Motorbikes/mopeds are the way to get around in Funafuti. There are some cars but they’re far outnumbered by mopeds. The people of Funafuti are careful, slow drivers and there seems to be a speed limit but there are no signs posted.
You can rent mopeds for AUD$20 for 24 hours per bike from a shop on the main road across the street from the Halavai Market. Ask at the Funafuti Lagoon Hotel (a half block from the dinghy landing) where to rent mopeds and they can describe it for you.
The airstrip on Funafuti, originally built by US forces during the war, is still in operation and there are regular flights to Fiji, Kiribati and Majuro (Marshalls). The outer islands only have links by a supply ship, which makes the rounds roughly every six weeks.
The Fijian domestic carrier, Air Fiji , operates between Suva and Funafuti three times a week.
About four times a year the government-owned ships, Nivaga II and Manu Folau, travel between Suva and Funafuti.
You can hire a moped for $5 for return the same day. To keep 24 hours is $10 AUD. No helmets are required,and road rules appear to be optional.
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As of December 2017 no credit cards are accepted for fuel purchases, only $AUS. There is NO ATM anywhere on the island, so cash can only be converted at the Bank before 2pm.
There is a telecom office adjacent to the airport with data plans available without a sim purchase. The speed is reasonable at times. It is possible to receive this wifi in the anchorages off the village.
The Filomena and 3Ts are the most popular restaurants, 3Ts is the local favourite oriental restaurant. Filomena has a more varied menu with a bar.
As of June 2017:
– There is no dinghy dock off the government building, a beach landing is required. Wash off the sand at the two large green cisterns on either side of the entrance to the government building.
– Tuvalu has no fee for entry or exit. According to Tuvalu Customs an average of 12 yachts a year visit Tuvalu.
– If you want to purchase fuel in Funafuti, you must get a permission letter from the Energy Department (2nd floor of the government building). You can do this while clearing in. Request an amount that you want to purchase but be sure to tell them a “not to exceed amount”. The permission is cheerfully given.
Take the permission letter to Pacific Fuel, just north of the main wharf and schedule a delivery.
– Pacific Fuel will deliver diesel to the main wharf for the direct fuelling of your yacht. Or can deliver your filled Jerry Jugs to the same dock. No fee for this service. You may use the dock on a space available basis to fuel. Pacific Fuel will help with timing. No water or power available.
– You pay only for the fuel you take (in $AUS). They do accept credit cards with a fee.