DESTINATION GUIDE: FIJI

Fiji

Bula, welcome to Fiji!

Situated in the South Pacific Ocean a few hours flight from Australia and New Zealand, Fiji is a thriving island country made up of more than 300 islands. Boasting white, palm-lined beaches, crystal clear lagoons and dozens of fantastic snorkelling and diving sites, Fiji welcomes just under 1 million tourists to the tiny island community each year to explore the island and get to know the nation’s culture.

Whether you’re looking to visit Fiji for the first time or want to uncover a new adventure on this tiny island nation, read on to learn the top things to see and do.

 

POPULATION: 929,000

PRIMARY LANGUAGE: Fijian, English, Fiji Hindi

PRIMARY CURRENCY: Fijian Dollar (FJD)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Visit the Fiji Immigration Website for accurate information.

Climate

Lying just south of the equator, Fiji’s climate is mostly tropical, with two distinct seasons – a rainy season from December to April, and a dry season from June to October. Being near the equator, Fiji’s temperature is also typically warm all year round, ranging from 23 – 35 degrees and making it suitable to visit at any time.

Peak tourism season is usually between June to October when the weather is still warm but the rain is staying away, so if you want to avoid peak tourism time and still enjoy your trip, we recommend visiting between November to April.

Capital Cities

Made up of over 300 islands spread throughout the South Pacific, Fiji has one capital city – Suva – located on the southern end of the largest island, Viti Levu. Home to roughly 75,000 people, Suva is the commercial and political centre of the country and a large portion of the South Pacific, hosting the majority of international meetings, diplomatic meetings and home to the country’s largest harbour.

Commonly visited by business travellers, Suva is the best city to visit if you’re looking to travel to Fiji on business purposes or want to stay for a long period of time. If you’re planning a shorter visit for pleasure, the top tourist city of Nadi is the best destination to visit.

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LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

A vibrant island full of bright colours, crystal clear waters and friendly faces, Fiji is the dream destination if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, slow down and embrace sunny island life for a while. While you’re sure to be immerse in island culture no matter where you go, there are a few local tips and tricks that will make your stay that little bit more special:

  • Stay in Smaller Resorts for the true Fijian Experience – Generally speaking, the larger the resort the less ‘authentically Fijian’ your trip may feel. If you want to dive headfirst into Fijian culture, trade the larger, more popular resorts for smaller accommodation options. Your Pulse Travel Agent can assist with finding the perfect accommodation for you.
  • Pack Bright Colours – Fiji is a naturally bright and colourful place, and Fijians often dress in island patterns or tropical prints, so embrace the island dress code and swap your plain shirts and shorts for bright and colourful outfits while on the island. Island culture is also generally pretty casual, so you can skip the heels and loafers and just bring a nice pair of runners or sandals with you as footwear.
  • Embrace ‘Bula’ Spirit – Fijians are famous for their hospitality and friendly nature, and you’ll likely hear people shout ‘Bula!’ at you wherever you go while visiting. It’s customary to greet anyone you’re meeting with a friendly ‘Bula’ – you’ll also want to say ‘vinaka’ as thanks.
  • Pack (or purchase) Bottled Water – The water in Fiji isn’t the same quality as many other nations worldwide, and while it may be safe to drink out of the tap in the larger cities and hotels, we suggest bringing some bottled water with you when out and about to be on the safe side.
  • Try Kava – Fiji is famous for its Kava, a drink made from the crushed roots of the plant Piper methysticum, and it’s highly recommended to try Kava at least once while visiting Fiji. Fijians will often drink Kava in groups with other members of their village, and there are a few common rules of etiquette to follow when involved in a Kava drinking ceremony, but don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure, as Fijians love to share!

FAQ’s

When is the best season to visit Fiji?

Fiji is a tropical destination, and great to visit all year round, However, the country experiences a very distinct wet and dry season, with most tourists visiting during the dry season in May to October. if you want to make the most of blue skies, low humidity and beautiful weather, we recommend visiting during this time, but if you want to get slightly cheaper rates and don’t mind some bad weather, visit over the Christmas period.

Where are the best places to visit in Fiji?

With over 300 islands to choose from, deciding on the best destination to visit in Fiji can be a bit of a challenge – although at the end of the day, every island is a good one. The main island of Viti Levu is a popular choice to visit, with the Capital City Suva located here and the popular tourist city of Nadi. However, if you’re wanting to save some money or explore places that are slightly less popular, we recommend visiting the Mamanucas, Yasawas or the Northern Islands. Your Pulse Travel Agent can help craft the perfect itinerary for you, to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

What is Fiji Culture Like?

Fijian culture is primarily about humility, hospitality and respect, and thus the culture is extraordinarily welcoming and friendly. Fijians have embraced island life and the laid-back culture that comes with it, so ensure you take the time to embrace island life while visiting the area, and make sure you say ‘Bula!’ to anyone you meet!

What documents do I need to enter Fiji?

Before you visit Fiji, it’s important you ensure you have the right documentation and visa (if required) to enter the country. Anyone entering Fiji is required to hold a valid passport, and you may require a permit and proof of accommodation and return flight – specific information can be found on the Fiji Government website.

Is Fiji safe to visit?

Fiji is generally a safe place to visit, but as the nation is a developing country, travellers would be wise to stay alert to petty crimes such as theft, fraud and card skimming. Fiji can also experience cyclones during the wetter cyclone season, which can cause flooding and disruption to essential services. Travel to the larger and more built-up areas of Fiji is generally fairly safe, however we always recommend visiting SmartTraveller for specific advice and staying aware of your surroundings.

Is English spoken in Fiji?

Fiji has three official languages – English, Fijian and Hindi. While most native Fijians will speak either Fijian or Hindi as their first language, the majority of people working within hotels and tourism businesses will also speak English.

Is Fiji expensive?

As a more isolated, island nation, Fiji is typically considered more expensive to visit, due to the higher cost of living and remoteness of the region. However, there are options for those who want to visit Fiji on a smaller budget, and our Leisure Travel Team will be able to help tailor a holiday to suit your budget.

Get in touch with us to plan your French holiday!