Tonga: 2 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

Tonga is another beautiful island in Oceania. With blue waters and beautiful beaches, it is certainly a great destination to relax.

From swimming with humpback whales in Vava'u to being at “romantic places” – ;) – in Nuku'alofa, you will certainly enjoy your time in Tonga.

What you may not enjoy dealing with an expensive roaming bill after roaming with your provider in Tonga. Roaming can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers want to buy a Tongan SIM card.

In this article, I will go over everything you need to buy in Tonga. Let's have a look.

Original publication: 24th of January 2020. Last updated: 18th of February 2023.

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Table of Contents

Telecom Providers in Tonga

Tonga has 2 telecom providers: Digicel Tonga and TCC U-Call. Both operators have 2G and 3G networks. Digicel started with 4G/LTE in 2017.

Best SIM Card in Tonga

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SIM Card Registration Regulations in Tonga

Unlike most countries in Oceania, you do have to show your passport when buying a Tongan SIM card.

There is not that much more to say about Tonga, so let’s see what Digicel Tonga and TCC U-Call.

Digicel Tonga

Digicel Tonga, just Digicel, is the biggest operator on the archipelago. Although Digicel has surpassed TCC U-Call in terms of subscribers, they are only active on the main islands of Tonga. As a result, Digicel should not be considered if planning on going to inhabited islands.

Just like in other countries in Oceania, the Caribbean, and Central America, Digicel used to advertise its 3G network, HSPA+, in Tonga as 4G/LTE, which was misleading. They started building their 4G/LTE network in 2017, so they do have real 4G/LTE in Tonga now.

SIM Card Price – Digicel Tonga

You can get a Digicel SIM card for free at Fua’amotu International Airport, or you can buy one at a Digicel store for 5 TOP ($2.20). Top-up cards are sold from 2 TOP to 50 TOP, and you can also recharge online with a credit card or with PayPal.

The following Digicel data packages can be added:

• 1 TOP: 100 MB for 1 hour
• 2 TOP: 200 MB for 24 hours
• 5 TOP: 500 MB for 7 days
• 10 TOP: 1 GB for 14 days
• 20 TOP: 2 GB for 30 days

You can also get one of Digicel’s unlimited data packs, which have an undisclosed fair-use policy. Using these plans will get your speed reduced to slower speeds after hitting an allowance, but it is unclear what your allowance is. Below are Digicel’s unlimited packs:

• 2 TOP: Unlimited data for 24 hours
• 5 TOP: Unlimited data for 5 hours from 12 AM until 5 AM
• 10 TOP: Unlimited data for 10 hours

TCC U-Call

TCC U-Call, simply U-Call, is the mobile brand of the state-owned company called TCC. Unlike Digicel, they do not have a 4G/LTE network. Instead, they only have 2G and 3G networks.

SIM Card Price – TCC U-Call

TCC U-Call SIM cards are sold for 5 TOP in TCC stores, from vendors, or at Fua’amotu International Airport. The starter pack comes with 500 MB, 500 minutes, and 500 SMS. Recharge cards are sold from 10 TOP to 20 TOP.

The following data packs can be added:

• 1 TOP: 300 MB for 1 hour
• 1.5 TOP: 40 MB and 100 MB for Facebook for 24 hours
• 2 TOP: 100 MB for 24 hours
• 3 TOP: 200 MB for 3 days
• 5 TOP: 140 MB and 600 MB for Facebook for 7 days
• 7 TOP: 500 MB for 7 days
• 13 TOP: 1 GB for 15 days
• 20 TOP: 500 MB and 2 GB for Facebook for 30 days
• 25 TOP: 2 GB for 25 days
• 33 TOP: 4 GB for 30 days

The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Tonga

Getting a SIM card from either Digicel or TCC U-Call would do you well when considering a Tongan SIM card.