Tuvalu Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Funafuti
- Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD $)
- Best time to visit
- The drier, cooler months from May to October are most pleasant. The wetter, cyclone-prone season runs November to April.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival valid for up to one month. A passport valid for six months and proof of onward travel are required.
Getting around
Travelers reach outer islands by passenger-cargo boat, while on Funafuti most people walk, ride motorbikes, or use the rare taxi along the single road.
Safety
Tuvalu is peaceful with very low crime and welcoming locals. The greatest concerns are the islands' extreme low elevation and vulnerability to storms, plus very limited medical care, so insurance is essential.
Tipping customs
Tipping is not customary or expected anywhere in Tuvalu. Gratitude is shown simply through courtesy.
Travel tips
Bring Australian dollars in cash, as there are no ATMs and cards are essentially unusable. Fiji Airways flights from Suva are infrequent, so plan around the limited schedule. The few guesthouses fill quickly and should be booked ahead.