Transport yourself to paradise!

Fiji Islands - Maps and general information on entry requirements, climate, clothing, currency, language, churches, weddings, electricity, health, diving, dining and shopping!

LOCATION
Right in the heart of the romantic South Seas, between latitude 15 degrees and 22 degrees South of the Equator. Or to put it another way, Fiji is two meals and a movie or two from the West Coast of North America. The true 180th Meridian crosses through several of Fiji's islands, so it can be today on one side of the line and tomorrow on the other!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
U.S. citizens need a passport, which is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay and an airline ticket for return or onward travel. If your passport is other than U.S., check entry requirements with the Fiji Visitors Bureau. It is solely the passenger's responsibility to ensure that all documents needed are complete and current. No immunization certificates are required. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organization. Fiji is free from malaria and other major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries.
Duty/VAT Free Concessions:
Each passenger of 17 years or more may bring in the following duty and VAT free:
Alcohol - 2 liters of liquor, or 4 liters of wine
Tobacco products - 500 cigarettes or any combination of tobacco products up to 500 grams net weight

CLIMATE
Fiji enjoys an ideal island climate and boasts the highest sunshine factor in the South Pacific. Due to the prevailing southeast trade winds, Fiji's humid, tropical climate is moderated during most of the year, eliminating extreme heat and humidity. Rainfall is heaviest from January to March. The average temperature in the summer months of December - March is 88 degrees and the average of 84 degrees in the winter months of June - September.

The large islands have mountain ranges lying across the path of the prevailing winds resulting in greater rainfall on the eastern sides generally from mid-December through April. The western sides are drier, with clear sky for most of the year. Smaller islands tend to be mainly dry and sunny year-round.

Her warm tropical waters are great from snorkeling and diving with average water temperatures between 80F to 86F, eliminating the need for heavy diving wetsuits. Fiji's climate is ideally suited for the outdoors, the beach, water sports, light cotton clothing and dinning al fresco.

CLOTHING
Visitors to Fiji should bring a light tropical wardrobe. Take along casual, lightweight clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton will serve well. Men will be comfortable in shorts, slacks for dinner, sport shirt and sandals, while ladies may wear shorts, skirts and sundresses. Visitors are asked to be careful not to offend local sensibilities. Wearing bikinis is fine at the pool or on the beach but not when visiting villages or shopping in town. We also recommend taking along a couple of swimsuits each, rubber-soled shoes for reef walking, hat or sun visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and waterproof bag to protect camera equipment.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The official currency is the Fijian dollar, available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, and $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c 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 checks 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….and remember when using your credit card you skip the "service fee" that you pay when you use a bank or a hotel to exchange currency. Plan to change $100 - $150 at the airport when you arrive in Fiji, for incidentals such as cold drinks, souvenirs, etc. Tuck away $30 Fijian each for the departure tax, which will be charged when you check in for your return flight. (An approximate rate of exchange is US$1 = F$2. Remember this great exchange rate when considering other destinations!)

TIME DIFFERENCE
Fiji is located in a time zone that is 1 day ahead and 4 hours behind U.S. Pacific Standard Time. (If it's 10am in Fiji on Tuesday it is 2pm Monday PST.)

NO TIPPING
Because Fijian culture is based on communal village living, tipping for individual services literally is a foreign concept and is discouraged. Consider this savings when comparing Fiji with other destinations. Guests can contribute to the hotel's "holiday", "village" or "scholarship" fund for collective donations.

LANGUAGE
The official language of Fiji is English. Fijian and Hindu are also spoken. Fijians truly appreciate visitors who try to learn a few of their words. They enjoy helping and you can expect a broad grin or hearty laugh as they teach and you try. BULA! - hello

HEALTH
Fiji enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent medical and dental facilities. The tropical sun can be deceptively penetrating, so be sure to use a good, waterproof sunblock to protect your skin from overexposure. The water is generally safe to drink however; we suggest bottle water available through the hotels. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are no always convenient to hotels. As in all tropical locales, there are mosquitoes, so it is wise to pack an insect repellent. (The mosquitoes do not carry malaria)

ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in Fiji is 240v. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. A converter/adapter kit will generally be needed for appliances made with the U.S. standard of 120v. It is wise to inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances before you use them.

DINING
Dining in Fiji offers a multi-ethnic culinary experience. Fiji features four main styles of cuisine: Continental, spicy Indian, native Fijian and Asian, which include Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Each cuisine has many variations. Fijian, Indian and Chinese food are very much a part of everyday life and reflect the cultural and ethnic background of the people of the Fiji Islands. The food is available not only in hotels and resorts but also in local restaurants. Restaurants run the gamut from five star international to 24 hour air-conditioned coffee shops. Fijian cuisine is often featured on "Island Night" at the hotels, where food is cooked in an underground oven and presented buffet style, complete with traditional songs and dances.
Typical expenses at hotels and resorts for Food and Drinks (per person) Fijian dollars from:
Breakfast F$12.00
Lunch F$16.00
Dinner F$25.00
Bottle of wine F$20.00
Glass of beer F$ 4.00
Cocktails from F$ 6.00

ACTIVITES
The tropical island climate has resulted in an outdoor culture that focuses on water and outdoor sports activities. Here is a sampling: GOLF - Championship courses in Nadi, Pacific Harbour and Suva. TENNIS - For all-weather or immaculate grass courts choose Denarau Racquet Club or many other resorts.
CANOEING, KAYAKING, PARASAILING, SNORKELLING, WINDSUFING, JET SKIING, WATER SKIING, SAILING, TREKKING, HORSEBACK RIDING - If you can't find it at your hotel resort, try Newtown Beach Stables for beach, mountain, sunset or moonlight rides, GAME FISHING - You can arrange everything from deep-sea fishing charters (by day or overnight) to reef, handline and even night fishing, SURFING, WHITE WATER RAFTING, and JET BOATING.

SCUBA DIVING
Fiji offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. Labeled as the Soft Coral Capital of the World by Jean-Michel Cousteau, it offers a comprehensive range of dive locations. Spectacular hard and soft corals, caves and grottoes, amazingly diverse marine life that includes large pelagic species such as sharks and tuna, turtles and fish of all hues and sizes. Internationally certified dive operators all ensure your dive experience will be a memorable one.

Shark feeding, sunken ships, even a World War II aircraft - scuba diving in Fiji offers the full range of an underwater experience. Famous as the soft coral capital of the world, the crystal waters of Fiji's Virgin reefs and magnificent lagoons offer unmatched visibility for the underwater explorer and photographer.

Most resort are fully equipped for diving, including certified PADI instructors, with diving and scuba courses open to non-guest as well. There are also numerous independent dive operations, including "bare-boat" and "live-aboard" options.

GAME FISHING
With all the beautiful waters surrounding Fiji, sea life is abundant. On most charters all fishing tackle, ice, bait/lures and crew if provided. A license is not required for offshore fishing. However, you might wish to take out temporary membership in the International Game Fishing Association to record your world record catch! Traditional speaking, all fish caught belongs to the boat. However, most resorts will give you option of having the chef prepare your catch or leave the fish with the boat captain.

SHOPPING
Carved war clubs, woven mats, hats and baskets, face masks and shell jewelry all can be purchased in town markets as well as many local villages. Check out carved tanoas - distinctive footed bowls, small lalis - ceremonial drums, and masi or tapa - cloth made from the bark of the mulberry tree. Scented soaps made of coconut oil, CD's of Fijian music, packets of island-grown spices and brightly colored sulus - sarongs are all easily packaged and provide great reminders of your South Seas experience. Fiji offers duty free shops in Nadi, on the Coral Coast and in Suva. Stores in town are generally closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, and some close daily during the lunch hour.

CHURCHES
A multiracial, multicultural nation, Fiji is represented by major religions of the world. Visitors will see Christian churches, Mosques, Sikh and Hindu temples in the towns and the countryside. The majority of the Fijian are of the Wesleyan persuasion, but all the other Christian denominations are represented. Visitors are welcome at Sunday worship throughout the Fijian Islands.

WEDDING CEREMONIES
The romantic images of the Fijian Islands have been luring voyagers to its shores for many years. Couples will find a dreamscape of warm waters lapping against deserted white sand beaches and the special hospitality of its people as the perfect place to start their new lives together.

Weddings in Fiji are recognized in North America. They can be simple or elaborate. You may even elect to have a traditional Fijian ceremony performed in an authentic, costumed ritual.

Regardless of the scope of the wedding your will need to bring:
1. Passports
2. Birth Certificates (a few certified copies)
3. Certified Divorce Decrees (if applicable)

You will need to apply together at a regional office (usually Nadi or Suva) before the wedding. The resort planner will assist in the formality. Usually a planner will ask that you be at the resort at least two days prior to the ceremony. This will allow time for clients to adjust from their trip, register and then choose just the right spot for the celebration.

VISIT A VILLAGE
Fijian villages welcome visitors. However, there are certain protocols to follow. Remember, you can not just stroll into a village - it would be like a stranger walking into your back yard at home. Villagers share the intimacy of a family and welcome guests who know the rules.

If you wish to make an unescorted visit to a village, purchase a bundle of unpounded yaqona (kava) first - cost is just a few dollars. Then approach a village but do not enter. Wait nearby. Soon someone will greet you and that's the time to tell them you wish to see the village. You will be taken to the chief. Present him with the kava, which he will accept as a traditional gift of respect. Then if it is okay, he will assign you to someone who will be your guide and host while you are in the village. It may be possible you may be refused a visit but only if the village is involved in some other activity such as preparing for a feast, celebration or funeral.

Important Tips About Visiting Villages:
1. Dress modestly - don't wear shorts and women must not have their shoulders bare or wear halter tops.
2. Always remover your shoes before entering any house or other building
3. Stay with you assigned host
4. Speak softly - raised voices are interpreted to be expressing anger
5. Show respect but be cautious with praise

You will find some villages more traditional than others, especially those distant from towns and urban centers. Fijians are not judgmental of others 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.

TELEPHONE & MAIL
Direct dialing for local and international telephone calls is easy, whether calling from your hotel or from the public phone booths. Most of the public telephones can be operated with phone cards, which can be purchased in various denominations. Post offices are open 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday.

GEOGRAPHY
Latitude: 12*S -21*S
Longitude: 176*E - 178*W
There are 330 islands in the Fiji group, over 100 of which are inhabited, the rest are left as nature reserves. These islands are primarily of volcanic origin and high rugged terrain typifies this aspect. The smaller islands are made up of coral or limestone and are often without water. Many are surrounded wholly or in part by reefs with lagoons that provide visitors with spectacular underwater scenery. The northern islands are lusher, green and less inhabited with dramatic waterfalls and dense tropical rain forests.

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