Tuvalu
Travel tips for Tuvalu: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cash is essential. Although Tuvalu installed its first ATMs in 2025, recent 2026 reports confirm they reject international cards and vendors remain cash-only, meaning travelers must bring enough physical AUD to cover their entire stay.
Try the food
- Palusami: Young taro leaves wrapped around rich coconut cream and baked in an earth oven.
- Pulaka: A starchy, coarse swamp taro that is traditionally pit-grown and served boiled, baked, or mashed with coconut milk.
- Coconut Crab: A massive, land-dwelling crab prized for its sweet, rich meat, typically boiled or roasted.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type I
- Voltage
- 220-240V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 911 (Police), 999 (Ambulance), 000 (Fire)
- SIM tip
- Purchase a local TTC SIM card at the telecom office in Funafuti upon arrival, as eSIMs and international roaming are largely unsupported.
Etiquette
Tipping is not customary in Tuvalu and may be politely refused, but dressing modestly by covering shoulders and knees in villages is highly expected.