Fiji travel guide

 

Fiji - beach

 

Meet FijiFiji weather reportGetting into FijiFrom the Fijian kitchenFrom the Fijian bar Currency in FijiMajor airports in FijiExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in FijiDid you know?

 

Meet Fiji

 

In the South Pacific Ocean lies the Melanesian country of the Fiji Islands.  It is situated two thirds of the way from New Zealand and Hawaii and is made up of over 300 islands, only a third of which are inhabited.  The country is found at the very edge of the international dateline, placing the entire country in one timezone, and ahead of most of the rest of the world.

 

Fiji is covered in naturally beautiful landscapes, and has a lot of opportunity for discovery.  For example, among the islands is Taveuni, which is the only home of the Tagimoucia flower.  Volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters provide excellent environments for spas and watersports.  Its coral reefs attract tourists from across the globe, although they were not so favoured among 19th Century fishermen.  There is a tradition of living off the land here, and as a result most of the country is untouched by commerce.  As a result, it is not difficult to get lost in a world of tropical rainforests, pure beaches and rolling hills.  Fiji does have an interesting cultural history nonetheless, with European invasion bringing Christianity, and the immigration of Indians bringing a new labour force.

 

Tourists will be pleased to hear that Fiji is a country that is free of malaria, terrorism, and threats that malign destinations of a similar climate and beauty.  Recently, political activity has prompted the tourist industry to lower its prices and increase the promotion of resorts, making now a better time than ever to visit.

 

Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation. Tropical cyclonic storms (The South Pacific version of Hurricanes) can occur from November to April. Temperature sensitive visitors may wish to visit during the Southern Hemisphere winter.

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Fiji weather report

 

Fiji enjoys a tropical climate, with only slight seasonal variation, given its proximity to the equator.  Cyclones are not uncommon between November and April, which has an effect on the availability of tourist-friendly activities, but it is usually recommended that the country is visited during the Southern Hemisphere winter, to prevent heatstroke and sunburn. 

   

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool. 

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Getting into Fiji

 

Fiji has excellent connections to Australiasia and the USA, with some European flights requiring a stopover.

 

Nationals of Britain, Canada, Australia, and the USA will require passports, but not visas to enter Fiji. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after travel, and all visitors must hold onward or return tickets.  Nationals of Lithuania do require a visa, as do transit passengers with proof of onward journey within three hours (who are not permitted to leave the airport).  It is advised that you check with the embassy if unsure.

 

Stays of up to 4 months are permitted for tourists, and up to 14 days for those travelling on business.

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From the Fijian kitchen

 

Fijian, Chinese, and Indian cuisines are the most commonly found here.  Most restaurants offer table service, although some cheaper buffets are available.  As expected a lot of the local dishes are drawn from the tropical plants and fish that are freely available.  A few recommended dishes include:

  • Kokoda – raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime

  • Rourou – taro leaf soaked in coconut cream

  • Tavioka – a tapioca pudding served with mashed bananas, sugar, and coconut cream

  • Duruka – a seasonal vegetable, not dissimilar to Asparagus, that is in season between April/May

  • Lovo – meat, fish and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. 

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From the Fijian bar

 

Only licensed premises can serve alcohol on Sundays.  The legal drinking age is 21.

 

Carlton Brewery produces a beer in Suva that is named “Fiji Bitter”, and available on most of the inhabited islands.  Several local spirits are produced here by South Pacific distilleries, including Booth's Gin, Bounty Rum, Czarina Vodka, and Regal Whisky.

 

Yanqona, or kava, is a drink made from the root of a pepper plant, and relaxes the muscles, numbing the tongue and lips in the process.  Consumption alongside alcohol is discouraged!

 

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Currency in Fiji

 

The currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar.  Notes are in denominations of F$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of F$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

 

Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find, though be careful to only use verified machines.  Slightly better exchange rates can be obtained with travellers cheques.

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Major airports in Fiji

  • Nadi International Airport (NAN)

  • Nasouri Airport - (SUV)

Fiji can also be reached from Australia by boat.

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Examples of food and drink spend

  • Glass of beer – F$2.50

  • Bottle of cola – F$1

  • Meal at a market stall – F£6-10

  • Meal in a curry house – F$15-20

  • Coffee - F$2

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Things to have at hand in Fiji

  • Sunscreen

  • Camera

  • Swimsuit

  • A sense of adventure

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Did you know?

  • Alongside Fijian, a principle language in Fiji is Hindustani

  • Inflation is at a rate of 12% in Fiji

  • Fiji is also known as mini-India

  • The Coral coast in Fiji is 80km long

  • Fiji's best known sportsman is Vijay Singh, who won the 2000 Golf Masters.

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