Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs© TongaPocketGuide.com
Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs

Tongan Etiquette: Tonga Customs & Traditions

© TongaPocketGuide.com

What are the Customs in Tonga?

Tonga is a unique country in the South Pacific with its own monarchy and religion deeply woven into the culture. With that, there are a few local customs and traditions in Tonga that you might not be used to. There are rules of etiquette in Tonga, particularly concerning clothing and activities on a Sunday. Learn what to do and what not to do when it comes to respecting the local customs in this Tonga etiquette guide.

If you were looking for the other type of “customs”, head to Arriving in Tonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process

5 Quick Tips for Abiding by the Local Customs in Tonga

While we will go into much more detail about the local customs of Tonga in the guide below, here’s a quick overview of some of the most important ones.

  1. Cover your legs to or below the knee in public
  2. Wear something smarter for church services, covering below the knee and shoulders and avoiding hats
  3. Swimwear should not be worn outside of resorts – Tongans swim at public beaches fully clothed
  4. It is illegal to go topless outside of resorts for both men and women
  5. It is prohibited to conduct business and do sports or chores on a Sunday.

If you’re a fan of lists, then check out the 10 Dos and Don’ts in Tonga!

Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs(c) tongapocketguide.com

What to Wear in Tonga

Tongans wear a conservative dress with cultural clothing wrapped around their waists, such as pandanus mats (ta’ovala) or women may also wear girdles (kiekie). Although this is not expected of tourists, ta’ovala and kiekie are considered formal attire for going to church, government work or just about any formal event.

How to Dress in Public

For visitors, while it’s acceptable to wear just about whatever you want in tourist accommodation, be mindful of how you dress in public. Respectful dress is important to Tongans, so try to avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially in villages. Wearing all black means that you are mourning in the Tongan culture, so try to avoid wearing all black if this is not the case for you.

Swimwear in Tonga

Swimwear should be confined to your accommodation’s beach or swimming pool. Tongans swim fully clothed so cover up swimwear with a T-shirt/rash vest and shorts when on public beaches or swimming attractions such as Anahulu Cave.

What to Wear for Church

When going to a church service, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. It’s also respectful to wear more formal clothing, such as a shirt for men or a dress for women. You should not wear a hat in church, as it has significant meaning. Find out more about church etiquette in the 10 Best Churches in Tonga for Visitors.

Laws Against Dress in Tonga

It is illegal for both men and women to go topless in public. However, the law does not apply to tourist accommodation.

Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs(c) tongapocketguide.com

Sunday Rules in Tonga

Much etiquette for respecting the local customs in Tonga revolves around the Sunday experience. Sunday is a day of rest in Tonga, where it’s illegal to do business transactions, to play sports/exercise and to do most chores.

This means that most of the country shuts down on a Sunday, with the exception of essential services like hospitals, as well as very particular tourism businesses such as resorts, including their restaurants and activities.

If you are not staying in a resort or are outside of a tourist area, note that it is generally not acceptable to go swimming, kayaking, do laundry, go running, etc. On some islands like Vava’u, it is even illegal to go sightseeing. This also will mean that you won’t be able to buy food from stores, so prepare in advance. No public travel services operate on a Sunday.

Learn about some things to do on a Sunday, as well as the nuanced rules between island groups, in the 10 Things to Do in Tonga on a Sunday.

Prayers in Tonga

On the subject of religion, saying a prayer before every meal is standard in Tonga. Usually, one person at the table, whether it’s at a restaurant or family home, will say a prayer. So if you are sharing a meal with Tongans, don’t tuck into your meal before a prayer has been said.

Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs© TongaPocketGuide.com

Rules in the Home in Tonga

If you’re lucky enough to visit a Tongan home, there are a few more rules of etiquette to observe:

  • Remove shoes before entering a home (unless told it is Ok to keep them on)
  • Remove shoes before sitting on a floor mat
  • If you’re invited for dinner, note that it is customary for guests to eat first; the host family may eat what’s left afterwards so don’t feel obligated to eat it all
  • Bringing store-bought food goods is acceptable as a token of appreciation for staying at a Tongan’s home or being invited for dinner (as is money and goods that can’t normally be obtained without money – something of the value of  TOP$20-$40 is adequate)
  • It is common for a speech to be given by both host and guest during more formal or unusual visits
  • It is common to say a prayer or ‘Grace’ before eating.
Tonga Etiquette: Respecting the Local Customs© TongaPocketGuide.com

Other Etiquette Rules for Tonga

While not fitting into a specific category, these are some other local customs and rules to keep in mind when visiting Tonga.

  • Tongans can be more reserved than what’s experienced by tourists elsewhere in the Pacific, so it’s best to engage locals politely
  • Displaying anger or frustration is bad practice in Tonga – remember to “keep face”
  • Things run a little slow in Tonga, have patience and embrace “Tonga Time
  • It is not customary or expected to tip in the hospitality or tourism industry but is appreciated
  • The exception for tipping is during a cultural show, where bank notes are typically tucked into the performer’s clothes while they are performing
  • Respect for elders is highly valued, so be sure to show deference and address them with appropriate titles, such as “sir” or “madam”
  • Haggling is a no-no
  • Kava is usually reserved for men only, but women visitors are usually welcome to join kava circles (faikava)
  • Don’t do drugs or deal drugs in Tonga
  • When driving, drive on the left side of the road (see How to Drive in Tonga)
  • When driving, give way to vehicles turning right
  • The legal drinking age is 18 years old.

More About Tonga Etiquette and Respecting the Local Customs

That’s it for our guide to Tongan etiquette and how to respect Tonga’s customs and traditions. For more advice regarding the local culture, check out the following guides:

Finally, be sure to also bookmark The Guide to the Tongan Culture for Travellers for a deep dive into Tongan traditions.

Author

Robin (Lopini) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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