Fiji is best known as a romantic holiday destination where you can relax on the beach by day and later enjoy cocktails pondering over a stunning tropical sunset.
However, few realise quite how diverse and exciting the country is. The dive sights are amongst the best in the world with soft corals, incredible sea life, walls, drifts and shipwrecks to explore. Sailors and surfers alike rave about the waters and friendly local environment.
There are hills to climb for stunning views, waterfalls to cool off in, several National Parks with trails, nature reserves for bird watching and walking, rafting trips down rivers and village visits to experience the very traditional Fijian way of life. There are lively markets to visit, Fijian ceremonies to participate in and colourful Hindu festivals to see.
What's more, the Fijian people are extremely warm and hospitable so come and explore one of the most peaceful areas of the world, Fiji is an all-round excellent destination for a vacation.
With so much on offer in Fiji it is recommended that you extend your stay when here for the Golden Oldies World Netball Festival so you can enjoy this glorious county that little bit longer.
What you need to know before you leave home:
Duty Free Concession
The Fiji Islands provides visitors with the following duty free concessions:
- 500 cigarettes or 500 grams of cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco, or all three but not exceeding 500 grams together.
- Two litres of liquor, or four litres of wine or four litres of beer.
Goods and Services Taxes
There is a 12.5% value added tax (VAT) in the Fiji Islands that is applied to most items.
Electrical Appliances
Electric current is 240 volts AC 50 cycles and is convertible to 110 volts in some hotels. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. If your appliances are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter.
Postal Services
At many resorts and hotels (especially on the outer islands) you will be able to purchase stamps at reception and they may also organise the mailing of your postcards or letters. Post offices in the main centres are open 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday.
Telephone and Internet
The telephone services in Fiji is modern, with direct or operator-assisted dialling. Some hotels provide internet access in your room. Internet cafés are becoming quite common in the main centres.
What to Wear
Fiji enjoys a tropical climate - especially noticeable in the hotter, humid summer months of November-March, so you will be able to travel light! That includes shirts with short sleeves, shorts, skirts, bathing suits, open-toed shoes, etc. Reef-walkers are great for protecting your feet if you are exploring exposed reefs at low tide. And don't forget a hat! Depending on where you are staying, you may like to bring some dressier (but lightweight!) clothes for the evening. To avoid embarrassing and offending the local Fijian people, visitors should dress modestly when in town, keeping brief clothing for the beaches and resorts. If in doubt about what is acceptable, ask your resort or hotel. This is especially important if you visit a local Fijian village.
Water
The tap water in Fiji is generally safe although it may be advisable to boil water before drinking. Bottles of drinking water are sold at most stores and hotels in the country. There are local brands available including Fiji Natural Water.
Medical Facilities
Should you require the services of a doctor while visiting the Fiji Islands there is a variety of public and private medical services available in most major centres and your Hotel can assist you at anytime should you require medical attention.
And Just Remember
South Pacific islands have their own slow tempo and Fiji is no exception. Things don't move as quickly as in Sydney or San Francisco and you would be wrong to expect that they should. The sun is hot, the air is humid and no one - except a few misguided tourists - rushes around for any reason. If the bus is late (or doesn't show up at all), don't worry: there will be others. The Fiji Bitter you ordered may be slow inbeing served, but it will come and it will be cold. The hotel operator may not move like lightning to place your call, but he or she will place it eventually. In their own way and in their own time, people in Fiji do get things done.
