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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu, consisting of a small atoll with a land area of 2.4 square kilometers. |
👥 Population | Approximate population of 6,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 4 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD); 1 AUD ≈ 0.68 USD. |
🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Voltage is 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Main provider is Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation offering prepaid SIM cards. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking options available with ATM services mainly in Funafuti. |
🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation available through local guesthouses and a few hotels. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Options include local hotels and guesthouses with short-term leases. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include guesthouses like 'Funafuti Hotel' starting from AUD 100 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Best areas are around Funafuti Lagoon for scenic views. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Funafuti offers a more reliable internet connection and proximity to amenities. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, no dedicated coworking spaces; local cafes may be used for work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute's café offers decent wifi and a good atmosphere. |
💼 Networking Events | Limited networking events; occasional meetups organized by local NGOs. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community is small; connections can be made through local gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available, but no apps; negotiating fares is common. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for around AUD 10 per day. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearby Funafuti Lagoon beach is ideal for relaxation. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Tuvalu operates domestic routes. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Fiji Airways is the main international carrier connecting to Funafuti. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Limited roads; most navigation is by foot or bicycle. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train or major transit hubs; local transit is informal. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport system available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Travel to nearby islands by boat or domestic flights. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | The Princess Margaret Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; no dedicated yoga centers. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options are very limited; outdoor activities are common. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Few laundry services available; most residents wash by hand. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery apps; local restaurants provide takeout. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Palusami', a traditional dish made with taro leaves. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited vegan options; most meals are seafood-based. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local cafés offer coconut and pandan sweets. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce; prices are reasonable. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce presence; no local platforms. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services available; shopping must be done in person. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few local bars; nightlife is limited to social gatherings. |
🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; beer is imported. |
🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars; alcohol is served in local eateries. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available, primarily consisting of seafood and local snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited options; mainly local cuisine is found. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Funafuti Conservation Area and the historic government buildings. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Currently, no museums exist; local crafts can be viewed at artisan shops. |
🏰 Historical Sites | World War II relics and memorials throughout Funafuti. |
🕍 Religious Sites | St. Patrick's Church is a prominent local religious site. |
🎉 Annual Events | Mahatma Gandhi Day and Tuvalu Day celebrate local culture. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The main district in Funafuti is where most cultural events occur. |
🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theater; local performances occur during cultural events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Saturday markets offer a range of local crafts and foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Community gatherings often feature traditional music. |
🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; some local artists display work in markets. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional classes offered during cultural festivals. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | No dedicated art galleries; local crafts can be purchased from shops. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Government House is a notable historic structure. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional falekaukau houses reflect local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Exploring the Funafuti Lagoon is a must for natural beauty. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks, but protected areas exist in the lagoon. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; most exploration is done by foot or bicycle. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Beautiful sunsets over the lagoon can be viewed from the reefs. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birds can be spotted near the lagoon and conservation areas. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited postal services; DHL operates occasionally. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very few options; main cities have repair shops. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational facilities; few places for casual games. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | No formal language classes; locals are generally English-speaking. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No libraries; community centers provide study spaces. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Tuvalu National Library acts as a community gathering spot. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No gaming lounges; recreational activities are primarily outdoor. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; gambling is not prevalent. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 60,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 48,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 108,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 90,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 136,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 112,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is currently 30%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
🏦 Tax System | The Tuvalu tax system is based on a territorial income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Personal income tax rate can go up to 15%. |
🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is not imposed in Tuvalu. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Tuvalu has no CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is negligible and based on property values. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No property transaction tax applicable. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tuvalu does not tax foreign income, making it attractive for digital nomads. |