Fiji Island - Useful Information
Size, Location, Population
Fiji comprises about 300 islands dotted across 200,000 square miles of ocean, 3,000 miles southwest of Hawaii. The main island is Viti Levu. The population, which numbers around 775,000, is 50% Fijian (Melanesian), 46% Indian, and 4% other races.
Time Zones
Pacific Standard Time + 21 hours (+20 hours during Pacific Daylight Time).
Entry Formalities
You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Fiji. Visas are not required for US citizens staying less than 30 days.
Currency
Fijian dollar. Decimal currency system. Notes: $20, $10, $5, $2
and $1. Coins of 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢ and 1¢. Banks are located
at Nadi's International Airport and in each main city. Generally
a higher rate of exchange is given for travelers check than for
cash. Hotels also exchange money but give a less favorable rate
than banks. Major credit cards are accepted by the major hotels,
rental agencies, tour companies, duty free shops and some restaurants.
Bank Hours
Normal banking hours are Monday to Thursday, 9:30am-3pm, with late closing on Fridays at 4pm.
Departure Tax
Included in your international airline ticket.
Electricity
240 volts, AC 50 cycles. Most hotels have 110V converters for electric
razors. You will need a converter/ adapter kit for all other
appliances.
Language
Fiji has three official languages - English, Fijian and Hindi.
Shopping
Shopping hours are Monday to Friday 8am-4:30pm. Saturdays from 8:30am-12 noon. Stores in town are generally closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, and some close daily during the lunch hour. Bargaining is still conducted in some of the duty free shops, but the larger stores have fixed prices. Tropical clothing, carved war clubs, woven mats and baskets, face masks, shell jewelery, straw hats, kava bowls, and tapa cloth, can all be purchased in town markets as well as many local villages. Fiji offers duty free shops in Nadi, on the Coral Coast and in Suva.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. Small tips can be given for outstanding service.
Climate
Due to the prevailing southeast trade winds and the surrounding seas, Fiji's humid, tropical climate is moderated during most of the year, eliminating extreme heat and humidity. Rainfall is heaviest from January to March. Temperatures range from an average of 88° Fahrenheit in the summer months (December-March) to 83° Fahrenheit in the winter (June-September).
Food
Fijian cuisine relies heavily on seafood, often cooked in lolo (coconut milk), pork, chicken and root vegetables (dalo and tapioca). Food is usually steamed or boiled rather than fried. Indian curries are excellent and are served mild to very, very hot. Fiji offers an excellent choice of fresh fruit - papaya, pineapple, banana, guava, passionfruit, avocado and coconut. Restaurants and cafes offer Chinese, Indian, French, Fijian, Japanese and European dishes.
Health Tips
Tap water in the cities and resorts is safe to drink except during periods of heavy rain, though we suggest using bottled water sold in all hotels. A good sunscreen is essential. As in all tropical locales, there are mosquitoes, so it is wise to pack an insect repellent. Fiji has no dangerous insects, and the mosquitoes do not carry malaria.
Clothing
Casual, lightweight, comfortable clothing is recommended. Moderate dress is appropriate to respect Fijian culture. Bathing suits should be worn only at pools and on the beach.
Accomodations
A wide variety of accommodation is available. You'll find Fijian-style thatch roofed bures and cottages as well as deluxe five-star resorts nestled among palm trees and along beaches. There are no high-rise hotels, and most are no higher than a coconut palm.
Fijian Culture
The friendly Fijians love to celebrate their time-honored traditions: kava ceremonies where the liquid yaqona is shared, lovo feasts with native foods cooked in underground ovens, and meke singing and dancing.
Activities
Snorkeling, tennis, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, horseback riding, biking and hiking are activities available at most resorts. Game fishing is also available. Golfers will find a spectacular course near Nadi. Your hotel's tour desk can help.
Diving
Fiji is renowned for some of the best scuba diving in the world.
Spectacular corals, caves and grottos, and amazing marine life that
includes large pelagic species such as shark, tuna and turtles.
Scuba diving is available at, or nearby, most resorts, and most
offer introductory lessons as well as dive boat excursions daily.
Look for this symbol for areas that offer excellent diving.  |
