Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Tonga - cash only, or do cards work too?
I caught a few buses around Tongatapu, and it was all cash payments. The bus driver asked for the fare when I got off. I made sure to have small notes and coins since change was a hassle. No cards are accepted on buses here.
It’s frustrating Tonga still relies solely on cash for bus fares. No contactless or card payments on public transport, which makes it hard if you don’t have small change. Luckily, ATMs in the capital are reliable, but it’s definitely an old-school system.
If you plan to travel by bus in Tonga, always carry cash with small bills and coins. Bus drivers expect payment when you get off, and there’s no card option yet. ATMs at Fuaʻamotu Airport and Nukuʻalofa are good places to withdraw Tongan paʻanga before you travel.
In Tonga, bus fares are paid only in cash, mostly in Tongan paʻanga. Fares are low, usually under TOP$3.50 per ride, and it’s best to pay with coins or small notes since drivers often can’t make change. There’s no card or digital payment system for buses yet. ATMs are available only in Nukuʻalofa and a few other main centers.