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Commonly known as the 'Friendly Islands' due to its remarkably warm and welcoming locals, Tonga is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprised of over 170 scenic tropical islands. Dramatic volcanic landscapes are complemented by lush rainforests, clear lagoons, colourful coral atolls and exquisite beaches, providing a range of diverse habitats for a variety of exotic wildlife. Believed to have been inhabited as far back as the 5th century BC, Tonga boasts a rich history with fascinating archaeological sites, including the terraced tombs in the Lapaha area of Tongatapu Island. Whether you are keen to enjoy the area’s first-class diving opportunities or spot the humpback whales at one of the world’s finest whale-watching spots, Tonga makes an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing Pacific getaway.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The Tonga currency is the Pa'anga (divided into 100 seniti) = 100 seniti. Notes are in denominations of TOP50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 seniti.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 08h30-11h30.
There is limited use of both Diners Club and Visa.
Travellers cheques are accepted at banks and at some hotels and tourist shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Australian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
REALtonga runs domestic flights across Tonga. There is a good network of metalled roads, although with some potholes. Speed limits are low compared to Europe and North America and are generally observed. Car hire may be arranged through various agencies. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available. Saloon-car taxis, minimokes and minibuses are available. Taxis may not be marked, but you can identify them by the letter 'T' at the beginning of the number plate. They aren't metered, so make sure you agree the fare before departure. Used mainly by visitors, buses can be a fun way to get around the island. If you see one passing, you can wave it down. Local ferries sail between all the island groups. There are regular sailings from Faua Wharf in Nuku'alofa to Ha'apai and Vava'u. Ferry schedules are subject to change according to demand or the weather. Water taxis also sail between islands, and private yacht charters are available.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Mains water is chlorinated and safe to drink in the main towns. Elsewhere, drinking water should be considered a potential health risk and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry and seafood are generally considered safe to eat. It is advised to wash vegetables and fruit with boiled water and boil any questionable drinking water before use.
Specialities include Ufi (a large white yam), Lu pulu (meat and onions, marinated in coconut milk, baked in taro leaves in an underground oven), Feke (grilled octopus or squid in coconut sauce), and devilled clams (raw fish marinated in lemon juice) and lobster. Feasts play a major role in the Tongan lifestyle. Up to 30 different dishes may be served on a pola (a long tray of plaited coconut fronds), and will typically include suckling pig, crayfish, chicken, octopus, pork and vegetables steamed in an umu (underground oven), with a variety of tropical fruits.
Climate and Weather
Tonga's climate is marginally cooler than most tropical areas. The best time to visit is from May to November. Heavy rains occur from December to March.
Internet Availability
There are Internet cafes in Nuku'alofa.
Electricity and Plug Standards
For the most part, electrical sockets in Tonga are Type I (AS/NZS 3112). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets in Senegal usually supply electricity at between 100 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 100-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 100-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
Dotting the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is renowned for its tailor-made romantic getaways, adventure opportunities, and breath-taking natural beauty. This exceptionally picturesque archipelago is comprised of 115 coral and granite islands. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, visiting the lively capital city of Victoria, and exploring the colourful coral underwater wonderlands encircling the islands. Other major highlights include abundant wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and nesting sea turtles, indigenous plant life, and a host of tropical birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The unit of currency is the Seychelles rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (¢). Bank notes come in denominations of Rs 10, Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 500; there are coins of Rs 1, Rs 5, 1¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 25¢.
Euros are the best currency to carry. Prices for most tourist services, including accommodation, excursions, diving, car hire and transport are quoted in euros and can be paid in euros (and less frequently in US dollars), either in cash or by credit card. But you can also pay in rupees. In restaurants, prices are quoted in rupees but you can also pay in euros.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday - Friday 08h30-14h30 and Saturday 08h30-11h30
The four main banks are Barclays Bank, Seychelles Savings Bank, Nouvobanq and Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB). They have branches on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. You'll also find numerous money-changers. There's no commission for changing cash. Don't lose time shopping around; rates are almost the same everywhere.
There are ATMs, which accept major international cards, at the airport and at all the major banks in Victoria. You'll also find ATMs at Beau Vallon and Anse Royale on Mahé and on Praslin and La Digue. Remember that bank fees can apply.
Major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Many guesthouses will still expect payment in cash. A few places add on an extra fee, typically 3%, to the bill to cover ‘bank charges’.
Banking hours are generally Monday-Friday 08h30 till14h30, and Saturday 08h30 till 11h30. All banks process traveller’s cheques and foreign exchange transactions. Passports are required for visitors’ transactions and nominal commissions may be charged.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
With relatively short travelling times between the islands and/or places of interest, different modes of transportation and with a regular network of air and sea transportation operating out of the principal island, Mahé, moving around in Seychelles is easy and hassle-free.
Bicycles are a good transportation on La Digue and on Praslin. They can be rented at Anse Volbert or through the hotels. Mahé is not recommended for bicycles as it is very hilly and bike rentals are not easy to find. Most people rent cars on Mahé. One advantage to hiring a bicycle is the up close and personal experience with virgin forests, hidden restaurants, artist’s galleries and miles of pristine white sand beaches.
Car rental is the best way for visitors to have the freedom they want while visiting the Seychelles. Mahé and Praslin have fairly good roads, but drivers should be cautious, because some drivers, and especially the bus drivers, tend to take the narrow bends in the roads at high speed. Driving is on the left.
Car-hire companies are plentiful on Mahé and there are also some on Praslin. The prices will more or less be the same everywhere. Cars can be booked through the hotels or through the tourist office in Victoria. There are also many car rental companies at the airport.
Drivers must be over 23 years and have been driving for at least one year. Companies will accept a national license, but it is good to bring an international license if possible.
The bus service on Mahé is extensive and reliable. For visitors who have the time, the bus is the best way to see Mahé. Praslin also has a reliable bus service that travels from Anse Boudin through Anse Volbert to Mont Plaisir, the Vallee de Mai, Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse and to the airport. They go in both directions hourly except between Mont Plaisir and Baie St. Anne where they go every half hour. The tourist office has timetables.
Taxis offer full or half day tours of Mahé and Praslin. For taxis, visitors should ask the fare before starting the journey and make sure it is a licensed taxi with a TAXI light on the roof of the car. The driver should also have an identification badge. On La Digue, if time is not a consideration, there are ox-carts that will take visitors from the boat jetty to the hotel.
After deciding how best to navigate the land and sea of the Seychelles, visitors can take time to sail around the inner islands where there are easy sailing distances, safe moorings and spectacular natural beauty.
These islands were made for sail boats with scenic bays and romantic coves as well as Anse Lazio one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Sailing the outer islands is true adventure on the open ocean to tropical paradises where few have ever been. There are sailing operators on Mahé and Praslin for day charters with crews or bare boats for a genuine taste of freedom.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
The influences of Seychellois Creole cuisine come far and wide, including Africa, China, France and India. The exotic blend of chilli, ginger, lemongrass, tamarind, coriander and coconut milk is a major feature. Rice is the staple food, though some may replace rice with breadfruit.
Fish is served many ways – salted, smoked, steamed, baked, grilled, mashed, curried and raw. Shark chutney – boiled and mashed shark mixed with fried onion, pepper, turmeric and topped with freshly squeezed bilimbi and lime juice – is popular too.
Tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles. For exceptional service, an additional tip is always welcome. Hotels and restaurants tend to include a tip of 5-10%, but luxury hotels and high-end restaurants may charge 10-15%.
Tap water is chlorinated and safe to drink. But if you are concerned, bottled water is widely available. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Climate and Weather
Lying 4°-11° south of the Equator, in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles has a tropical climate: warm and humid with strong maritime influences. The temperature is consistently 24-32°C, there is no distinct dry season and there is some humidity at all times.
Many of the granitic Inner Islands have dramatic terrain; Mahé boasting hills rising to 900m. The rainfall increases with altitude, though it is the trade winds that really dictate the islands' climate and name its seasons.
From May to October the south-east trade winds (Southeast Monsoon) bring a relatively dry period. Reaching its peak in July/August, there is little precipitation and temperatures average 27°C, though seas can be a little choppy.
By November (pre-Northwest Monsoon), the winds start to change, bringing light, warmer winds and the start of the main rainy season. During December to March (Northwest Monsoon), Seychelles gets extremely wet, especially in December and January, though the vegetation is lush, the winds generally light and the sun at its warmest. This is also the cyclone season, though only the most remote southern islands are within the cyclone belt.
This period is followed by the calmest, warmest month, April (Pre-Southeast Monsoon), as the winds die down and start to change direction.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Light clothing suitable for Seychelles' warm tropical climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the relatively hot, humid atmosphere. Also, for plenty of sun.
Bring hats, sunglasses and adequate UV protection - SPF30+ is advisable. It is important to remember that even on an overcast day the tropical sun is still strong and able to cause unpleasant sunburn. Wearing a t-shirt for the first swim or snorkel is a good idea.
A camera is an absolute must! Please bring a stock of film (particularly for non-standard cameras and video cameras) together with a supply of batteries.
Casual eveningwear (long trousers for men), together with appropriate footwear, is necessary for dining out and for gaining entrance to casinos and most hotels.
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended if you intend to take guided walk and trail excursions.
Visitors suffering from a specific medical condition should be sure to bring an adequate stock of the appropriate medication along as well as their preferred brand of sun cream, mosquito repellent etc.
Internet Availability
Most accommodation offer Wifi (free or paid) in their business centres, rooms or restaurants.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Seychelles are Type G (BS-1363). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency of Mozambiqueis the Mozambique Metical (MZN; symbol MT) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of MT1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of MT10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
The new Metical replaced the old Metical (MZM) on 1 July 2006. 1 MZN = 1,000 MZM. The old notes ceased being legal tender on 31 December 2006.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 07h30-15h30
Credit cards’ are increasingly accepted in Maputo, but not generally beyond the capital.
Travellers' cheques are not commonly accepted, and where accepted are slow to process and often attract high rates of commission.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Public transport is not recommended within Mozambique, however there are reliable bus shuttles to the north and international/local planes.
There are scheduled flights into Maputo and Vilankulo. Flights are generally routed via Johannesburg in South Africa. There are a variety of smaller airstrips for smaller charter flights (to the islands, etc).
Driving is on the left in Mozambique. You need to make sure that you are carrying ID, your drivers licence, the car registration papers and your insurance details. It is also obligatory to carry a warning triangle and I would also recommend a high viz vest. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
The roads are generally not in good repair. Many of the main roads have an awful lot of potholes and some are very deep.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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Mozambique offers some of the best cuisine in Africa, providing a popular blend of Portugese, Indian and African influences. The country is well known for its seafood, which includes excellent prawns and crayfish, and the wildly popular grilled catch of the day, locally known as peixe grelhade. Local dishes, mainly along the coastal areas have a certain flair which makes them unique from the foods found in neighbouring countries. Mozambicans believe in the liberal use of coconut milk and their favourite local hot pepper, peri peri to add a zesty burn to their meals. For more carnivorous visitors, there is a decent variety of high quality meats, usually, bought into Mozambique from neighbouring South Africa.
In Mozambique all town treat their drinking water, travellers are however advised to boil the tap water before drinking it, alternatively would be to buy mineral water. Tap water can safely be used for showering and brushing your teeth.
Climate and Weather
The Mozambique coastline stretches for almost 2,000km, covering latitudes from about 11° to 27° South, and has a tropical ocean current running north to south along its length for the whole year.
Despite this range of latitudes, the whole country broadly follows a southern African weather pattern, with the rains falling largely between December and March.
This does vary a little between the north and south of the country, with the rains lasting a few weeks longer in the north than the south, but the pattern is the same. Humidity can be uncomfortably high during this period.
Most of Mozambique's rain arrives on moist southeast trade winds, but glance at a map to see that it lies in the rainshadow of Madagascar. This gives Mozambique a relatively low annual rainfall – and a great deal of protection from the tropical storms and the occasional cyclone which head towards it during this period.
By around April or May the rains subside, the sun comes out and the humidity drops – better weather spreads gradually from the south to the north.
June to October is the dry season, with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain. This is the best time for most people to visit Mozambique. Although still tropical, June, July and August are Mozambique's coolest months; you'll need a light duvet at night, even though the temperature reaches over 30°C by day. During September and October it remains dry as daytime temperatures climb, though it cools down a lot at night.
November is a less predictable month of transition. Sometimes the rains start, although many days remain sunny and hot. The rains generally start earlier in the north of the country.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Light clothing is a must for most of the year (do not forget your swimminwear and sunscreen!). However, during winter (June-August) it can be chilli in the evenings, so pack something warm. When visiting game reserves, remember to pack sensible walking shoes, a hat and colour appropriate clothing (browns, greens, etc). In the evenings, it is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts to protect from the mosquitoes.
Internet Availability
There are many internet cafes in Maputo and almost all major hotels have internet access. Outside Maouto internet access is erratic and typically available in places frequented by tourists.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Mozambiqueare one of two electrical socket types: Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type M (SABS-1661). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in Mozambiqueusually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.