2 Best Travel Cards for Tonga
Getting an international travel card before you travel to Tonga can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in Tongan Pa'anga. You'll be able to easily top up your card in GBP before you leave United Kingdom, to convert seamlessly to TOP for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.
This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from United Kingdom heading to Tonga, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.
2 best travel money cards for Tonga:
Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for Tonga with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from United Kingdom:
Wise travel card - best currencies coverage - 40+ supported currencies and mid-market exchange rate
Revolut travel card - best selection of account types - 3 different plans depending on your preferences
| Card | Card scheme | Fees for spending | Trustpilot score | Go to provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Visa / Mastercard | No fees to spend currencies you hold | 4.3 / 5 (220,000+) | Go to Wise |
| Revolut | Visa | No fees to spend currencies you hold | 4.2 / 5 (147,000+) | Go to Revolut |
Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to Tonga.
Wise travel card
Delivered in United Kingdom
Visa/Mastercard debit card
Mid-market exchange rate
40+ currenciesOpen a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in Tonga. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in GBP easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to Tonga or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.
With the Wise money card you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in TOP, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.
Wise features
Card | Fees for spending | ATM fees | Withdraw limit | Annual fee | App available | Trustpilot score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Visa or Mastercard Debit Card | No fees to spend currencies you hold | Some fee free withdrawals monthly, with low fees after that | 4,000 GBP a month | N/A | iOS & Android | 4.3 / 5 (200,000+) |
Wise travel card pros and cons
- Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
- Spend seamlessly in TOP when you travel
- Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
- Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
- Manage your account and card from your phone
- 7 GBP delivery fee for your first card
- ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
- Physical cards may take 2 - 6 days to arrive (you can use your virtual card right away)
How to apply for a Wise card
Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise travel card in United Kingdom:
Open the Wise app or desktop site
Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account
Register with your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID
Upload your ID document to complete the verification step
Tap the Cards tab to order your card
Pay the one time 7 GBP fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 2 - 6 days
Revolut travel card
Delivered in United Kingdom
Different account plans
Visa debit card30+ currenciesChoose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in Tonga, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 30+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.
Revolut features
| Card | Fees for spending | ATM fees | Withdraw limit | Annual fee | App available | Trustpilot score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Debit Card | No fees to spend currencies you hold | Some no fee withdrawals monthly based on account tier, with low fees after that | 3,000 GBP per day | N/A - monthly fees apply for some account tiers | iOS & Android | 4.2 / 5 (147,000+) |
Revolut travel card pros and cons
- Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
- Hold and exchange 30+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
- Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
- All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
- Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
- You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
- Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
- Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
- Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees
How to apply for a Revolut card
Set up your Revolut account before you leave United Kingdom and order your travel card. Here’s how:
Download and open the Revolut app
Register by adding your personal and contact information
Upload your ID document to complete the verification step
Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card
Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type
What is a travel money card?
A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.
You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.
Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.
Travel money cards may also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. If your travel card is separate to your Pound Sterling primary account, this means they're not linked and offers a more secure option for travelling abroad.
Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card
It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:
- Travel debit cards
- Travel prepaid cards
- Travel credit cards
They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Tonga or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.
Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app, although you can also often add money in person by visiting a branch - we've picked out the Post Office and the Travelex travel card as popular prepaid cards with a branch network in United Kingdom, for example.
Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.
What is a prepaid travel money card best for?
Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to Tonga. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:
- Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
- Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
- You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
- Travel cards can be more secure. If they are not linked to your everyday GBP account, they can be a safer option. Additionally, because you can make ATM withdrawals when needed, you can avoid carrying too much cash at once
Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.
How to choose the best travel card for Tonga
We've picked out 2 great travel cards available in United Kingdom - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for Tonga include:
- What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
- What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
- Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in TOP can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
- Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees
Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a low cost card with the mid-market rate, which you can use in 150+ countries, the Wise card may be a good fit. If you'd prefer to pay a monthly fee to get higher no-fee transaction limits, take a look at Revolut. And if you need to get a card in a hurry, check out a travel card from a provider with a physical branch network, like the Post Office card or the Travelex travel money card.
What makes a good travel card for Tonga
The best travel debit card for Tonga really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.
Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it's the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you're paying when you spend in TOP.
Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It's also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for Tonga. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.
For Tonga in particular, choosing a card which offers contactless payments and which is compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay could be a good plan. Card payments are extremely popular in Tonga - so having a card which lets you tap and pay easily can speed things up and make it more convenient during your trip.
Ways to pay in Tonga
Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.
In Tonga, both card payments and cash payments are common. You'll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go, but it's still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.
Which countries use TOP?
You'll find that TOP can only be used in Tonga. If you don't travel to Tonga frequently it's worth thinking carefully about how much to exchange so you're not left with extra foreign currency after your trip.
| Tongan Pa'anga | |
|---|---|
| Currency name | Tongan Pa'anga |
| ISO code | TOP |
| Symbol | T$ |
| TOP denominations | banknotes - T$1, T$2, T$5, T$10, T$20, T$50, T$100 and coins - 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, T$1 |
| Best travel cards to take to Tonga | Wise,Revolut |
What should you be aware of when travelling to Tonga
You're sure to have a great time in Tonga - but whenever you're travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:
1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you're been to Tonga before it's worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don't have any hassle on the border
2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change GBP to TOP before you travel to Tonga if you'd like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in GBP and either exchange to TOP in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach Tonga to make an ATM withdrawal in TOP if you can.
3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave United Kingdom so you have peace of mind. It's also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don't offer fair prices or adequate services.
How does a Tongan Pa'anga card work?
Getting a Tongan Pa'anga card can make managing your money easier when you travel to Tonga.
Your Tongan Pa'anga card will be linked to a digital account you can manage from your phone, so you'll always be able to see your balance, get transaction notifications and manage your card no matter where you are. Just add money to your account in pounds, and - depending on your preferences and the specific card you pick - you can either convert your balance to Tongan Pa'anga instantly, or just let the card do the conversion when you spend or make a withdrawal.
If your card gives you the option to hold a Tongan Pa'anga balance, there's not normally any extra fee to spend the Tongan Pa'anga you have in your account when you're in Tonga.
Can I withdraw Tongan Pa'anga currency with my card in Tonga?
With some cards, you'll be able to add money to your card in Pound Sterling, and then convert to Tongan Pa'anga instantly online or in your card's app.
Once you have a balance in Tongan Pa'anga you can spend with your card with no extra fees - just tap and pay as you would at home. You'll also be able to make cash withdrawals whenever you need to, with no extra conversion fee to pay. Your card - or the ATM operator - may charge a withdrawal fee, but this can still be a cheap, secure and convenient option for getting cash when you need it.
With other cards, you can't hold a balance in Tongan Pa'anga on your card - but you can leave your money in Pound Sterling and let the card convert your money for you when you spend and withdraw.
Some fees may apply here - including currency conversion or foreign transaction charges - so do compare a few different cards before you sign up, to make sure you're picking the one which best suits your specific spending needs.
Bear in mind though, that not all cards support all currencies - and the range of currencies available with any given card can change from time to time. If your card doesn't let you hold a balance in Tongan Pa'anga you might find that fees apply when you spend in Tonga, so it's well worth double checking your card's terms and conditions - and comparing the options available from other providers - before you travel, just in case.
Why should I get a Tongan Pa'anga card?
Getting a Tongan Pa'anga card means you can spend like a local when you're in Tonga. You'll be able to check your Tongan Pa'anga balance at a glance, add and convert money on the move, and use your card for secure spending and withdrawals whenever you need to. Best of all, Tongan Pa'anga cards from popular providers often offer good exchange rates and low, transparent fees, which can mean your money goes further when you're on a trip abroad.
Conclusion - Best travel cards for Tonga
Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to Tonga will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.
FAQ - best travel cards for Tonga
When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like Wise - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.
Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.
There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise and Revolut.
Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.
Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.
Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.
Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Tonga.
The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:
For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their GBP / TOP rate to calculate how much Tongan Pa'anga you would receive when exchanging / spending £3,000 GBP. The card provider offering the most TOP is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.
The rates were collected at 09:36:26 GMT on 25 May 2024.
Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.