FAQs

Air & Sea Ports - Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and is home to Fiji's main international airport for flights from North America. There are several domestic airports throughout the country. Travel between the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu is by air and sea. The major ports are Suva, Lautoka, Levuka, and Malau (off Vanua Levu).

Air Conditioning - In most large hotels, restaurants, retail shops. Also, air conditioning and/or ceiling fans are in smaller resorts.

Clothes - Casual, informal dress with golf and t-shirts, shorts and slacks for men; lightweight summer dresses, skirts, slacks and blouses for women.

Currency - US and Canadian money is worth double in Fiji since the 2009 Fijian dollar devaluation. Price as of June 30, 2009 was: US $1.00 = F$2.20. Visitors can change traveller's cheques and foreign currency at banks and larger hotels/resorts. Credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours in Fiji are from 9:30am to 3:00pm Mondays to Thursdays and until 4pm on Fridays, and 09:30am to 12noon on Saturdays at selected areas. There is an ANZ currency exchange service at the arrivals concourse at Nadi Airport, which is open 24 hours. ATM machines are located around the country and larger resorts and hotels for convenience.

Departure Tax - Visitors to Fiji are required to pay $30.00 departure tax in Fijian currency following check-in if not already included in their international tickets. Children under 12 are exempt.

Drinking Water - Tap water is not only safe but delicious too! Of course, bottled water like our world renown Fiji Water and our newest export Pure Fiji as well as others are of course available everywhere. Driving - If you decide to hire a car and drive in Fiji, driving is on the left hand side of the road. Most main roads are paved and in good condition. A tourist in Fiji may drive if in possession of a valid license from their home state/country for the same class of vehicle. The maximum speed limit in populated areas is 50 km/h (30mph) and on highways 80km/h (50 mph).

Electricity - The electric current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50HZ. Fiji uses 3 pin outlets similar to Australia and New Zealand. If your applications are 110v, check for a 110/220v switch. If there is none, you will need a converter. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc. Entry Requirements - Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate entry everything has been done to make the process as easy as possible. You will need: A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay, a valid return or onward air ticket and sufficient funds. Entry visas for holidaymakers are automatically granted for a period of up to four (4) months.

Flights - Non-stop and direct from Los Angeles and Vancouver via Honolulu on Air New Zealand and Air Pacific, Fiji's international carrier. Flying time from Los Angeles is about 10 hours.

Internet Access - Internet access is readily available on most islands and at many hotels and resorts.

Language - English is the official language with Fijian and Hindustani also spoken.

Quarantine - Fiji prohibits the importation of vegetable matter, seeds, meal and dairy products without a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests. Fiji is free from many pests and diseases and takes care to maintain this status by strictly regulating the importation of prohibited items. Quarantine officers are stationed at international airports and ports of entry for vessels.

Telephone/Mobile - The country code is +679. Fiji does not have area codes. Most hotels and resorts have direct dialing facilities (IDD). Card phones are also available in urban centers and can be bought from any shop that has the Telecom Call card signage. Cell phone coverage on most islands is readily available. Vodafone Fiji Ltd. Operates a GSM digital mobile communications service. Please check with your home cell network providers for roaming status before travelling to Fiji, otherwise cell phones and/or sim cards are also available for hire or for purchase upon arrival from any Vodafone outlet.

Tipping- Tipping is not encouraged. Resorts offer a staff Christmas "fund" where tips for exceptional service can be made and are shared by the staff.

Vaccinations - None needed except for Yellow Fever and Cholera if originating from an infected area designated by W.H.O.

Village Etiquette - The Fijian people have their own customs and culture that are an integral part of their every day life. To enter a Fijian village, one should seek permission from a Village Elder or be invited by one of the villagers. When entering a village there are some do's and don'ts that are more in keeping with good taste than with custom:
> Do dress modestly and comfortably.
> You may want to bring some Yaqona (it symbolizes the giving of life) to present to the village. This is always appreciated.
> When entering a bure (house) you should take your shoes off at the door to help keep the bure clean.
> Fijians are very giving people, and this sometimes can work to their disadvantage - use common sense in taking food or family possessions. A good rule of thumb - it is better to give than to receive.

Weather - Drier winter season: May - November: 22°-31°C or 66°-88°F (days are fine and warm). Wetter summer season: December - April: 19°-29°C or 72°-96°F (humidity is higher and nights and days are warmer).