fiji travel advice

FIJI TRAVEL ADVICE

FAQs to assist with your Fiji holiday.

Everything you need to know for a safe, stress-free trip to Fiji. Below are useful travel tips and advice when travelling to Fiji including special customs to be aware of, local traditions and advice for new travellers.

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Fiji Weather

There are two seasons in Fiji – warm and even warmer with temperatures ranging between 26°C – 31°C. Depending upon what you are seeking from your Fiji holiday will determine what time of year best suits your requirements.

From April to early October the sun isn’t quite as hot nor the humidity as high. The days are warm but the nights cooler. From November to May can get very hot and humid. As with all tropical climates, sudden rain showers are frequently followed by strong burst of cloudless, sunny skies.

Further reading : Fiji weather and year round temperatures »

7 Day Fiji Weather Forecast – Nadi

What is the money in Fiji called?

The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. There is no limit to the amount of money to be brought in. Visitors are allowed to take out currency up to the amount imported. Approximately 2 Fiji dollars equals 1 US Dollar. Australian dollars can be exchanged for Fijian Dollars at most hotels and bank and major credit cards are generally accepted.

Are there credit card facilities in Fiji?

Major credit cards are welcomed by most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, tours, cruises and travel agents in Fiji. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, JCB International and MasterCard, are represented in Suva. American Express and VISA can replace lost credit cards and travelers cheques.

Fiji entry requirements

For stays not exceeding 30 days, visas are not required by nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, USA or Japan. However you must have a valid, ongoing or return airline ticket and your Passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended stay in Fiji.

Health

Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries. It has an effective medical system in place although local people still believe in the efficacy of age-old herbal remedies. Fresh water reticulated in Suva, Lautoka and the other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. This also applies to hotels and resorts. Some resorts use artesian water for bathing, but provide drinking water separately. If this is the case, visitors will be advised.

Do you need to get any vaccinations?

Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over I year of age coming from an infected area.

Can you drink the water in Fiji?

Fresh water reticulated in Nadi, Suva, Lautoka and other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. It tastes good too!

Do they speak English in Fiji?

Almost everyone in Fiji speaks English – as it is the official language, but the Fijian language is preserved and widely spoken in many different dialects. Almost everyone is bilingual and many Fijian terms are included in everyday English usage. Bula! This is the common Fijian greeting. It goes beyond the simple hello, to incorporate spirit and literally means life.

Helpful Fijian words
  • Ni Sa Bula / Bula Vinaka   –   A warm Hello
  • Yadra Vinaka  –  Good Morning
  • Vathava tiko  –  How are you?
  • Vinaka  –  Thank you
  • Ni Sa Mothe  –  Goodbye
  • Kerekere – Please

Fiji shopping and what to buy

Whether shopping or just browsing, here’s your opportunity to become acquainted with some of the savviest Fijians as well the best barterers around. In Fiji, you’ll discover unique cultural and historical artifacts, stylish international boutique fashions as well as budget gift and souvenir shops. Most stores are open 8am to 5pm or 6pm, sometimes later at hotels and resorts. Most stores are closed on Sundays. All of your major credit cards are widely accepted.

Further reading : Fiji markets »

Dining – Fiji food

Dining in Fiji offers a multiethnic culinary experience. Whether dining at your hotel, island resort or “in town”, you’ll find a palate painted by flavours from India, China, Korea, Japan, Italy and the best of Europe as well as Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific waters.
Restaurants run the gamut from five star international to 24-hour air-conditioned coffee shops. Steaks and local seafood can be found in most restaurants as can the specialties of our own Fijian cooking heritage. Most hotels and resorts also offer specific culinary themed nights, magiti (Fijian feasts), beach or poolside BBQ’s, as well as Fiji’s best known and pervasive outdoor cooking experience-the lovo, an underground oven of heated rocks cooking a variety of foods wrapped in banana leaves. covered with earth and coming out after several hours of cooking with a faintly smoky flavour, lovos, produce succulent, tender meats, chicken, seafood, and given the proper occasion, a whole suckling pig!.

Further reading : Fiji food, restaurants, dining and other culinary experiences »

Local transport and getting around Fiji

Getting around the islands is easy with Fiji Airways sister airline, Pacific Sun or jump aboard a sea transfer to the islands and on the main island of Viti Levu, taxis, private cars or coach transfers are available.

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Fiji’s two International airports are Nadi, on the western side and Nausori on the east coast of Viti Levu near Suva.

Island and domestic transfers »

Should you tip staff in Fiji?

Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is left to the individual to determine whether to make a gratuity. In lieu of daily tipping, some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund where “tips” are shared.

What is the duty free allowance in Fiji?

2.25 litres of alcohol (liquor, wine and champagne). 50 grams of cigarettes OR 50 grams of tobacco/cigars.

Fiji Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – Monday 3rd January
Good Friday – Friday 25th March
Easter Saturday – Saturday 26th March
Easter Monday – Monday 28th March
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday – Monday 25th April
National Youth Day – Friday 6th May
Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day – Monday 30th May
Queen’s Birthday – (to be confirmed by the British High Commission)
Fiji Day – Monday 10th October
Diwali – Tuesday 1st November
Christmas Day – Monday 26th December
Boxing Day – Tuesday 27th December


Need help planning your Fiji holiday?

Fiji is the most perfect place on earth.  The islands and their waters are pure and pristine, just as they were generations ago.  The sands are white, the waters warm and the tropical rainforest is lush and shady.  Fiji offers everything from total relaxation to fun adventure. The Fijian people are welcoming and friendly, and they encourage you to enjoy their island home.  They are family-oriented and find joy in helping you celebrate your time in Fiji. Throughout the Fiji Islands, you will find a friendliness experienced nowhere else in the world.

No-one knows these extraordinary islands as we do!  We are specialist Fiji travel agents and can organise every aspect of your island escape.  Whether you’re planning a family holidaytropical weddingromantic escape or honeymoonadults-only getawaygroup holiday with friends and familyisland cruise or corporate retreat, we can help. Be sure to check out our Fiji package deals and travel discounts.

Our team understands that sometimes an ‘off-the-shelf’ holiday package isn’t good enough. Perhaps you want a Fiji holiday that’s unique and personalised and that is exactly what makes us different. We believe that every holiday should be special and dedicate ourselves to creating Fiji holidays that will create long-lasting memories.

Be sure to check out our Fiji holiday specials and travel discounts and get #fijidreaming.

Do you have a preferred travel agent? Let us know and we can get in touch with them about this special so they can take advantage of it. Click here for a quote »

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