Funafuti, Tuvalu 🇹🇻
#1786 -8.519963, 179.198254

Nomad Score: 44%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu, located within the Pacific Ocean, offering a small island experience with stunning atolls and local culture.
👥 Population Approx. 6,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average download speed of 4.5 Mbps.
💸 Currency & Banking Australian Dollar (AUD). 1 AUD ≈ 0.68 USD.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets.
📶 SIM Card Local providers include Telecom Tuvalu offering prepaid SIM cards.
💳 Banking for Expats Limited banking services; ATM access is mainly for local banks. Credit cards accepted in few locations.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from guesthouses to local hotels. Airbnb is limited, but guesthouses like 'Betel Box' are available.
💳 Cashless Friendly Mostly cash transactions; cards accepted in select establishments.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Limited; predominantly guesthouses and local homestays.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Betel Box Guesthouse offers rooms at AUD 50 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Limited coworking spaces; local cafes like Tuvalu Paradise Cafe provide suitable environments.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Tuvalu Paradise Cafe is popular among locals and has Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events Occasional community gatherings at the Tuvalu Development Assistance office.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Limited; expats often meet at local bars or cafes.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App No dedicated apps; local taxis or bicycles are the primary modes of transport.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bikes can be rented from local shops; often no formal rental services.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Funafuti Lagoon offers beautiful beaches within walking distance.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Tufla operates flights between islands, mainly providing local transport.
✈️ Top International Airline Fiji Airways connects Tuvalu with international destinations via Fiji.
🛣️ Highway Access Limited main road encircles the island with no extensive highway network.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub No trains; public transport relies on infrequent buses.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Not available; local transport is infrequent and informal.
✈️ Regional Travel Small boats or local flights connect to other atolls.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Funafuti Hospital is the primary healthcare facility for residents.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; some locals offer informal yoga sessions.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness options are scarce; outdoor activities like running are common.
🧺 Laundry Services Limited; laundry services are offered at local guesthouses.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Limited food delivery options; on-site dining preferred.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try 'palusami' - taro leaves cooked with coconut cream.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited; local vegetable dishes are available.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Try the local coconut desserts at local markets.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets offer fresh produce and local crafts at reasonable prices.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Access to online shopping is limited and may involve high shipping costs.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Not currently available; markets are the main shopping source.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area The Main Street hosts some local bars, but nightlife is limited.
🍻 Local Brewery No local breweries; imported beers available at bars.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited; wine mainly available at select hotels.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Occasional stalls during local events and markets.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Limited international options; local cuisine predominates.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Funafuti's lagoon, and the Perpetual Secretary's House are notable sights.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Tuvalu National Museum highlights local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites WWII remnants and local churches reflect historical significance.
🕍 Religious Sites Churches in Funafuti represent the main religious sites.
🎉 Annual Events Tuvalu Day celebrated annually with traditional festivities.
🎨 Cultural Districts Limited; local villages represent cultural heritage.
🎭 Theater Venues No formal theater; community events may showcase local talent.
🛍️ Local Markets Regular markets at the main town center for local crafts and produce.
🎼 Music Scene Local music performances at community events; informal gatherings.
🎨 Street Art Limited street art; mainly local crafts showcased.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Informal classes may be offered by locals; inquire in the community.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited galleries; community art displays are common.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Cultured architecture from colonial times is evident in a few buildings.
🏴 Local Heritage Strong community ties and traditional practices form local heritage.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Explore the surrounding atolls like Niuatoputapu for nature escapes.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby No formal national parks; however, marine protected areas exist.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited paths available; walking along the lagoon is popular.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The lagoon's edge offers picturesque sunset views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Ideal for birdwatching along the lagoon and atolls.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Public beaches allow bonfires with caution.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Limited delivery options; use local courier services.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Few options available; informal repair services may exist.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Limited recreational facilities, occasional games in local communities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Limited formal classes; consider informal learning with locals.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Funafuti has a small community library; quiet study areas are available.
🏘️ Community Centers Community gatherings at public schools or churches.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited gaming options; informal gatherings may occur.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos or gaming halls present in Funafuti.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AUD 1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = AUD 75,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AUD 1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = AUD 60,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AUD 1,800 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = AUD 126,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AUD 1,500 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = AUD 105,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AUD 2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 160,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AUD 1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 144,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 20%.
🏦 Tax System Based on worldwide income for residents.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 20%.
🧾 VAT 0%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No specific CFC rules.
🏠 Property Tax Minimal taxation; primarily local fees.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Approx. 3% on property transactions.