What is the Electrical Outlet in Tonga?
Out of the list of things to check before going to a new country, electricity and what power adapter to use is an essential one! Will you be able to charge your phone in Tonga? Can you safely charge devices off the mains in Tonga?
What most travellers need to know is that Tonga uses an electrical current is 240 volts 50 Hz and accepts type 1 plugs, so if your appliances don’t fit the electrical outlets and/or require a different voltage or frequency, then you’re going to need a travel adapter and maybe even a convertor. Makes sense? If not, this in-depth guide on the electrical outlet in Tonga will make it so.
5 Things to Need to Know About Electricity in Tonga
- Tonga has Type 1 power plugs with 240 V AC 50 Hz – see Tonga travel adapters here
- If you’re coming from New Zealand or Australia (where most visitors to Tonga are from), you will not need a travel adapter
- Almost no bungalows at resorts on Uoleva (Ha’apai) have a personal electrical outlet. However, you can charge your device in the communal dining fale
- Some other off-the-grid accommodations may have limited power, so you may not be able to use more powerful appliances like hair dryers
- Don’t rely on USB outlets to charge your devices, they rarely exist in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comWhat is the Plug Type for Tonga?
The power plugs and sockets in Tonga are of Type 1. This is a three-pronged plug with one vertical prong and two slanting prongs. Some electrical appliances plugging into a Type 1 sock only have two slanting prongs.
Other Countries That Use Type 1 Plugs
If you have visited any of the following countries, chances are that you already have a travel adapter that will work in Tonga.
American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.
Note that USB plug sockets are rarely found in Tonga, so it’s best to rely on the Type 1 plug socket for connecting your electrical devices to the mains power supply.
Check out some of our favourite Type 1 travel adapters in the 5 Best Travel Adapters for Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comWhat is the Voltage and Frequency in Tonga?
The electrical current in Tonga is 240 volts with 50 cycles per second. So the main information you will need to know for using your appliances in Tonga is that the electricity in Tonga runs on 240 V 50 Hz.
If your country of origin uses a voltage that ranges between 220 and 240 V, then you will be able to use your appliances and gadgets in Tonga with no problem at all. This includes countries like New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the UK and the majority of Asia and Africa.
If you are from North or South America or any country that uses a voltage between 100 and 127 V then you will need to have a power converter or transformer. Many travel adapters include this function so there is no need to get yourself two separate items – check out the Amazon selection.
© TongaPocketGuide.comWill My Appliances Work in Tonga?
If you’re using appliances from a country that also uses 220-240 V, then they will work in Tonga as long as they have a Type 1 output or you have a travel adapter. More on that later.
If coming from a country that uses 110/120 V, for example, then you should find that modern appliances, such as phones and laptops, are designed to use from 110 V to 240 V. Regardless, you should check the labels of all of the appliances that you intend to use in Tonga.
Appliances that don’t clearly state that they can be used for up to 240 V should not be used in Tonga’s electrical outlets. Otherwise, the higher voltage than required could damage your appliance (or worse). The most common types of appliances this applies to include hairdryers, electric razors and irons.
Do You Need a Convertor / Transformer for Tonga?
If the label on your appliance states a single voltage number, such as 110 V or 120 V, you will need a travel adapter which is also a voltage converter.
If the label has a combined low/high number, such as 120/240 V or 100/240 V, or a voltage of 200 or higher, you don’t need a converter.
Can You Use a 60 Hz Appliance in Tonga?
Tonga uses a 50 Hz outlet. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a 60 Hz appliance, even if the voltage of your appliance is compatible with Tonga. Using the wrong frequency (which is what Hz is) can cause appliances to stop functioning properly.
Again, check your appliance label. Some appliances work on both 50 and 60 Hz.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDoes Tonga Experience Power Cuts?
Tonga experiences planned and unplanned power cuts. Power cuts on Tongatapu are rarer than on some other islands like Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. Planned power cuts by Tonga’s sole public power administrator, Tonga Power, usually last around seven hours throughout the day, while unplanned power cuts are often resolved quickly.
Some more remote accommodations in Tonga use their own power generators, which may cut out more frequently than what’s connected to the national grid.
The most common time for power cuts to occur is during the wet season when tropical storms are more frequent and can cause damage to power lines, power stations, etc. The wet season in Tonga runs from November to April. Check out What is the Weather Like in Tonga? for more information on Tonga’s climate.
More About Tonga’s Electrical Outlets, Power Plugs and Other Essentials
That’s it for the guide to Tonga’s electrical outlets and power plugs. Plan more essentials for your trip using the following guides:
- 5 Best Travel Adapters for Tonga
- The Complete Packing List for Tonga
- 20 Essentials You Need to Pack for Tonga
Finally, head over to The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga or get even more advice in our 31 Tips for Travelling in Tonga.
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