Essential Items to Pack
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Brimmed hats
Swimsuits
Insect repellent
Camera
Time Difference
Fiji is 20 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time (e.g. 10:00am Tuesday = 2:00pm Monday PST).
Entry and Visa Requirements
Every visitor must have:
A valid passport is required for entry for at least six (6 ) months beyond the intended period of stay.
A ticket for return or onward travel to another country, which he/she is authorized to enter.
Sufficient funds to cover the planned stay.
Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months or less for nationals of US and Canada. Entry requirements are subject to change without notice and it is advisable to check with your Islands In The Sun specialist before departure. For more information on Fiji entry and visa requirements or nationals of other countries, please contact one of the Fiji Embassy offices in United States or Canada.
Health Requirements
No vaccines or certifications are required from North America. If originating from an infected area designated by World Health Organization you will require Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations. Regardless of the traveler’s nationality, entry from high risk areas of the world as defined by the W.H.O requires certifications (please check with your airline).
Weather
Due to the prevailing southeast trade winds and the surrounding seas, Fiji’s humid, tropical climate is moderated during most of the year, eliminating extreme heat and humidity.
Dry to wet season: May – November: 66°-88°F (days are fine and warm).
Wet to dry season: December – April: 72°-96°F (humidity is higher and nights and days are warmer).
Language
The official language is English and native languages such as Fijian and Hindustani are also spoken.
Currency and Tipping
The Fijian Dollar is the currency of Fiji. Visitors can change traveler’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.
Tipping is not encouraged. Some resorts may offer a staff “fund” where tips for exceptional service can be made and are shared by the staff.
Bargaining
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.
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.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink in most hotels and restaurants. If in doubt, inquire with your hotel or drink bottled.
Electricity
240 volts, if your applications are 110 volts, check for a 110/220volt switch. If there is none, you will need a converter. Fiji uses 3 pin outlets. Leading hotels and resorts may offer universal outlets for 240 volts or 110 volts shavers, hair dryers, etc. Islands In The Sun recommend bringing a universal adapter.
Internet and Phone
Internet access is readily available on most islands and at many hotels and resorts.
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 traveling to Fiji, otherwise cell phones and/or sim cards are also available for hire or for purchase upon arrival from any Vodafone outlet.
Village Etiquette
As advised by Tourism Fiji, The Fijian people have their own customs and culture that are an integral part of their everyday 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 Kava plant native to the Pacific islands also known as 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.