Say Malo e Lelei to Tonga!
Ready to swap your Aussie dollars for Tongan Paʻanga and unlock the wonders of the Friendly Islands? From serene beaches to vibrant cultural festivals, converting NZD to TOP sets the stage for a South Pacific adventure like no other.
Let us handle the currency exchange while you focus on living your best island life, coconuts and all!
With Travel Money NZ, get competitive rates to convert NZD to TOP, with the convenience of handling your currency needs all in one place. You can buy Tongan Pa'anga instore with our friendly, savvy experts nation-wide.
Holiday Budget Calculator
We know holiday budgeting can be a snooze fest, but it's important! Just pop in your trip details, and our clever tools will mix crowd-sourced Numbeo data with our exchange rates to show you how much to bring. Easy as!
How to save money while in Tonga
Tonga is paradise on a budget!
- Travel during the off-season to snag great deals on accommodation and activities.
- Feast on fresh fish and taro at local eateries to savour authentic flavours without splashing too much cash.
- For adventure seekers, snorkelling and hiking come free, courtesy of Tonga’s stunning natural beauty.
- Convert NZD to TOP with Travel Money NZ for great rates, and let every Paʻanga bring you closer to island bliss.
All about Tongan currency
A quick guide to money in Tonga
Picture yourself walking through a bustling village market, palm trees swaying in the breeze, with Paʻanga in hand ready to spend. Whether you’re picking out handcrafted Tongan treasures or booking a boat trip to unspoiled islands, your Tongan currency makes it all possible!
Did you know that the Tongan Paʻanga (TOP) was named after a traditional necklace made of shells?
The Paʻanga reflects Tonga’s deep connection to the ocean and its rich cultural heritage, and has been the nation’s official currency since 1967 when it replaced the New Zealand Pound - marking a proud step towards economic independence.
Cash rate
Purchase in store
*Online rate not available in store
Card rate
Purchase in store
Code
TOP
Symbol
T$
Coins
5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, T$1
Banknotes
T$1, T$2, T$5, T$10, T$20, T$50, T$100
Tongan notes and coins
Tongan pa’anga (T$) is subdivided into 100 seniti (c).
Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, and T$1 are currently in circulation.
If you come across the rare 1c or 2c coin, keep them for your travel scrapbook – they may be worth a lot of money some day!
Tongan banknotes are a love letter to the nation’s history and beauty.
Banknotes come in T$1, T$2, T$5, T$10, T$20, T$50, and T$100 varieties, and feature iconic images like the Royal Palace and King Tupou VI.
Fun facts about Tongan cash
- The 50 Paʻanga note stands out with its vibrant tribute to King Tupou IV and traditional Tongan artwork.
Travel Money Trivia - Tonga edition
- The pa’anga was introduced in 1967, replacing the pound at a rate of 1 pound = 2 pa’anga. Until early 1991, the pa’anga was pegged to the Australian dollar at par. Since then, a basket of currencies is taken (including the Australian, New Zealand, and United States dollars and the Japanese yen) and the pa’anga has continued to decline.
- Pa’anga can also be measured by super-unit ‘hau’ (1 hau = 100 pa’anga). This unit isn’t used in daily life and can only be found on commemorative coins of higher values.
- The word ‘pa’anga’ was originally only used as the native name for a bean-like vine that grew large pods with large seeds. These roundish seeds are strung together as anklets as part of the Kailao dance costume.
- When Tongans attacked a passing ship (Port-au-Prince) in 1806 and the vessel sank, they searched the ship for valuables. They found the ship’s cash and, thinking it was pa’anga seeds, burned it. It was years before they realised it had been money in the ship.
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Converting NZD to TOP is your passport to the magic of Tonga—from traditional feasts under the stars to swimming with humpback whales.
Whether you’re exploring vibrant markets or lounging on secluded beaches, Tongan currency in your pocket guarantees a smooth, authentic experience. With competitive rates and quick service, we’ll make sure your Paʻanga game is on point. It’s time to go Tongan and let the adventure begin!