• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Tuvalu

Behavior

The people of Tuvalu are very humble and modest as they rarely express themselves in a way to offend another. This comes in respecting other people, dressing modestly, avoiding outward signs of wealth or affection, and having a reverence for God as most people are Christian.

As a visitor to Tuvalu, that same modesty is expected; modesty in dress, actions, words, and every aspect of your life. Many of the most important behavioral restrictions to be aware of are related to dress, dating (see above for both), and dining (see our Tuvalu Food & Dining Page for more information). Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting drunk in public.

Dress

The traditional dress for the people of Tuvalu consists of the ti-ti, which is dried and died coconut leaves made into a skirt of sorts. These are often quite bright and colorful, generally in red, purple, or yellow. Women also wear a mat to cover their mid-section and chests, again typically made from coconut leaves.

However, today the dress is changing and only a limited number of people in the villages still wear the ti-ti on a regular basis (although many people wear them for certain ceremonial events). Western-styled clothing is more common today, including dresses, shorts, pants, and shirts of all kinds.

As a visitor to Tuvalu, there are a couple dress restrictions to be aware of, especially for women. Men generally get a free pass as shorts and t-shirts are well accepted; however, women should never show their knees and even longer pants or skirts are encouraged. Women should also never show their shoulders or wear low-cut tops. In resorts the dress is more relaxed as swimwear of all kinds is well accepted, but nudity is never allowed and this clothing should never be worn outside these private resorts and beaches catered to foreigners.

This page was last updated: November, 2013