Fiji Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of the Fiji Islands

Former Name

None

Capital City

Suva (Viti Levu)

Government Type

republic

Area Size

total: 18,270 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +12 hours

Climate

Tropical. Southeast trade winds from March to November bring dry weather. The rainy season is from December to April. On average there are 15 cyclones per decade, affecting some part of Fiji, and two to four actually cause severe damage. They occur from November to April and with greatest frequency in January and February. There is more risk in the outlying northwest island groups.

Geography

Fiji consists of 322 islands, of which 106 are inhabited, and 522 smaller islets. The two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 1,300 metres, and covered with tropical forests.

Languages

English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

Culture

Fijians will hail you on the streets of Nadi and Suva and towns and villages in between, they will invite you to their native villages, and they will welcome you to their churches where song and music ring out above all else--for Fijians are nothing if not musical). On busy streets, in village markets, at home in their villages, many will be dressed in traditional garb. It is no show; it is the daily wear. Of course there are rousing events that tap into the culture, such as the kava ceremony in which you down a cloudy liquid to cement your welcome, but this is just as genuine. If you come to Fiji to throw yourself into the culture, fine; if what you most want is an exotic escape, a posh version of the deserted life Tom Hanks led in the movie "Castaway," which was filmed on a deserted Fiji island, then you've also come to the right place.

History

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.

Travel Information

The national airline, Air Pacific (FJ), flies from Los Angeles, Sydney and Auckland. There are no direct flights from the UK; Air New Zealand flies from London to Nadi via Los Angeles. Nadi (NAN) is 8km north of Nadi town on Viti Levu island and is where most international flights arrive. Taxis and buses are available (journey time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities are 24-hour bank/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, 24-hour bar, restaurants, 24-hour left luggage office, tourist information, post office and car hire. Suva (SUV) is at Nausori, 16km from Suva (journey time – 30 minutes), and is the hub for internal flights. Taxis and car rental. Airport facilities are Parking, duty-free shop, snack bar, and car hire. Main ports: Suva and Lautoka (Viti Levu). Several passenger lines serve Fiji.

Accommodation

There are a good number of luxury hotels, the majority of which are located in Douba, Lautoka, Nadi, Raki Raki, Sigatoka, Suva and Tavua and off Viti Levu at Ovalau and Savusavu. There are also many small inexpensive hotels throughout the islands. Increasing numbers of establishments, such as lodges, are offering dormitory accommodation at cheap rates. Small resort islands include Beachcomber Island, Castaway Island, Mana Island, Plantation Island and Treasure Island. It is advised to always book in advance, particularly as some islands limit the number of visitors that can stay - some allow no more than 16 guests. A 3% hotel tax is levied on all services charged to guests' accounts, including meals in hotel restaurants.

Visa Requirements

All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover stay. Permit/visa duration largely depends on these factors. Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, who are issued a visitor’s permit valid for stays of up to four months on arrival except: nationals of Lithuania who do need a visa unless they are transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within three hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to above. Visas are valid for stays of up to three months, but can be extended on application to: Immigration Department, Level 3, Suvavou House, Victoria Parade, Suva (street address); or PO Box 2224, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji (postal address). Apply to consular section of high commission or embassy.

Getting Around

Air Fiji (PC) and Pacific Sun operate shuttle services around the islands. The flight time from Nadi to Suva is approximately 30 minutes. Turtle Airways flies to the privately-owned Turtle Island resort from Nadi. Most resorts have their own boat transport, some have catamaran services. Government and local shipping companies operate passenger services linking the outer islands. Yachts and cabin cruisers are available for charter; enquire at the shipping agents, being sure to confirm all arrangements with the captain once the vessel is in port. A number of ferries operate between the major islands, including the Patterson Brothers, Beachcomber Cruises and Consort Shipping. Traffic drives on the left. Main roads are paved. Beware of livestock on the roads as they wander freely during the night, although it is best to avoid driving during the night altogether. When driving past villages, drivers are advised to slow down as locals use the roads as footpaths. The approximate driving time from Nadi to Suva is three hours. The main roads on Viti Levu follow the coast, linking the main centres. The larger islands have good and inexpensive bus networks. The buses are open-windowed with tarpaulins at the ready if it rains; buses can be hailed between stops. Speedier options are carriers (small trucks) between Suva and Nadi, and minibuses between Suva and Lautoka. Express air-conditioned buses operate between Suva and Nadi and between Suva and Lautoka. Taxis are widely available. Drivers tend to only use their meter in Suva. Elsewhere, check with locals what an acceptable price should be before embarking on a taxi journey. International car hire companies are represented. Car hire can be relatively expensive; 4-wheel drive is recommended for islands other than Viti Levu. Limousines and chauffeurs are also available.

Health & Safety

There is a risk of waterborne diseases such as Leptospirosis, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid; following the floods in February/March 2007, the Ministry of Health has issued raised alerts for typhoid, dengue fever and Leptospirosis. Drink only bottled water, take care not to swim with open cuts or to walk barefoot near open waterways used by farm animals. No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Fiji, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers entering Fiji from infected areas. The mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, is a serious risk between November and April. Preventive measures include wearing long clothes and using insect repellent at all times. Medical facilities are adequate for uncomplicated treatment, but travel insurance with provision for medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is advised. There has been an increase in diarrhoeal illness in the Suva area; visitors are advised to take care with food and drink. Fiji does exhibit some socio-political tension and visitors need to be vigilant and avoid political rallies and public demonstrations. The situation could deteriorate with little notice and visitors are advised to keep up to date with the current situation and avoid all large gatherings of people. The uncertain political situation, poor economic climate and unemployment mean the crime rate is high and it is unwise to carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive clothes or jewellery. Pickpockets are active at bus stations and taxi ranks and women on their own should be cautious. There has been an increase in the number of violent robberies, which have occurred against foreigners, particularly at night and in urban areas. Natural dangers exist in the form of rip tides along the reefs and river estuaries and care should be taken when swimming or boating. There is also the possibility of shark attacks. On the roads reckless driving is common and animals on the road pose a hazard, particularly after dark. Cyclone season is usually from November to April.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 31 Mar - Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 7 Apr - Easter Saturday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 4 May - National Youth Day. 28 May - Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day. 11 Jun - Queen's Birthday. 10 Oct - Fiji Day. 9 Oct - Diwali. 25-26 Dec - Christmas.

Currency

Fiji Dollar (FJD)

Electricity

240v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30/5.00pm (some offices close one hour earlier on Fridays).

Emergency Numbers

000/911