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Interesting Facts:
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Fiji is a country in
the South Pacific Ocean. It is made up of more than 300
scattered islands. About 100 of its islands are permanently
inhabited.
-
While one hotel in Hawaii has as many as
2,000 rooms, All of Fiji combined has about 6,700 rooms
in total.
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Hawaii has more visitors in 15 days than Fiji has in one year.
Getting There
- Vacationers complete their journey in just about ten hours from
Los Angeles, California.
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, with the winter average not far different at 84ºF. Rain can be
expected at any time of year. The driest months are April, May, June
and October.
Monthly Climate Charts
Entry Requirements
- Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything
has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid
passport for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay
and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas
are granted on arrival for a stay of up to 4 months or less for
nationals of the U.S. and many other nations.
For information on
obtaining passports,
Click Here.
Departure Tax - Visitors to Fiji are required to pay
$30.00 departure tax in Fijian currency following check-in. Children
under 12 are exempt. Make sure that you save enough money to take
care of this fee.
Luggage Weight
Allowances
International flights - baggage limit per passenger:
-
For first-class or
business-class passengers: 66 lbs.
-
For economy-class
passengers: 44 lbs.
-
Carry-on bag: cannot
exceed total measure of 45 inches (H + W + L)
-
Small handbag,
portable computer, camera bag… : less than 15 lbs.
Domestic
flights - baggage limit per passenger:
Health Quarantine - Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical
countries. It has an effective medical system in place although local people still believe in the efficacy of age-old herbal
remedies. Fresh water reticulated in Suva, Lautoka and the other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. This also applies to hotels and resorts. Some resorts use artesian water
for bathing, but provide drinking water separately. If this is the case, visitors will be advised.
No Tipping!
- Tipping is not customary in Fiji. Consider this savings when
comparing Fiji with other destinations.
Clothing
- Dress is casual, with loose fitting open neck shirts for men, and
"island style" dresses or shorts and blouses for women. Swimsuits
(bikinis, etc.) and other brief attire is acceptable on the beach
and around the pool at resorts and on dive boats, but is generally
frowned upon in villages and other public places. Short shorts, and
halter or tank tops for women should also be avoided outside of
resort environments. Women should cover their shoulders and shorts
should cover the knees. Sulus (the traditional dress of Fiji) are
acceptable for both men and women (men tie their sulu off to the
side, and women tie theirs in front). More tailored "Safari" clothes
are good for more formal occasions. Bring a sweater for cool
evenings. We recommend at least two swimsuits per person, comfortable
rubber-soled shoes for walking on coral (a necessity on the shark
feeding excursion), a hat or visor, sunglasses and a waterproof bag
to protect your camera equipment from salt and spray.
Sports Activities
- Snorkeling, diving, tennis, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing,
outrigger canoeing, para-sailing, horseback riding, biking, hiking
and climbing are activities available on most islands in Fiji. Game fishing is also widely available, though true
aficionados recommend December through July as the best months for
this sport. Golfers will find a few 18 hole golf courses on the islands of
Fiji.
Many hotels offer snorkeling equipment free, but it is advisable to
pack your own snorkel, fins and mask (and regulator if you are a
serious scuba diver).
Time Difference
- Fiji lies just across the
International dateline, so you will “lose” a day going, but get that
back on your return.
Language -
While each island group has its own native language, English and
Fijian are the official languages of Fiji. The use of English is one
of the most enduring legacies of almost a century of British rule.
Widely spoken by both ethnic Fijians and Indo-Fijians, English is
the main medium of communication between the two communities, as
well as with the outside world. It is the language in which the
government conducts most of its business, and is the main language
of education, commerce, and the courts.
Currency -
Fiji currency is called the Fiji
Dollar.
The rate of exchange is approximately 2.00 Fiji dollars equals 1.00 US
Dollar.
The
best place to exchange money is at the Nadi's International Airport
upon arrival.
Most
major establishments in Fiji accept travelers' checks.
Most
establishments accept major credit cards like MasterCard, Visa, or
American Express. As in your home country, any credit-card cash
advance usually carries a set charge along with interest beginning
the day you receive the money.
Shopping - 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, but not in
major department stores, grocery stores, hotels or resorts where
prices are set.
Time Zone -
Fiji is GMT/UTC plus 12 hours. The
islands fall west of the international date line, marking the days
a day ahead of the United States.
Phone Code -
The country code for Fiji is 679. This does not need to
be dialed when phoning from island to island.
Electricity - Voltage:
240V AC, 50 cycles.
Electrical Plugs
- Plugs are a European standard and have two round prongs.
Heavy-duty plugs have a third round prong.
Electrical Conversion
- If you come from the United States, you should bring a small
converter. Kava
(Yaqona) - Perhaps nothing reflects the Fijians' reverence for tradition like
kava drinking. Visit any Fijian village or home, particularly on a
weekend, and you will probably come upon the spectacle of a family
sitting on the floor around a large wooden bowl filled with a
muddy-colored liquid, drinking the contents from half a coconut
shell. You will then be asked if you would like to try a cup? Kava
is a nonalcoholic beverage that has varying effects on the
individual, ranging from a fuzzy-headedness to mild euphoria. The
drink always acts as a diuretic, so don't drink to much of it! |
