World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
The Vaiaku Lagi Hotel, Su's and Kai Restaurants have fully licensed bars and dining facilities, where a good variety of food is served, with an emphasis on fish and local food. In addition, the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel has a barbecue in the courtyard once a fortnight. There is also a number of privately owned snackfood shops and two restaurants on Funafuti's main island with licensed bars and a good variety of food. Beer is imported.

Nightlife
There are fortnightly discos ('twists') at the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel. Groups of entertainers perform traditional dances for a small fee.

Shopping
A range of shops, including food, souvenir and clothing shops, are available, mainly on Funafuti. However, the range of merchandise is limited and not designed with the visitor in mind - for example, there is no film-processing service. For local crafts, including Tuvalu weaving, shell jewellery and the traditional lidded wooden boxes (tulumas) used by fishermen, the Women's Handicraft Centre near the main hotel is excellent. There are no shops on Funafala. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0600-0000.

Special Events
The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Tuvalu:
Aug 3 National Children's Day. Oct 1-2 Tuvalu Days.

Social Conventions
Traditional values continue to dominate Tuvaluan culture. Footwear should be removed when entering a church, a village meeting house (manepa) or private house. Religion plays an important part in daily life. Sunday is a day of rest and church-going for the locals, when visitors are advised to choose activities which do not cause too much disruption. There are limits imposed on the consumption of alcohol outside licensed premises. Whilst dress is usually casual, it is customary for women to keep their thighs covered and beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. There are procedures which should be followed by those invited to a feast and visitors should take local advice about this and other matters. It is customary not to speak a foreign language in the presence of a person who does not know it, so apparent indications of a desire to hold a private or confidential conversation should be interpreted as simple courtesy to fellow islanders. Visitors are welcome to join in the numerous local festivals and celebrations with feasting and traditional entertainment. Tipping: Optional, but not expected.