One of the world's more exotic destinations, Fiji is a tropical
paradise in the South Pacific, made up of 322 islands nearly two
thousand miles (3,219km) east of Australia. Once feared as the
haunt of cannibals and fierce warrior tribes, today Fiji is
regarded as being inhabited by supremely friendly and welcoming
people who are full of joie de vivre and consider it rude to rush.
It has been said that Fiji is where people wear flowers in their
hair not to impress, but simply because they like to.
Flowers there are aplenty blooming on these scenic, lush islands
where the sun shines every day and orchids hang over waterfalls
that plunge into jungle pools behind palm-fringed beaches. Visitors
here can swim with manta rays, snorkel over coral gardens, scuba
dive on the famous Astrolabe Reef, or ride the amazing 20ft (6m)
waves known as the 'Cloud Breakers' off Tavarua.
The Fiji archipelago is the hub of the South Pacific with more
than 85 flights a week landing at Nadi airport on the main island
of Viti Levu. From there it is easy to access the offshore island
resorts or the other large islands of Vanua Levu or Taveuni. Viti
Levu has several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva,
which is a shopper's paradise and offers an upbeat nightlife.
Climate
Fiji enjoys a typical tropical climate, with a trade wind
blowing across the islands to cool things down during most of the
year. Maximum summer temperatures average 88ºF (31ºC), with the
winter average not far different at 84ºF (29ºC). Rain can be
expected at any time of year. The driest months are April, May,
June and October.
Language
The official languages are Fijian and Hindustani, but
English is widely used and understood.
Time
Money
The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the unit of currency, with 100
cents to a dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels,
restaurants, shops, rental car agencies and travel agents. Not all
ATMs accept the full range of international credit cards, but
travellers cheques and cash can be exchanged in banks and currency
exchange bureaux throughout the islands.
Passport Visa
All visitors require a passport valid for at least
three months beyond the intended period of stay, as well as a
ticket for return or onward travel, all documents for further
travel and sufficient funds to cover the period of stay in
Fiji.
Entry Requirements
United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is
required. On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay
of up to four months.British citizens require a valid passport. No visa is required.
On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of up to
four months.Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required. On
arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of up to four
months.Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required. On
arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of up to four
months.South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required.
On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of up to
four months.Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is
required. On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay
of up to four months.New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is
required. On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay
of up to four months.
Embassy Consulates
United States Embassy, Suva: +679 331 4466.
British High Commission, Suva: +679 322 9100.
Consulate of Canada, Suva: +679 722 400.
Australian High Commission, Suva: +679 338 2211.
South African High Commission, Suva: +679 331 1087.
Irish Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Fiji):
+61 (0)2 6273 3022.
New Zealand High Commission, Suva: +679 331 1422.
Health
There is a risk of waterborne diseases such as
Leptospirosis, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid; following the
floods in February/March 2007, the Ministry of Health has issued
raised alerts for typhoid, dengue fever and Leptospirosis. Drink
only bottled water, take care not to swim with open cuts or to walk
barefoot near open waterways used by farm animals. No vaccination
certificates are required for entry to Fiji, but a yellow fever
vaccination certificate is required from travellers entering Fiji
within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer in infected
areas. The mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, is a serious risk
between November and April. Preventive measures include wearing
long clothes and using insect repellent at all times. Medical
facilities are adequate for uncomplicated treatment, but travel
insurance with provision for medical evacuation to Australia or New
Zealand is advised. There has been an increase in diarrhoeal
illness in the Suva area; visitors are advised to take care with
food and drink.
Safety
Fiji does exhibit some socio-political tension and visitors
need to be vigilant and avoid political rallies and public
demonstrations. On 5 December 2006 the military moved into Suva,
and took over the running of the country in what was the fourth
coup in 20 years. The situation could deteriorate with little
notice and visitors are advised to keep up to date with the current
situation and avoid all large gatherings of people. The uncertain
political situation, poor economic climate and unemployment mean
the crime rate is high and it is unwise to carry large amounts of
cash or wear expensive clothes or jewellery. Pickpockets are active
at bus stations and taxi ranks and women on their own should be
cautious. There has been an increase in the number of violent
robberies, which have occurred against foreigners, particularly at
night and in urban areas. Natural dangers exist in the form of rip
tides along the reefs and river estuaries and care should be taken
when swimming or boating. There is also the possibility of shark
attacks. On the roads reckless driving is common and animals on the
road pose a hazard, particularly after dark. Cyclone season is
usually from November to April.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have
three oblique flat pins.
Business
Business is relatively casual in Fiji. Only for very
formal meetings would suits need to be worn, otherwise a fairly
casual, but neat approach to dress is taken. Patience is necessary
as meetings rarely start at scheduled times. Fijians prefer using
first names as opposed to titles. Business hours are generally 9am
to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Fiji is
+679. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no area codes. Most
hotels have direct dialling facilities. Vodaphone Fiji Ltd has
active GSM roaming agreements with most international networks.
There are a few Internet cafes, but connection times are very
slow.
Duty Free
Travellers to Fiji over 17 years do not have to pay duty
on 250g of cigars or 250 cigarettes or a combination of tobacco
products not exceeding 250g; 2.25 litres of liquor, or 4.5 litres
of wine or 4.5 litres of beer or a combination of all these not
exceeding the limit; perfume for personal use up to 118ml; and
other goods to the value of F$400 per person. Restrictions apply to
firearms and ammunition; and meat and dairy products from Tasmania.
Travellers who have been on a pilgrimage and return to Fiji with
holy water will be checked to ensure it is accompanied by
certification declaring it sterile and free from
contaminants.
