Fiji Things to Know: In the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is blessed with 333 picture-perfect tropical islands that are home to happiness. Fiji is justifiably famous for many things: stunning beaches, sparkling surf, warm climate, scenic natural environment, world-class diving, international standard accommodation, and exciting dining and nightlife with different experiences each traveler will get while in Fiji. But it is the uniquely warm and friendly hospitality of the Fijians that make the islands a holiday destination that you always want to return to.
Important things to know about Fiji
Fiji is located at the heart of the South Pacific and comprises approximately 333 islands with a total land area of over 18,000 square kilometers. Fiji’s two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Viti Levu contains the capital city of Suva and Nadi International Airport, the main airport that your clients will fly into and out of. English is the official language however Fijian and Hindustani are also spoken.
Fiji is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 19 hours ahead of US Pacific time, and 2 hours ahead of Sydney time.
General entry conditions
Fiji welcomes visitors and everything has been done to make the entry process as pleasant as possible. Entry visas are granted on arrival in Fiji for a stay of up to four (4) months for nationals of Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and most European countries. A passport valid for at least six (6) 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. Country-specific entry requirements can be found at www.immigration.gov.fj
Please also refer to our current Covid19-entry conditions under https://www.fiji.travel/covid-19/travelling-to-fiji
VAT & Customs
To avoid the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases, Fiji prohibits the importation of vegetable matter, seed, and or any animal product, meat, and dairy products without a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forests. Quarantine officers are stationed at the international airport and ports of entry for vessels.
Please also refer to our current Covid19-entry conditions under https://www.fiji.travel/covid-19/travelling-to-fiji
WiFi, Connectivity & Drones
Fiji’s country code is +679. Many hotels and resorts generally have direct dialing facilities (IDD).
International mobile networks like Vodafone Fiji Limited, Digicel, and Inkk Mobile have a huge presence in Fiji making it relatively easy to stay connected.
Complimentary WIFI is available for 30mins at the Nadi Airport arrivals concourse and most hotels and resorts include WIFI in the daily rate. Your client can also pick up a temporary local sim card from any of their outlets at the airport or in major urban areas.
With regards to drones, all drones with a GPS must be pre-registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). They’re restricted within 5km of an aerodrome and it’s only courteous to notify a property before using one. You can find the CAAF form in the resource library.
Electricity
The local electric current is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Fiji’s three-pin power outlets are identical to Australia and New Zealand. Most hotels and resorts have universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, and other electrical appliances. Multi-purpose adapters and/or voltage converters can be purchased at some major departments or hardware stores but if your client is traveling to a remote area, advise them to bring one with them.
Currency & Banking
The Fijian Dollar is the basic unit of currency and is available in denominations of FJD5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 notes. A special $7 commemorative note was launched in celebration of Fiji’s 2016 Olympic Gold Medal. Coins are 5c, 10c, 20, 50c, $1 and $2. Visitors can exchange traveler’s cheques and foreign currency at the airport, Foreign Exchange Offices, banks, and most of the larger hotels/resorts. If your client is shopping at a market, a smaller store/restaurant, or traveling by taxi they’ll want to have cash on hand. Most major credit cards are accepted at resorts and larger stores and restaurants but incur a credit card fee. ATMs are only available in bigger cities and larger tourist areas. There are no ATMs on the smaller islands.
Weather & Climate in Fiji
Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate with the maximum summer temperature (November – March) averaging 31 degrees Celsius (88 F) and the winters (June – September) averaging 22 degrees Celsius (70 F).
From December to March the temperature and humidity are higher and can result in more rain and also some storms or cyclones.
Time Zone
The 180th meridian passes through the Fiji Islands although the International Date Line is adjusted so that the entire archipelago falls into the same time zone. Fiji is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 19 hours ahead of US Pacific time, and 2 hours ahead of Sydney.
Tipping & attire in Fiji
While always appreciated, tipping is not customary in Fiji. At some resorts, you may find a communal tip jar where guests can contribute funds that are split amongst the staff.
For attire, a light tropical wardrobe is recommended, with swimsuits, shorts, T-shirts, and sandals. You will discover our “sulus” (a kind of sarong) which is worn by both men and women. We ask that you please respect local sensibilities and customs. Bikinis and ultra-brief swimming costumes are fine at the resort, but not when sightseeing, visiting villages, or shopping in town. When visiting a village please cover your knees (men and women), and woman should cover their shoulders. Please don’t wear anything on your head, this includes sunglasses.
Similar Articles
