Frequently Asked Questions
Yay! 333 Islands! Zero Restrictions.
On February 14, 2023 Fiji has lifted all remaining border health measures, including proof of Covid 19 vaccination and travel insurrance.
FIJI TRAVEL TIPS
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Getting to Fiji is easy. Fiji Airways offers direct flights between Nadi International Airport and LAX or SFO on the U.S. West Coast (11h) You will lose a day crossing the dateline and arrive two days later around 5:15 AM local time.
We’re happy to assist booking your Fiji Airways air fare for groups and individuals!
Within Fiji you can travel by private transfer, taxi or bus. Boats and domestic airlines will transfer you between islands.
For more information please contact our expert travel team!
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A visa is not required when travelling from the United States or Canada as a tourist for up to 90 days. Travelers do fill out a Tourist Arrival Form on the plane prior to arrival with information for Immigration and Customs.
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A current passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required to enter Fiji. Visas are not required if you are a US citizen. You must, however, possess an onward ticket out of the country. Permits are granted at the airport on arrival for a stay of one month and may be extended for up to six months.
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The currency used throughout the country is the Fijian dollar. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. ATMs are common in Fijian cities.
Fiji is serviced by major commercial banks: ANZ Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of New Zealand, National Bank of Fiji and Westpac Banking Corporation. Note: National Bank of Fiji is the only bank in Taveuni. Normal banking hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday with late closing on Friday at 4:00 p.m. Bank of New Zealand operates a 24-hour service at Nadi International Airport. Legal tender is the Fijian dollar.
Most major credit cards are accepted in Fiji. Hotels, restaurants, shops and other outlets normally accept American Express, Visa and Master Card.
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Fiji time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Customary office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with an hour lunch usually between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
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It all depends on what you’re after! Fiji is a dream vacation destination year round.
Fiji enjoys a warm and pleasant temperature throughout the year - average 70 - 78 F in the mild, dry season of May through October, and 73 - 86 F in the warm, wetter season of November through April.
Water temperature averages 68 - 79 F from May – October, and 77 - 80 F from November through April.
Dress for Fiji is cool and casual. Swimsuits and brief attire should be confined to beaches and hotel swimming pools.
Don’t miss some great deals during the height of the wet season. February and March (the wettest & hottest months) are considered the low season. It doesn’t mean you will encounter a cyclone, but there will likely be daily showers.
March to early December is the best time in Fiji when it comes to weather. Days are sunny and there’s usually very little rain.
Fiji’s peak season from May/June & July/August is also the high season for the Beqa Lagoon Ultimate Shark Encounter dive.
Late October to early November is also a great time for a trip to Fiji, with perfect tropical conditions but without the holiday crowds.
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If you take any medications remember to pack an extra amount in case you decide to extend your stay. Be sure to pack sunglasses and insect repellent. The sunshine in the tropics can be extremely deceptive. Even on overcast days you run the risk of being burned by the sun’s ultra violet rays. We recommend using a good sunscreen (30 SPF or higher and make sure it is “Reef Friendly”). Be sure to bring plenty as sunscreen in Fiji is expensive.
A rash guard is helpful to protect from the sun when snorkeling or participating in other water sports. Bring water/reef shoes to protect your feet from the coral and rockfish and sturdy shoes if you plan on taking some hikes.
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Throughout Fiji the electrical current is 240 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels have a 110 volt converter for razors and hair dryers.
3-pin power outlets are identical to Australia & New Zealand
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The official languages of Fiji are Fijian, Fiji Hindi, and English.
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Fijian culture is amongst the most laid back and happiest in the entire world! In general people dress modestly, especially when visiting a Fijian village. It’s highly recommended to visit a village with a tour guide as there are a lot of traditional protocols to be observed and followed. Men and specially women should cover shoulders and knees. Wearing a hat can be considered insulting to the chief, it’s also offensive to touch someone’s head or to wear shoes when entering someone’s house. It’s polite and encouraged to take a gift on a village tour (such as crayons, books or a ball for the children, and kava for the adults (you can find Kava Root at any Fijian market) This will show your true understanding of the Fijian culture).
Kava
Kava is the traditional national drink of Fiji. It is a mildly narcotic and sedative drink made from the crushed root of the yaqona strained with water. It is served in a large communal bowl as part of the traditional kava ceremony.
So if you are participating in a kava ceremony, here are some pointers on kava ceremony etiquette. Fijian people are notoriously friendly, welcoming and accepting, so they will happily assist you through the process.
Guests sit in a circle around the Kava bowl which is placed in front of the leader. The ceremony begins with the actual production of the kava. The end result is a brownish coloured liquid – the Kava gold. It is then strained and ready for drinking.
Your host will offer kava as high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup). When presented with the kava, clap once and yell ‘Bula!’ (Fijian for hello). Drink the kava in one gulp if possible, clap three more times and end with the word Maca – pronounced ‘Ma-tha’.
Once you have finished your kava, you will feel a delightful sense of serenity and calm, with a slight numbness around your mouth, lips and tongue. A kava ceremony is always fun and full of laughter and smiles. Is is a true indicator of Fijian culture.
Lovo
Indigenous Fijian feasts are cooked in a 'lovo', an underground earth oven heated by hot stones. This slow-cook technique produces beautifully tender food with great flavour and a light smokiness. Many resorts offer a lovo feast at least once a week
Meke
‘Meke' meaning all kinds of traditional song and dance, from graceful fan performances to athletic war dances, accompanied by a seated group who sing, chant and play percussion instruments. Men perform in warrior outfits, and the women wear traditional dress. Many resorts offer Meke dance performances at least once a week at dinner time.
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Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji but you can give a gratuity for excellent service. Many resorts and dive centers have a separate Christmas Fund box that you can leave any amount in and it will be distributed amongst all staff.
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Most stores, food markets and handicraft shops are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. There is no trading on Sunday.
Bargaining is quite acceptable among shopkeepers and stallholders, however, not in major department stores, grocery stores, hotels or resorts where prices are set.
A trip to one of the many open food markets can be quite fun. In these cosmopolitan meeting places you can bargain for fresh local fruits, vegetables and seafood. Markets are located in Nadi, Suva, Sigatoka and Lautoka.
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WiFi is widely available and free at some resorts or in public areas of some resorts. High-speed WiFi is a fee item at some properties. You can rent a portable WiFi hot spot from Digicel Fiji or Vodafone Fiji, both have airport offices. Yes, your cell phone will work in Fiji, check with your provider to be sure you are set to make and receive calls while traveling internationally.
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Yes!
Fijians are considered some of the friendliest people on earth and they are amazing with children. Many resorts offer “Kids Clubs”, Nanny services and Bula Buddys.
Fiji is one of the best places on earth for a family holiday!
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Yes, and weddings performed in Fiji are recognized worldwide. Hotels and resorts usually have several ceremony options to choose from, a simple wedding or renewal of vows, sunset beach weddings and chapel weddings.
Not getting married but ready for the next step? Many resorts can arrange a private beach picnic or private romantic destination dinner - the perfect way to get engaged!
SAY IT IN FIJIAN!
Hello - Bula!
Good Morning - Yadra Vinaka
Thank you - Vinaka
Please - Kerekere
Yes - Io
No - Sega
No worries - Sega na Lega
Good Buy - Moce
See you later - Soto Tale
Is there anything else you couldn’t find an answer for? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to assist!