Culture
Fijian society is deeply rooted in community and family, with a strong emphasis on village life and the land. It is a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions, influenced by Melanesian, Polynesian, European and Indian cultures.
Population
Located in the south-west Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a nation of approximately 300 islands of which about 100 are inhabited. Population is 933,000. The two main Fijian Islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the population. The capital of Fiji is Suva, situated on Viti Levu. Important towns are Nadi, which is the location of the international airport, and Lautoka, which is a large seaport.
Entry Visas for Fiji
Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel to another country, which he/she is authorized to enter, is required.
Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Fiji is free from malaria and other major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries. Visit Fiji Immigration for visa requirements to enter Fiji.
Peak Travel Periods
Fiji can be very busy during the festive season. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you book well in advance if you wish to travel over this period.
Language
English, Fijian and Hindi also spoken.
Useful words to know:
- Bula – hello, good health, to life
- Yalo Vinaka (Yah low vee nar ka) – please
- Vinaka (vee nar ka) – thank you
- Bure (boo ray) – villa/house
Money
Currency is the Fijian Dollar (FJD)
FJD 1 = 100 cents. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Fiji, followed by American Express.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping in Fiji is not customary and generally not expected. Some resorts have a staff fund where guests can contribute, which is then distributed among all staff members.
Electricity Supply
Electricity is 240 AC voltage (same as the UK, Australia and New Zealand) but if you come from the US, you will probably need a convertor. Sockets are plug pin system type I.
Time Difference & Daylight Savings
Fiji is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Fiji does not observe Daylight Saving Time so there is no time adjustment to Fiji time throughout the year.
Public Holidays
To see what the public holidays are in Fiji please visit www.fiji.gov.fj/About-Fiji/Public-Holidays
Fiji Domestic Flights
Fiji domestic airlines have strict checked luggage policies as well as the weight and size of carry-on luggage. To avoid problems, please ensure each piece of check-in luggage weighs less than 15kgs or 33lbs. For carry-on luggage, only a very small suitcase or soft bag is recommended at a maximum weight of 7kgs/15lbs. Laptop bags, camera bags or handbags are allowed in addition to carry-on luggage.
Travel Insurance & Safety
We highly recommend that all clients have comprehensive travel insurance. Fiji is free of major tropical diseases. No insects or land animals are poisonous.
Climate
Tropical South Seas mean humid, summers with tropical showers, and warm, drier winters.
To convert the temperatures in Celsius above to Fahrenheit, (C x 1.8) + 32 = °F, where °C is the temperature in degrees Celsius and °F is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
Attire
Casual, resort attire. A sulu, a cotton wrap-around also known as a pareo, lavalava or sarong, is ideal and easily purchased in Fiji. Intense sunlight means strong sunscreen and a sun hat are highly recommended.
When visiting a village, modest dress is required, and it is considered disrespectful to both the chief and village to wear a hat or head covering.
Driving in Fiji
In Fiji we drive on the left in right hand drive vehicles. Roads are a combination of sealed and unsealed. You must have a current overseas driver licence in English, or international driving permit if your licence is not in English.
Ethnicity & Religion
Multiracial, multi-cultural Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu religion.
Communications
International direct dialling and computer facilities are readily available.
