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Fiji has one of the Pacific’s best tourism infrastructures and is a major crossroads for both shipping and air travel across the region. Tourism activity is concentrated in seven key areas - Nadi/Denarau, Nadi Offshore, Lautoka/Rakiraki, Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour and Suva, the Northern Group and the Outer Islands, including the Yasawa Group.
Geography
Ideally located in the tropics of the southern hemisphere, Fiji lies on the 180 Meridian where the dawning of each new day occurs. Over 300 islands make the Fiji group of islands with a total land area of just 18,272 square kilometers. Of the 300 plus islands, only a 106 are inhabited. Area Covered: Latitude: 12°-21°S and
Longitude: 176°E-178°W. The two major islands in the group are known as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and nearly 80 percent of the population live on them. The majority of the population live in rural areas and the outer islands. Only about 40 percent of the population live in urban areas. The country's capital, Suva is located on Viti Levu's eastern side, and is Fiji's largest city and major port. Vanua Levu, with its wild and rugged interior, is the country's second largest island.
People
A mix of Fijian, Indian, Chinese, colonial European and other Pacific Islanders make up Fiji’s racially diverse population. Of a total population of some 825, 287 people, Fijians make up approx 52.8%, Indians 40.3% and Chinese, Pacific Islanders and Europeans the remaining 6.9% (2001 census).
Culture
Fiji’s racially diverse population means a rich array of cultures. Traditional
Fijian society is male-dominated with a hereditary chief system that is still in place today. Visiting Fijian villages requires a sevusevu (gift of kava) and participation in the sacred kava ceremony, where you will be given a bowl or two of kava to drink. Due to its different races and cultures, Fiji celebrates a variety of traditional ceremonies including Diwali (the Indian Festival of Lights) and Christmas.
Airports
Two international gateways - Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the main gateway and is situated 9km north of Nadi Town. Nausori International Airport (SUV) is situated 23km northeast of the capital, Suva.
Attire
Light, casual clothing is best suited to Fiji’s tropical climate. However, nighttime dining may require something slightly more formal. While in Fiji, you may hear the term “Bula” attire - which is Fiji’s equivalent to Hawaii’s “Aloha” dress code. Visitors are advised to cover up away from resort areas and when visiting villages.
Average Temperatures
Coastal summer daytime temperatures average 30ºC, rarely exceeding 31ºC and generally no lower than 23ºC overnight. Coastal winter daytime temperatures average 25-26ºC and are seldom lower than 20ºC overnight. The water temperature remains between 25ºC and 29ºC all year around.
Banking
Banks open for customer assistance from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 4pm on Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. ANZ and Westpac provide ATM facilities in the main centers throughout Viti Levu. Other banks include Colonial National Bank, Bank of Baroda and Habib Bank.
Business Hours
Shopping hours are generally Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm with Friday closing at 6pm. Saturday business hours are from 8am to 1pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Climate
The Fijian summer runs from December to April, and brings higher humidity and warm days and nights. The winter months run from May to November and are generally dryer, with fine, warm days. The interior of the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu have cooler nighttime temperatures.
Communications
The international country IDD code for Fiji is 679. There are no area codes.
Telecom Fiji provides the local telephone services. Card operated phones are located in urban centers, with telephone cards available from post offices, shops and service stations.
Most hotels with phones in the rooms have direct dialing facilities, however local and international calls made from hotels generally cost more as rates and surcharges apply. Vodafone Fiji provides mobile services in Fiji. Internet access and fax are available at most resorts.
Currency
The currency used is the Fiji dollar. Denominations are: Notes: $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c & $1.
Departure Tax
F$30 departure tax in Fiji currency after check-in. Children under 12 years are exempt. Major credit card facilities are available at Nadi Airport for payment of the departure tax, with an additional $5 charge.
Duty Free Allowances
Dutiable goods accompanying passengers (other than alcohol and tobacco products) not exceeding $F400 in value. Each passenger of 17 years or more may also bring the following goods into Fiji, duty and VAT free, provided they are accompanied and are not for sale: Alcohol - 2.25 liters of alcoholic liquor or 4 liters of wine or beer or any combination that does not exceed the prescribed limit for any one item. Tobacco products - 250 cigarettes OR any combination of tobacco products up to 250 grams in weight.
Electricity
The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts. AC 50hz. Fiji has 3-pin power outlets like Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts offer power outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.
Emergency Services
The national emergency number for Police, Fire and Ambulance is 911. If you're staying at a resort, the emergency contact is the central office, generally "0" on the phone system. On islands, they are equipped to handle fire and medical emergencies and are always the first point of contact.
Language
English is the official language of Fiji, while the two major races, Indians and Fijians also speak Hindustani and Fijian. All Fijians are bilingual.
Medical
There are many private practitioners in Fiji. Check the Fiji Telephone Directory for a full list of doctors, chemists and pharmacies.
Money Exchange
There are specialist bureau de changes around Fiji while foreign currency and travelers checks can also be exchanged at banks. Many larger resorts, hotels and shops take the major credit cards, but markets, taxis, buses and smaller budget accommodation places take Fiji dollars only.
Religion and Church
Christianity and Hinduism are the two main religions.
Taxes
All purchases in Fiji attract a 12.5% VAT charge. The price charged is generally inclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.
Time (local)
12 hours ahead of GMT and 20 hours ahead of US Pacific Time.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is left to the individual to determine whether to make a gratuity. Bargaining is expected at the markets and smaller shops. If bargaining with taxi drivers, settle on a price before getting in the taxi.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Nationals of 108 countries are granted a four-month entry visa upon arrival. Nationals of other countries require pre-arranged visas which can be applied for at their nearest Fiji High Commission. (www.immigration.gov.fj for a full exemption listing and visa application forms.) Four-month entry visas are for holiday purposes only. Business purpose visas are issued for 14 days. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay.
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