Money in Tonga
Tonga uses the Tongan paʻanga. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- TOPTongan paʻanga
- Symbol
- T$
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in Tonga
Cash is the norm outside the main town, so carry small notes.
- Cards
- Limited
- Cash
- Tonga Pocket Guide says cash is by far the most accepted payment method and most businesses take cash only. Carry enough cash for the whole stay on islands without ATMs, such as 'Eua and Uoleva.
- ATMs
- Tonga Pocket Guide lists ATMs only at Fua'amotu Airport, Nuku'alofa, Neiafu and Pangai. It reports a withdrawal fee of about TOP 8 to 15, plus any fee from your bank.
- Exchanging money
- Banks in Nuku'alofa, Neiafu, Pangai and 'Eua exchange currency, and exchange bureaus are common around Tongatapu. Frommer's says GlobalEX/Western Union in Nuku'alofa may give a better rate.
- Watch out for
- Many businesses add a card fee, reported as 4% to 5% by Tonga Pocket Guide and Frommer's. Tonga Pocket Guide says travel prepaid cards rarely offer pa'anga.
Tipping in Tonga
Tipping isn't customary, though guides and boat operators welcome one.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Tonga Pocket Guide, Goway Travel, Frommer's, Tonga Pocket Guide, Lonely Planet.
Convert to and from TOP
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.41 TOP | 2.70 TOP | 3.23 TOP |
| 10 | 24.08 TOP | 26.98 TOP | 32.31 TOP |
| 50 | 120 TOP | 135 TOP | 162 TOP |
| 100 | 241 TOP | 270 TOP | 323 TOP |
| 500 | 1,204 TOP | 1,349 TOP | 1,616 TOP |
What each amount is worth in TOP. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Tonga use?
Tonga uses the Tongan paʻanga (TOP).
Do you need to tip in Tonga?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary, though guides and boat operators welcome one.
Can you pay by card in Tonga?
Limited. Tonga Pocket Guide says cash is by far the most accepted payment method and most businesses take cash only. Carry enough cash for the whole stay on islands without ATMs, such as 'Eua and Uoleva.
Are there ATMs in Tonga?
Tonga Pocket Guide lists ATMs only at Fua'amotu Airport, Nuku'alofa, Neiafu and Pangai. It reports a withdrawal fee of about TOP 8 to 15, plus any fee from your bank.