Getting You Started
Fiji is located in the South Pacific approximately 3000km east of Australia. The Fijian Islands consist of more than 300 volcanic and coral islands, 105 of which are inhabited. The three largest islands in Fiji are the volcanic islands of Viti Levu ‘Great Fiji’ and Vanua Levu ‘Great Land of the People’, and the island of Taveuni.
The international country code for Fiji is 679.
Fiji is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Entry & Visa Requirements (subject to change)
Most visitors may obtain an entry visa on arrival for stays of up to 4 months. Please check the latest entry requirements with the appropriate authorities.
Medical & Health Requirements
Most small towns and built up areas have government clinics, with hospitals located throughout Fiji. There is a recompression chamber in Suva. Fiji is free from most tropical diseases, however vaccinations against Hepatitis, Tetanus and Typhoid are recommended. Remember that some medications can make you sun sensitive, so extra care must be taken to ensure that skin is protected from sun burn. Please check with your physician for the best precautions to be taken. (For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).
Currency
Local currency is the Fijian Dollar. Major international credit cards are accepted at most tourist facilities.
1 AUD = approximately 1. 65 Fijian Dollars (January 2010)
Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Air Pacific-20kg / Pacific Blue-20kg (which 5kg is allocated for sporting goods regardless of the actual weight of the item). Domestic carriers are often restricted to 16kg.
(subject to change without notice)
Duty Free
The allowance is 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 2.25 litres of spirits or 4.5 litres of wine or beer.
Weather
The Fijian islands enjoy a year-round warm tropical climate .The Summer wet season is from December through to March with an average temperature of 30˚C, whilst April to November is the drier cooler season with an average temperature of 26ºC.
Clothing
The emphasis is on light and casual clothing but too brief in public places. Swimwear is not permitted in the public areas including visiting villages or shopping in town. Remember to cover up with light cotton clothing at dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites. Sun protection is absolutely essential. |
Electricity
240 volts AC, Plug I – same as Australia.
(for further details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).
Banking
Trading banks are ANZ, Westpac, National Bank of Fiji and Bank of Hawaii. Nadi Airport offers ATM services throughout Fiji. Services may be limited on outer islands. Banking hours are 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Thursday and to 4pm on Fridays.
Language
There are three main languages in Fiji. English is the official language used for government, commerce and education. Fijian and Hindustani is widely spoken by the locals.
Religion
Fiji is a multi cultural country with around 50% of the population Fijian, 47% Indians and 3% other races. The primary religions are Methodist and Hinduism with Roman Catholic and Muslim minorities.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink in hotel, resorts and main towns. Bottled water is sold everywhere. In the tropics it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.
Shopping
Fiji has the most developed duty free shopping of the South Pacific islands. Fijian artifacts are available from all the large retail shops to the small roadside stalls throughout Fiji. Shopping centres have fixed prices however bargaining is acceptable at markets or small Indo-Fijian shops. Shops are open from 8.00 am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings 08.00 am to 1.00 pm. Some shops close for lunch between 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm. Times may vary from island to island.
Tipping
Although tipping is not necessary in Fiji, special services can be rewarded with small amounts.
Diving
Fiji offers a number of soft coral reefs, such as Beqa Lagoon, Rainbow Reef or the Somosomo Straits with the famous Great White Wall to the hard coral reefs and manta rays of Kadavu and the Great Astralobe Reef , the world’s third largest barrier reef system. The Shark Dives in Beqa Lagoon are also popular where up to nine different species of sharks can be encountered. Water temperature ranges between 23-30˚C. A 3-5mm suit is recommended. Dive operators supply tanks, weight belts and dive guide services. There will be an extra charge if equipment hire is required.
Departure Tax
There is currently no locally paid departure taxes for Fiji. |
