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Fiji consists of 333 islands scattered over 42,000 square miles of ocean. In the blue seas of the South Pacific you will find these extraordinary and beautiful islands. They are a tropical wonderland inhabited by a people who invented the true meaning of hospitality.

Beach lovers will be in heaven with the many miles of white sand beaches. Surfers marvel at the endless swells. You can kayak through the maze of unspoiled islands, hike through rainforests dotted with breathtaking waterfalls, angle for yellowfin tuna, marlin and wahoo....or you can spend your days doing nothing at all...

Fiji is well known to scuba divers worldwide as one of the most dreamed about vacations. It's reputation comes from what it has to offer. The variety of soft coral is astounding. Fed by the rich nutrients streaming up from the Tonga Trench and influenced by several major rivers, the reef eco-system in the Fiji Islands is noted for its complex nature.

Island Divisions

North
Vanua Levu, Namenalala, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala, Kioa, Rabi and a series of smaller islets and islands.

South
Pacific Harbour, Yanuca, Kadavu, Beqa & Vatulele Islands

Coral Coast
The Coral Coast begins about 9 miles (15 kilometres) south of Nadi town.

Central
Lomaiviti is the Fijian name for a group of islands east of Viti Levu - Ovalau, Levuka, Moturiki, Makogai, Batiki, Narai, Gau and a number of smaller islands and islets. Also includes the eastern coast of Viti Levu which sweeps to its northernmost point is known as Ra.

West
Nadi, The Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands
The Mamanuca islands are a mini archipelago about ten minutes by air from Nadi or one hour by ferry. The Mamanuca islands sweep in an arc to the north west and join the Yasawa chain.

Background

Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.

Fiji Islands At a Glance

Language: English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

Government: republic, gained independence 10 October 1970 (from UK)

Capital: Suva (Viti Levu)

Size: total: 18,270 sq km, land: 18,270 sq km, coastline: 1,129 km

Location: Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Climate: tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Electricity: The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand.

Currency: Fijian dollar (FJD)

Driving: A bona-fide tourist in Fiji may drive if in possession of a valid home country driving license for the same class of vehicle. The maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h (30 mph) and on the highways it is 80 km/h (50 mph). Driving is on the left side of the road.

Rentals: Rental cars are available at international airports and major resorts, and are easily arranged from all hotels and motels. There is good bitumen asphalt (hard top) highway from Rakiraki on the north-eastern tip of Viti Levu to Suva, via Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and the Coral Coast. Work now in progress will complete major sections of the highway from Rakiraki to Suva via Korovou, allowing for an easy (and spectacular) circumnavigation of the island. Rental cars are also available in Vanua Levu and some outer islands by arrangement.


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Getting There


Air Travel To Fiji

As the hub of the South Pacific, Nadi International Airport is the focal point of flights from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Pacific Islands, United States, Great Britain and Europe via eastern or western routes.

Air Pacific is Fiji’s international carrier that has direct flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Narita (Japan). Air Pacific is a full partner of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and has code-share arrangements. Other airlines that fly into Fiji are Qantas, Air New Zealand, Korean Air, Virgin Australia

Domestic Air Travel

Fiji has a selection of domestic air transfer options. Domestic airstrips and airports are located in Nadi, Nausori, Mana Island, Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni, Vanua Balavu, Kadavu, Lakeba and Moala. Most resorts have their own helicopter landing pads and can also be accessed by seaplanes.

Pacific Island Air

Air Pacific

Turtle Airways

Northern Air

Island Hoppers Helicopters

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 three 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 4 months or less for nationals of:

Nationals of other countries require prearranged visas, which can be applied for at the nearest Fiji High Commission in their respective country. Visas may be extended on application to the Department of Immigration in Suva, Lautoka or Nadi. It is necessary to have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds. Those wishing to stay more than six months should consult the Department of Immigration.

Those wishing to reside and work in Fiji, even on a temporary basis, require proper authority to do so before arrival. In most cases, prospective employers who make the necessary arrangements sponsor such people.

Fiji is noted as one of the friendliest places in the world, but visitors who intend to reside, or to reside and work, must make certain they have satisfied immigration requirements.

Customs At International Airports

Fiji Customs operates a Dual Channel System - the Red and Green Channels - for expeditious clearance of air travellers.

If you have any prohibited or restricted goods, or dutiable goods exceeding your duty/VAT free concessions, you should seek Customs Clearance. If you do not have any prohibited, restricted or commercial goods, or dutiable goods exceeding your Duty/VAT concessions, you should proceed. Note: Your baggage may be examined by Customs. If this occurs, you will be required to open and repack your baggage.

Departure Tax
Visitors to Fiji are required to pay $30.00 departure tax in Fijian currency following check-in. Children under 12 are exempt.


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Visitor Information


Getting Around

There are good transport connections in Fiji making internal travel easy and relatively inexpensive. The fastest way to travel between islands is by plane, and there are many domestic operators servicing all of the island groups, but unless you've got no time and heaps of money you're probably better off looking at ferries and small local boats.

Ferries are inexpensive, frequent, reliable and very seaworthy, and rubbing shoulders with the local people while travelling between islands is a pleasant and interesting part of the Fiji experience. Ferry routes connect most major coastal areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu with all the major islands. You can charter boats as well, or catch one of the smaller unscheduled local boats between islands (although the latter are best avoided in heavy seas).

The larger islands have good bus networks, and outside the towns you can often just hail down a bus wherever you see one. Express buses travel between major centres and local buses seem to stop at every village they pass, but by either means bus travel in Fiji is a pleasant way to meet local people and an effective way to get around.

Most people in Fiji do not own a car, so taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable. For instance, FJ$2 will take you just about anywhere in the average town or city. urban taxis have meters, with a flag at $1.00 and $1.50 after 10.00pm. But you will find smaller towns and rural area taxis use a fixed price system and almost everyone can tell you the price to local destination. For long trips, bargain with the driver. Often he'll reduce the fare if you allow him to pick up other passengers going the same way. Some taxis can also be hired by the day or half day for a fixed price, often the equivalent of a rental car.

Visitors to Fiji may drive if in possession of a valid home country driving license for the same class of vehicle. The maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h (30 mph) and on the highways it is 80 km/h (50 mph). Driving is on the left side of the road.

Rental cars are available at international airports and major resorts, and are easily arranged from all hotels and motels. There is good highway from Rakiraki on the north-eastern tip of Viti Levu to Suva, via Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and the Coral Coast. Work is now in progress which will complete major sections of the highway from Rakiraki to Suva via Korovou, allowing for an easy circumnavigation of the island. Rental cars are also available in Vanua Levu and some outer islands by arrangement. Rental cars are available from Avis, Hertz and other major local firms.

Banking

Fiji is well represented by banking groups. These include: The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Bank of Baroda, Habib Bank, Colonial National Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation and Bank of Baroda and more.

Normal banking hours are from 9:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Thursday and to 4:00pm on Friday. All banks are closed on Public Holidays. ANZ operates a 24 hour service at Nadi International Airport’s Arrivals Concourse.

Dress

Dress is casual and informal throughout the islands. Visitors should bring a light tropical wardrobe including golf shirts, shortsleeve shirts, T-shirts, shorts and slacks for evenings. For women, summer dresses and lightweight skirts, slacks and blouses. The wraparound "sulu" (sarong) is Fiji’s most distinctive form of dress for women and men.

Climate

When it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it's winter in Fiji. But the average day temperatures are in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C year-round. Nights are usually in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. Our favorite time is June-October, when it's the driest. The rainiest time is December-March: Rain falls nearly half the time. It rains more on the east side near Suva than on the west side (near Nadi). Take along a sweater any time of year, as nights can be cool.

Time Zone

12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+12 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed November-February. When it is 9am in Fiji, it is: 9pm in London previous day, 10pm Frankfurt previous day, 4pm New York previous day, 1pm Los Angles previous day, 6am Tokyo same day, 9am Auckland same day, 7am Sydney same day.

Electricity

The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. If your applications are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.

Water

Fresh water reticulated in Nadi, Suva, Lautoka and other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap.

Health

Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Fiji is free from malaria and other major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries.

Dengue fever (Unlike the malaria mosquito, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus, is most active during the day and is found mainly in urban areas, in and around human dwellings. Signs and symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of high fever, headache, joint and muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. A rash of small red spots sometimes appears three to four days after the onset of fever. Severe complications do sometimes occur. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may be infected. A blood test can indicate the possibility of dengue fever. There is no specific treatment. Aspirin should be avoided, as it increases the risk of haemorrhaging. There is no vaccine against dengue fever. There are occasional outbreaks of Dengue fever in Fiji. Avoid mosquito bites (especially during epidemics)

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques

All major credit cards and debit cards are available in FIJI provided that they have the CIRRUS sign imprinted on the front part of the card. Please double check with your preferred bank whether it is possible to use DEBIT CARDS in FIJI. However, all major credit cards are usable in FIJI.

Travelers Cheques are the safest way to carry money into FIJI and can be exchanged at any bank or foreign exchange outlet. Furthermore, most hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies and other major business outlets facilitate this service.

Tipping

No tipping is required. At some resorts, guests can make contributions to the Christmas fund, which is shared by the employees at the end of the year.

Tips for visiting villages

You will find some villages more traditional than others, especially those distant from towns and urban centres. Remember, Fijians are not judgmental of other people and will rarely express a negative opinion. However, you will find that the more you respect their customs, the warmer your village welcome will be.

Communications

Most hotels have direct dialling facilities. Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone directory. Please note that the international country IDD code for Fiji is 679. There are no area codes. Thus, when dialling any part of Fiji from overseas the procedure would be: access code (679) plus the Fiji subscriber number.

Vodafone Fiji Limited, a subsidiary of Telecom Fiji Ltd, operates a GSM digital mobile communication service. It has roaming agreements with Australian (GSM) operators namely Telstra, OPTUS and Vodafone Pty, and New Zealand operator - BellSouth plus UK operator Vodafone Ltd UK.

Postal Services

Post offices are open 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday except in Suva where it closes at 4:30pm.

Fiji Visitors Bureau

HEAD OFFICE - FIJI
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Thomson Street
PO Box 92
Suva
Tel: (679) 3302433
Fax: (679) 3300970/3302751
E-mail: infodesk@fijifvb.gov.fj

NADI AIRPORT
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Arrivals Concourse
PO Box 9217
Nadi Airport
Tel: (679) 6722433
Fax: (679) 6720141
Toll free #: 0800-6721721
E-mail: fvbnadi@is.com.fj
Note: this office is open extended hours and meets all international flights

AUSTRALIA
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Level 12, St Martin's Tower
31 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 92643399
Fax: (02) 92643060
E-mail: fijiau@ozemail.com.au

NEW ZEALAND
Fiji Visitors Bureau
5th Flr 48 High Street
PO Box 1179
Auckland
Tel: (09) 3732133/134
Fax: (09) 3094720
E-mail: office@fijinz.co.nz

UNITED STATES
The Americas
Fiji Visitors Bureau
5777 West Century Boulevard
Suite 220 Los Angeles
CA 90045
Tel: (310) 568-1616
Fax: (310) 670-2318
Toll Free #: 1-800 YEA FIJI (1-800-932-3454)
E-mail: fiji@primenet.com

CANADA
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Tollfree: 1-800 YEA FIJI (1-800-932-3454)
E-mail: fiji@primenet.com

AAPAN
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Noa Bldg (14th Flr)
3-5, 2 Chome Azabudai
Minato-Ku Tokyo 106
Tel: (03) 3587-2038
Fax: (03) 3587-2563
E-mail: fijijp@red.an.egg.or.jp

KOREA
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Rm 808 Paiknam Building
188- 3 I-ka
Ulchiro Chung-ku
100-191 Seoul
Tel: 82 (2) 773-8559
Fax: 82 (2) 752-6921
E-mail: fijikr@hotmail.com

TAIWAN R.O.C.
Fiji Trade & Tourism Representative Office in R.O.C.
Suite 3212, 32nd Fl, ITB Building
333 Keelung Rd., Sec 1
Taipei
Tel: (886-2) 2757-9596
Fax: (886-2) 2757-9597
E-mail: joyce@fijittro.org.tw


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Visitor Activities


Surfing

Surfing Fiji has a renowned reputation amongst the international surf community. The rave here is exciting reef breaks (not for beginners), secluded locations and the traditional Fijian hospitality. Most reef breaks around the islands are accessed only by boat.

There are beach breaks for beginners on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island. Sigatoka has the most reliable breaks although undercurrents can be dangerous.

Best time April to December. If bringing surfboards into the country, check first with your airline carrier for baggage restrictions and excess costs. Local airlines will only carry surf boards with advance warning and will charge extra.

Fishing

The immense areas of fishable waters with very little pressure separate Fiji from the more famous fishing venues. The rich reef ecosystem and nearby blue water is home to over forty species of gamefish - something for every angler. From fly-fishers to big game trollers, novice anglers to seasoned veterans, Fiji can provide the fishing experience of a lifetime. Fiji is just now being discovered for its outstanding trevally fishing. Giant trevally, blue trevally and other trevally species patrol the surf, the edges of flats and reefs, and along the offshore reefs. Light tackle anglers can throw plugs and pencil poppers over reefs for GTs that can go over 100 pounds. Trevally can also be caught trolling surface poppers and swimming plugs. Casting and trolling poppers will elicit strikes from large barracuda, snappers, and coral trout. Fly-fishers and light tackle anglers can wade shallower reef flats and cast small plugs, spoons, jigs, or hard-foam poppers for a variety of hard-fighting reef fish. Smaller trevally, barracuda, and snappers inhabit these shallower reefs along with a dozen other species. When the tide is moving, rising or falling, anglers can expect consistent action, and drawing an explosive strike on just about every cast is not uncommon. Fly anglers can also spend their days drifting (in the runabout) some of the world's most beautiful reef flats and sight-fishing for trevally. Blind casting the reefs is also very effective. If you're looking for bigger offshore game, you may get shots at mahi mahi (dorado), wahoo or tuna.

Scuba Diving

Fiji is well known to scuba divers worldwide as one of the most dreamed about vacations. It's reputation comes from what it has to offer. The variety of soft coral is astounding. Fed by the rich nutrients streaming up from the Tonga Trench and influenced by several major rivers, the reef eco-system in the Fiji Islands is noted for its complex nature.

In Fiji, however, you will see any number of hard and soft coral, sea fans, dense schools of fairy basslets, schools of barracuda. Other large creatures and pelagics that can be seen include also turtle, dolphin, mantas, and a wide variety of sharks.

Fiji diving has something for everyone. Whether you visit as a snorkeler or novice diver to enjoy Fiji's easy reef diving or as an experienced diver enjoying Fiji's exotic wall dives and big fish action. Fiji has it all! As the "Soft Coral Capital of the World", Fiji's underwater landscape must be seen to be believed.

SNORKELING - Fiji is world-renowned for the fantastic beauty of its underwater environment. Tropical fish flash through a blue heaven of ocean and castles of roseate coral. You might see the brilliant parrotfish, lionfish, angelfish, crescent perch, sea cucumbers, and even octopi in your travels.

Golf

You'll find a wide range and quality golf courses in Fiji - from small local courses to international championship courses.

Shopping

Shop for cameras, watches, perfumes and other duty-free items, as well as a wide variety of local goods - pottery, tapa (bark) cloth, recordings of local music, coral, wood carvings, Fijian grass skirts and silver jewelry. Don't buy turtle-shell or whalebone products: They will be confiscated by customs officials when you return home. Note as well that many duty-free prices may not be as low as those at discount stores at home.

Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 8 am-1 pm.

Dining

You'll find a wide variety of food in Fiji, including French, Asian and Indian. The local food consists basically of pork, chicken, fish, vegetables and fruit. We also liked the local version of Indian cuisine. Attend a lovo (Fijian feast), which offers roast pig, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and dozens of other dishes. Among the local specialties are kokoda (raw fish marinated in vinegar and served with coconut milk), dhal (a thick and spicy lentil soup from India), fish in lolo (coconut cream) and a variety of curries. The private island resorts usually serve Western-style food.

Yaqona, or kava, Fiji's national drink, is part of a ritual. It's made from a mixture of pulverized dry roots of a pepper plant, soaked in water - it looks like muddy water. For the ritual, everyone sits cross-legged on mats, with the master of ceremonies facing a wooden bowl (a tanoa) filled with yaqona. The master of ceremonies dips a coconut shell (the bilo) into the liquid and passes it to the guest of honor, who drinks the entire cupful in one gulp. The bilo is then refilled and passed to the next person. The ritual continues until everyone has had a drink. Yaqona is a mild narcotic, but you would need to drink a lot to get much of an effect. (Those who drink a lot of it on a regular basis may get dry, flaky skin.) Mostly it will leave your tongue with a numb, tingling sensation.

Additional Activities

Additional Activities are available depending on your specific destination and resort. See the Accommomodations Guide for more information.

Attractions

Lautoka

Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, Lautoka
This magnificent park has something for everyone: a chance to explore waterfalls and forests, swim in a mountain stream, picnic, hike or take a rigorous mountain bike trip.

Nadi

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Nadi
This unique Hindu temple, the largest in the southern hemisphere, reflects an architectural style rarely seen outside India, and houses sacred statues designed by craftspeople brought over from India.

Denerau Beach, Nadi
This beautiful, warm-water beach stretches past several resorts and is a great place for long walks, volleyball, swimming or just people watching.

Navala Village, Nadi
One of the most picturesque villages in Fiji, this one retains the traditional bures (thatched huts supported by center poles) that have been replaced in other villages by prefabricated concrete homes.

Subar Maniya, Nadi
Be sure to remove your shoes before entering this colorful temple, the largest Hindu temple in Fiji.

Sheraton Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, Nadi
Golfing is a true delight at this beautifully manicured and challenging course that also has a restaurant, bar and golf store.

Nausori

Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Nausori
Wander through this incredible plantation of over 2000 different types of orchids, started in 1977 by the late actor Raymond Burr, of Perry Mason and Ironsides fame.

Pacific Harbour

Pacific Harbour Golf Course, Pacific Harbour
At this lush, riverside course designed by Robert Trent-Jones, the golf is challenging, but easier than at Denarau, its rival course.

Rakiraki

Tomb of Udre Udre, Rakiraki
Fiji's most notorious cannibal and tribal chief is buried here, and the 872 stones surrounding his tomb represent each of his unlucky victims.

Sigatoka

Kula Eco Park, Sigatoka
Get close to native plants and animals at this wildlife park, filled with huge trees, iguanas, parrots and fruit bats.

Tavuni Hill Fort, Sigatoka
Tour this restored ancient fort where you'll learn about pre-colonial Fiji life and enjoy great views from two lookout points.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Sigatoka
Not only are these dunes incredibly beautiful, but they were also designated Fiji's first national park, and have a rich archaeological history.

Coral Coast Railway, Sigatoka
Chug past a scenic coastline or through a thick green forest, stopping at the Muka Caves for a refreshing underground retreat, on this enchanting train ride.

Natadola Beach, Sigatoka
Considered one of Fiji's best beaches, Natadola features pure white sand, many much-needed shade trees and horses for hire - both gentle rides for children and adult-level treks as well.

Suva

Suva Municipal Market, Suva
Immerse yourself in the festive, friendly atmosphere of this wonderful street market, where you'll find every tropical fruit and vegetable imaginable.

Fiji Museum, Suva
Archaeological findings dating back 3500 years as well as cultural objects reflecting Fiji's inhabitants during the past 100 years are housed in the oldest museum in the South Pacific.

Parliament, Suva
These impressive, orange-colored government buildings were modeled after traditional Fijian thatched huts, and the complex is open to visitors.

Municipal Handicraft Centre, Suva
Try your hand at bargaining for artifacts and handicrafts at these outdoor market stalls.

Albert Park, Suva
This park was made famous when Charles Kingsford-Smith made an emergency landing here on his 1928 trans-Pacific flight.

Taveuni Island

Bouma National Heritage Park, Taveuni Island
This magnificent rainforest park offers superb swimming and hiking, and harbors the mysterious tagimoucia flower, said to grow only here and thrive no place else in the world.

Tavoro Waterfalls, Taveuni Island
Pack a lunch and head over to see these three waterfalls, each on a different altitude level.

Lavena Coastal Walk, Taveuni Island
Beginning at Lavena village, this guided walk takes you along Taveuni's wild southeastern coastline, past breathtaking views, black sand beaches and beautiful forests.

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Beachcomber Island Resort
Beachcomber Island


Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Yasawa Islands


Lomani Fiji
Taveuni


Mantaray Island Resort
Yasawa Islands


Moodys Namena
Namenalala Island


Navini Island Resort
Navini Island