Tipping Tipping is not expected. To avoid embarrassing and offending the Tongans, visitors should dress modestly in town, keeping brief clothing for the beaches and resorts. If in doubt about what is acceptable, ask your hotelier or staff - or just observe the locals. Tongans usually dress in modest Western clothes, but add the traditional touch with a narrow length of mat wrapped around their waist. Women usually wear a 'sulu' skirt under their skirt.
Many men also feel more comfortable in their wrap around 'skirts' than trousers.
It is illegal for men not to wear a shirt in public places. Brief attire is considered offensive to Tongans, unless it is on the beach. Time Time is almost irrelevant in Tonga, as the relaxed atmosphere makes the hustle and bustle of modern life seem ridiculous in perspective. However, for those who care, Tonga is where time begins each day - 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 18 hours ahead of New York. Although the water is treated and of good quality in Nuku'alofa and other centres where piped water is available, it's always wise to check if it is treated.