12 Essential Things To Know Before Travelling To Fiji

Fiji is a paradise with stunning natural beauty that includes pristine beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant marine life. The archipelago of more than 330 islands and over 500 islets offers tourists a unique cultural experience, with traditional Fijian dances, music and cuisine. It is a place which encourages outdoor pursuits such as surfing world-class waves to exploring hidden waterfalls and enjoying luxury resorts on picturesque islands.

If you're planning a holiday to this tropical paradise soon, here are 12 things you should know before going.

Where Is Fiji?

Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and north of New Zealand. It comprises over 300 islands, the two main ones being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Fiji is known for its stunning coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical landscapes. Positioned between the latitudes of 15° and 20° south of the equator, it enjoys a tropical maritime climate. Its central location in the Pacific makes it a popular destination for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure amidst a vibrant Polynesian culture.

Patronise Small Businesses

If you wish to have a luxurious trip to Fiji then by all means go for it. Most international chain resorts are found on Denarau Island, an artificial island 13 kilometres from Nadi International Airport (NAN). But, if you can, consider staying at smaller resorts and homestays. These tend to be decorated with locally made art, offer guided trips to nearby villages and serve Fijian fare. The same goes for souvenirs. Fijian Handicraft Centres can be found in urban places like Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. You can also visit the Nadi Crafters Market, Jack’s of Fiji and RoC Market (Fiji’s largest and longest-running community market). Look for the “Fijian Made” stamp to guarantee authenticity.

Tipping Is Not Expected

Tipping in Fiji is not expected. Instead, a service charge will normally be added to your bill and usually be declared on the menu if you’re in a café or restaurant. Even if it’s not customary to tip in Fiji, a little extra is always appreciated as a thank-you for exceptional service. The generosity of your spirit will likely be significantly appreciated during certain public holidays and festive times, like Christmas and Diwali.

Stay For Longer

If you plan to visit just one or two areas of Fiji, a week is enough time to have a balance of sightseeing and relaxing. If you hope to see more, you’ll lose at least half a day in transit whenever you island hop. So, just slow down and pick a few places to stay. If you’d prefer to do more rather than less, embark on day trips from your accommodation rather than changing sleeping spots every other day. 

Learn Basic Fijian Phrases

Many Fijians speak English, and Indo-Fijians often speak Hindi. However, it's worth learning a few words and phrases, especially those you will hear repeatedly, like bula, which means hello or welcome, but can also be used as a toast and is part of the phrases for good day (ni bula) and good evening (ni sa bula). Io means yes (pronounced “ee-oh”) while sega means no. Kerekere means please and vinaka means thank you. When it's time to leave, say moce (pronounced “mothay”) or goodbye.

Don’t Go Empty-Handed To A Village

If you decide to visit a village, never show up empty-handed and always bring a gift. While that gift, known in Fijian as i-sevusevu, can be many things, you won’t go wrong with a parcel of yaqona roots. It’s a pricey product used in ceremonies and it's one item that villagers are reluctant to purchase themselves. You can also consider getting coloured pencils, sketchbooks and even a rugby ball for the children of the village. The gifts are usually given to the village headman as a mark of respect, though check with your guide to determine who the most appropriate recipient would be. Make sure your head is uncovered and that you are wearing modest clothing before you go.

Follow The Etiquette Of Drinking Kava

Much like saké in Japan, kava holds a unique place in Fijian ceremonies, celebrations and social life. Known locally as yaqona and kava across the Pacific, this earthy elixir is extracted from the dried roots of a pepper plant. To make the kava drink, the powder is added to a straining cloth, mixed with cold water and squeezed a few times until an earth-coloured liquid is extracted into the tanoa (kava bowl). The most formal way to drink this bitter liquid is in a village setting during the i-sevusevu ceremony. Usually, your host will offer you two options—high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup) but don’t fret as they tend to go easier on first timers.    

Remember these three easy steps to accept a bilo (bowl) like a local: clap once in a loud, cupped fashion and accept the proffered cup; say bula to your hosts and others, then drink the kava in one gulp (do not sip); then return the cup, clap three more times in the same manner and finish with the word vinaka.

Cash Is The Preferred Currency

In the big cities, banks with ATMs are easy to spot and convenient places to withdraw the local currency. But in villages or rural areas, where you won't be able to pay with anything but cash, you aren't going to find a bank, let alone an ATM. So, if you plan to go into a rural area or a location with a small population, bring as much cash as you think you will need; if you are going there with a guide, ask them for guidance on how much that should be. Note that most of the vendors in these areas will not accept payment by credit card or through a phone app either. Have small bills ready for use in taxis, public transportation and small purchases.

Sundays Are For Rest

Most Fijians are Christian and they take Sundays very seriously. Everyone goes to church dressed in their Sunday best with many of the men wearing crisp white shirts and black sulus (a traditional black skirt men wear in the islands). Many shops are closed on Sundays or have limited opening hours, so it’s best to get all your shopping and main activities completed on another day of the week. In tourist areas like Nadi, some shops that sell souvenirs or handicrafts to overseas visitors will be open, and generally, large supermarkets will operate with curtailed hours.

Set Your Schedule To ‘Fiji Time’

“Fiji time” is the affectionately known term for Fijians’ relaxed attitude to a schedule and timings. Things may not always run on time or be as efficient as you would expect at home, but that’s okay because remember—you are on holiday. In practical terms, this can mean a taxi driver might not show up when you agreed, or a trip to the local village might occur at a different time than when you were told. Treat “Fiji time” as just another continuum, and bake it into your daily routine on vacation.

Be Wary Of Mosquitos

The mosquitoes in Fiji routinely carry the dengue and Zika virus. Thus, a traveller's best course of action is not to get bitten. Visitors should take precautions to minimise their exposure by covering up—wear long pants and shirts instead of shorts, skirts and T-shirts, whenever possible. Favour light-coloured clothing, use mosquito repellent, and avoid the creatures when they emerge at night and near waterways. 

Best Time To Visit Fiji

The best time to visit Fiji is during its dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), minimal rainfall, and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach outings, and exploring the islands. The wet season, from November to April, is warmer but also brings higher humidity and frequent rain showers, including the possibility of tropical cyclones. While the wet season can be less predictable, it offers fewer tourists and lush, green landscapes, which may appeal to some travellers.