Fiji

Electricity

The electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three oblique flat pins (Plug type I).

Language

The official languages are English, Fijian and Fijian Hindi. English is the main language for official affairs and business, especially in urban areas.

Money

The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the currency, and there are 100 cents to a dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental agencies and travel agents; Australian, New Zealand, or US dollars are the easiest to exchange at banks. Most ATMs accept international credit cards, and cash can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaux throughout the islands.

Tipping

Tipping is not a strong tradition in Fiji, but small tips are appreciated for good service, particularly in tourist areas. Some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund, where tips are pooled and shared among staff, rather than tipping individual employees daily.

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Fiji, except for proof of yellow fever vaccination if travellers are arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk, or if they've transited for over 12 hours through a yellow fever-affected area. Hepatitis A and B vaccinations may be recommended, but are not mandatory.

Visitors should take precautions with food, water and hygiene to prevent typhoid and other diarrheal diseases. A typhoid vaccine is advised for those visiting rural areas or eating food from street vendors, but may not be necessary for short-term visitors dining at major hotels or restaurants. Visitors should drink only bottled water or boil water if unavailable.

Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is a risk between November and April. Preventive measures include wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended, particularly for remote areas.

Safety

Fiji is generally a safe destination, though visitors should be mindful of petty theft, such as pickpocketing, especially in busy areas such as bus stations, taxi ranks and popular tourist spots. It's a good idea to keep personal items and travel documents secure, and solo women should take extra care.

While Fiji is politically stable, past periods of political unrest mean visitors should avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations and stay informed about the local situation.

When swimming, it's important to be aware of rip tides and marine life such as sharks. Visitors should always follow local advice on safe swimming areas.

Roads outside urban areas can be poorly lit and maintained, so it's best to avoid travelling at night in more remote locations. Overall, with a little caution, visitors can enjoy a wonderful and safe experience in Fiji.

Local customs

Bikinis and swimwear are fine at resorts and beaches, but it's recommended to cover up when visiting towns or villages. Modesty is important in Fijian culture, so wearing a sulu (traditional wrap) is a good choice if visitors are in shorts or sleeveless tops outside of resorts. Public nudity and topless bathing are not allowed.

When visiting a village, it's respectful to remove shoes before entering homes, and hats should be taken off, as they can be seen as disrespectful. A small gift such as kava is appreciated, but travellers should try not to overly praise items, as this may obligate the giver to offer it. Pointing or touching someone's head is considered impolite.

Most Fijians practice Christianity or Hinduism, and the culture tends to be more conservative, with many businesses closed on Sundays. Although same-sex relations were decriminalised in 2010, LGBT visitors may want to be mindful of local sensitivities, particularly in rural areas.

Doing business

A casual but neat approach to dress is usually fine for business in Fiji. Fijians tend to prefer using first names rather than titles in most business interactions, though more formal settings may call for titles. Meetings often don't start exactly on time, so a little patience goes a long way. That said, with more Western influence in business, punctuality is becoming more common. Business hours are typically from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Kava, Fiji's national drink, may be offered as a customary gesture, and while alcohol is sometimes served at informal business gatherings, it's not always a part of every meeting.

Duty free

Travellers to Fiji aged 18 and over do not have to pay duty on up to 250g of cigars, 250 cigarettes, or a combination of tobacco products not exceeding 250g in total. Travellers can bring in up to 2.25 litres of spirits, 4.5 litres of wine or beer, or a combination of these, but no single category can exceed the prescribed limits. Visitors may bring in other permissible items, provided their total value does not exceed FJD 1000 per person. Firearms and ammunition require official police permission.

Communications

The international dialling code for Fiji is +679. The outgoing code is 00 (or 05 for mobile numbers), followed by the relevant country code (e.g., 0044 for the UK). WiFi is becoming more widespread in Nadi and Suva, though hotels may not offer it as standard and often charge a fee for access. WiFi on island resorts can be more expensive or have limitations.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to Fiji must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival, a return or onward ticket to a country where they have the right of entry, sufficient funds to cover their stay in Fiji, and confirmed accommodation. Visitor permits are available on arrival and are valid for up to four months. Visitors can apply for a two-month extension, allowing for a total stay of six months.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if visitors are arriving from a country where there's a risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through an airport in such a country. It's highly recommended that travellers ensure their passport has at least six months' validity remaining after their intended departure date from Fiji. Immigration officials may apply different rules from those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

UK citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

Australian citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

South African citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

Irish citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date in Fiji. No visa is required for stays of up to four months, and a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival.

Useful contacts

Tourism Fiji, Nadi: www.fiji.travel

Emergencies: 911 (Fire and Ambulance); 917 (Police)