be requested from the Principal Immigration Officer.

CLOTHING
Although slightly cooler than most other tropical islands, casual attire is recommended for most occasions. Brief shorts, bathing suits, bikinis are fine for the beaches and pool-sides, but are frowned upon if worn in public. Tonga law prohibits any person from appearing in a public place without a shirt.

DRINKING WATER
Is chlorinated and safe to drink in the main township areas.