Funafati has a comfortable hotel which the only hotel in Funafuti, a lodge and several guest houses and on the outer islands guest houses and homestays accommodate visitors.
Tuvalu uses Australian currency. Tuvaluan coins go up to a value of $5, but otherwise all transactions are in Australian dollars.
IDD service is available. Tuvalu has recently acquired satellite communications technology and international phone calls can be made from most of the islands. Tuvalu has mobile phone network. Full international postal services are available. The Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau provides some of the most sought-after stamps in the world.
Visitors over 18 years of age are each allowed duty free on arrival 33 oz of spirit or wine and 200 cigarettes. Duty Free at Funafuti International Airport is now available.
Dress is normally very casual. However, wearing brief clothing in villages such as swimming suits (especially for women) is not advisable.
Voltage/Current: 220-240V AC; 50Hz. Adapters and transformers are required for appliances lacking the Australian-style plugs and those designed for 110-volt current.
Funafuti is the capital city and hosts the international airport of Tuvalu. The Air Pacific operates between Suva and Funafuti twice a week which are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Air New Zealand, Qantas and Air Pacific all operate non-stop services from Los Angeles to Fiji.
There are no special health requirements for Tuvalu. A hospital exists on Funafuti; full medical and dental services are available.
Tuvalu has three linguistic areas but the two dominant languages are Tuvalu and English. Most people speak English.
Motorbikes are the best way to explore the island. A few taxis are available as well. There are no domestic flights but a fleet of two ships connect the islands. which are Nivaga II and Manufolau.
Tuvalu is 12 hours ahead Greenwich Time (UTC/GMT), which means that its 20 hours later in Tuvalu than in California. No daylight saving time.
Tipping is not required in Tuvalu
A visa is not required, but visitors must have a passport valid for at least six more months and a valid return ticket.
The departure tax is A$30 per person
National Tourism Office
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour
Private Mail Bag, Vaiaku, Funafuti, Tuvalu
Tel: (688) 20 184 or 20 408
Fax: (688) 20 829
E-mail: nukuhiva@gmail.com
Website: www.timelesstuvalu.com
Tuvalu has a pleasant tropical climate, usually with little variation day or night from about 86 F with a fresh sea breeze. Rainfall is mostly even throughout the year, but on some islands is heaviest between October and April.
