Money. Tuvalu uses the Australian dollar. In April 2025, the National Bank of Tuvalu installed the country's first ATMs at its Funafuti branch — a significant milestone. However, the ATM system is still developing, and it is wise to arrive with enough cash in Australian dollars for your entire stay. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of the larger guesthouses, and the outer islands have no banking infrastructure at all.
Internet and phones. Internet connectivity in Funafuti is available at some guesthouses and at the government offices, but it is slow and unreliable. Do not plan on doing anything bandwidth-intensive. Mobile coverage (Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation) reaches Funafuti and parts of some outer islands, but is patchy. Buy a local SIM if you need data; they are available in Funafuti.
Health. There is a hospital in Funafuti (the Princess Margaret Hospital) capable of handling routine medical issues, but serious cases are evacuated to Fiji or New Zealand. Bring any prescription medications you need, plus a comprehensive travel first-aid kit. Mosquito repellent is essential. No vaccinations are specifically required to enter Tuvalu, but standard Pacific travel vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, typhoid) are sensible.
Safety. Tuvalu is one of the safest countries in the world for visitors. Crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main physical risks are from sun and sea — sunburn, coral cuts, and strong currents in the lagoon passes. Wear reef shoes, use sun protection, and ask locals about current and tidal conditions before entering the water.
Climate threat. Much of Fongafale island, where most visitors spend their time, sits less than a metre above sea level. King tides and storm surges occasionally flood parts of the island, including the road along the lagoon. This is not a theoretical risk — it is a regular event. If you are visiting during the wet season, be aware of it.
Respect. Tuvalu is a conservative, church-going society. Dress modestly when away from the beach or lagoon — shoulders and knees covered in villages and public buildings. Remove shoes before entering homes. Ask before photographing people. Sunday is taken seriously as a day of rest.