Tonga, the only Pacific kingdom never colonized, is a peaceful island nation of coral reefs, friendly locals, and ancient traditions. Whether you’re whale-watching off Vavaʻu, exploring royal tombs in Tongatapu, or relaxing on pristine beaches, understanding how to access cash is important. Card usage is limited mainly to hotels and some tour operators, while cash is widely used for transport, markets, and local eateries. This guide offers essential details on cash and ATMs in Tonga, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, helping you stay financially prepared in this laid-back paradise.
Where to find ATMs in Tonga?
Most ATMs in Tonga are located in Nukuʻalofa, the capital on Tongatapu Island. Machines are available near banks, markets, government buildings, and popular streets like Taufaʻahau Road. The main operators are Bank South Pacific (BSP Tonga), ANZ, and MBf Bank. ATMs dispense Tongan paʻanga (TOP) and generally accept Visa cards; Mastercard and other networks may not always be supported.
Tourist Spots:
Resorts and guesthouses near Fafa Island, Haʻatafu Beach, and Vavaʻu may have a nearby ATM – typically within a town center like Neiafu or inside a bank branch. However, power outages and connectivity issues are common, so cash is still the preferred payment method for local businesses, taxis, and inter-island ferries.
Outer Islands /Rural Areas:
On outer islands like ʻEua, Haʻapai, and more remote parts of Vavaʻu, ATMs are rare or nonexistent. Small shops and accommodations often operate cash-only. Be sure to withdraw sufficient cash in Nukuʻalofa before traveling beyond Tongatapu.
Best ATMs to use in Tonga for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Tonga are those owned by popular banks such as:
- ANZ Bank and
- BSP Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Tonga, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in TOP).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in TOP’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Tonga?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Tonga. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP, JCB, Maestro cards. Only some of them accept American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Nukuʻalofa and other main islands are usually accessible 24/7, especially those near banks, shops, and government offices. However, cash availability may vary on weekends and public holidays.
What are ATMs called in Tonga?
They are known as “ATMs”, and signage is straightforward, often showing the word alongside names of the local banks.
Language options at ATMs
ATM interfaces generally support English and Tongan, the two official languages.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Tonga?
ATMs in Tonga dispense only Tongan paʻanga (TOP) and no foreign currencies like USD, Euros, GBP, etc.
ATM withdrawal limits in Tonga?
ATMs in Tonga have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of TOP 900 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day and do not usually have daily withdrawal limits.
ATM Fees in Tonga
There are no fee-free ATMs in Tonga. Majority of the bank ATMs in Tonga charge TOP 12 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Tonga. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Tonga
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Tonga?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Tonga. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Tonga. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Tonga is a peaceful and low-crime island nation, making it a relatively safe destination for ATM use. That said, ATM infrastructure is limited and concentrated in the capital, Nukuʻalofa. Petty theft is rare but can occur, especially during events or at crowded markets. It’s best to use ATMs inside bank branches or major hotels during business hours. Avoid using machines late at night, shield your PIN, and plan ahead with enough cash when traveling to outer islands where ATM access may be nonexistent.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Tonga takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Tonga?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Tonga. Majority of the bank ATMs in Tonga charge TOP 12 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Tonga?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Tonga and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no confirmed Bitcoin ATMs currently in Tonga. Though services like SpectroCoin or Coinhub mention possible expansion, there are no verified machines in Nukuʻalofa or island hubs – crypto transactions remain online or peer-to-peer.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Tonga
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Tonga.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not provide consumer ATMs in Tonga.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs here.
