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Fiji
has much to offer the tourist and traveler,
a well developed visitor industry with reliable, varied options from tiny
remote tropical islands to larger multi-facility resorts. An
attitude to welcoming visitors that will impress the most jaded traveler.
Location
Located in the heart of the Pacific, 3 hours flying north of Auckland. Viti Levu
is the largest island with the capital of Suva and Vanua Levu being the second
largest, making up 85% of the land mass. These islands are primarily of volcanic
origin and high rugged terrain typifies this aspect, of which there are over
300, 100 are inhabited. Fiji comprises some 300 islands scattered across 230,000
kms although many are uninhabited. The smaller islands are made up of coral or
limestone and are often without water. Many are surrounded wholly or partly by
reefs with lagoons that provide spectacular underwater scenery.
Airport Information
Nadi Airport is located 8 km from Nadi township.
Suva Airport is known as Nausori Airport and is located 20 km from Suva city
centre.
Climate
Fiji is blessed with a warm tropical climate year round. The summer months from
November to April are generally classed as the "wet season" with an average
temperature of 26°C and the winter months from May to October the average
temperature is 24°C. There are geographical variances that alter these averages,
rainfall and prevailing winds on all islands.
Currency
The Fijian Dollar is the local currency. Paper money $5, $10, $20 & $50. Fijian
dollars are not negotiable outside Fiji. Stores, tourist facilities, hotels and
resorts accept Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express. Both Westpac
and ANZ banks operate in Suva & Nadi and visitors can change travelers cheques
and principal currencies at hotels and the airport. Banking hours are Monday to
Thursday 9.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. with late closing on Fridays at 4.00 p.m.
Entry/Departure Requirements
Tourists - for stay of 3 months or less no Visa required.
Local Departure Tax
International Departure tax is F$30.00 with children under 12 years, exempt.
Electricity
240 volts. Most hotels have 110 volt converters for shaving apparatus.
Drinking Water
Local water is safe to drink on the mainland but outer islands we recommend you
drink bottled water.
Vaccinations Required
Fiji is free of most tropical diseases, including malaria and there is no need
for inoculations unless you are arriving from an infected area.
Dining Out
Larger towns like Nadi and Suva have a variety of restaurants, offering local
Fijian fare, Chinese, Indian, French, Japanese and European cuisine. However
most visitors will have choices at resorts although these may be limited the
further one goes from town centers. Fijian cuisine is primarily based on seafood
which is often cooked in "lolo" (coconut milk), pork, chicken and root
vegetables (dalo and tapioca). Most Fijians steam or boil their food rather than
deep frying. "Lovo" - is a popular theme evening in many resort hotels. The
earth oven is a traditional form of Fijian cooking and features Pacific food
wrapped in banana leaves, lowered in a shallow pit of heated rocks and covered
with earth. "Yagona Drinking" (Kava ceremony) - this is a regularly practiced
social custom. Made of the root of the pepper plant, it is mildly anesthetic and
if you are offered a cup (bilo) the correct procedure is to clap twice, take the
coconut cup and drink at once. "Meke" - is a ceremonial occasion with
traditional songs and dances with costumes and stories that vary in each
province or island. The music provided is usually on a Lali, a drum carved from
the trunk of a tree or bamboo beaten on the ground.
Population
Total population of Fiji is approximately 800,000 - 50% are native Fijian and
46% of Indian origin. The balance are Chinese, European and other Pacific
Islanders.
Languages
English is the official language with Fijian and Hindustani also widely used.
The larger resorts have multi-lingual staff.
Driving
Driving is on the left hand side and an International driving permit and
overseas driving licenses are recognized for a period of 6 months (maximum)
after entry to Fiji. The main roads on Viti Levu are sealed except for ~60
Kilometers.
Nightlife
Most hotels and resort have a choice of restaurants and bars, with many
providing their own entertainment i.e. Meke, Lovo and theme nights. There are
also nightclubs and cinemas in the main centers.
Local Transport
There are a wide selection of rental car agencies in Fiji with offices located
at Nadi Airport, Suva and Lautoka. There is an extensive bus service, which is
generally by open-sided buses available on the main islands, this is the most
popular form of public transport for the visitors and locals alike. Also
available are deluxe coaches run by some of the resorts and taxis.
Business Hours
Monday to Thursday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Saturdays from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm
Shopping
Fiji has developed as a major duty free shopping centre. Bargaining is still
conducted in some of the duty free shops but the larger stores have fixed
prices. Fijian artifacts are available from roadside stalls to the larger shops.
Fiji has a well developed, competitive clothing industry and there are good
bargains for shoppers in all town centers.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji, however at many Resorts a staff fund will
accept a donation.
Local Customs
The preservation of local Fiji customs has been achieved and visitors will have
many opportunities to participate and enjoy these events from Kava to Lovos,
Mekes to Fire walking.
Local Attractions
Fiji is the most developed of the Pacific Islands when it comes to catering for
holidaymakers and therefore depending on the resort and location chosen can
offer a holiday to suit most tastes.
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