Find the best ways to transfer money to Tonga

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much TOP your recipient in TO will get.

For example, in the past 7 days average rate for USD to TOP was 2.3421 TOP.

Since USD-TOP exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more TOP.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which consistently offers the best rates for Pa’anga transfers.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Tonga is through a bank transfer with Wise, which is 0.84% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Tonga impacts the cost, speed, and how much TOP the recipient will receive.

Based on our live data for a $7,000 transfer from the US to Tonga, the following are your best options:

• Wise with bank transfer deposit costs $60.74 and has a -1.22% markup.

• Xe with a debit card deposit costs $0 with 5.71% markup.

We advise against using bank transfer, as they tend to be the most expensive option for TOP transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on TOP, and are usually more expensive.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to TO. SWIFT transfers to Tonga are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much TOP you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the TOP exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Tonga.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of TOP you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Tonga.

The speed of sending Pa’anga to Tonga depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $7,000 transfer to Tonga:

Use Xe for fastest transfers

Of the 5 companies offering TOP transfers, Xe consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods.

For bank account & card deposits use Xe

Xe offers fast and affordable Pa’anga transfers, with fees of around $0 for bank deposits and $0 for debit card deposits, plus a small 5.71% markup on top of the TOP rate.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for TOP transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Tonga, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Tonga:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Tonga.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Tonga offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on TOP exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Tonga are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Pa’anga as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Tonga to collect the TOP.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Pa’anga via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire TOP directly to Tonga due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send TOP from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Tonga. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the TOP transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Tonga, we recommend Wise.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Tonga. Use Xe to deposit with a debit card at just $0 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Tonga needs TOP urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Tonga, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive TOP directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Wise.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Tonga, Pa’anga will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending TOP as cash or transferring large amounts to Tonga, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Tonga, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of TOP being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Tonga, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Pa’anga.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on TOP transfers/payments to TO.

Some TOP transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain TOP transfers (especially large sums of Pa’anga) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Tonga or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Tonga or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.