Fiji
Fiji (Fijian: Viti, Hindi: फ़िजी) (sometimes called the Fiji Islands) is an archipelago nation in Melanesia in the Pacific Ocean. It lies 2000 km north of New Zealand and consists of 332 islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu being the largest ones.
Fiji's main attraction is its paradise-like nature, with perfect palm-lined beaches, blue waters and green inland hills. Relax on the gorgeous sandy beaches of the Mamanuca Islands. Dive for the dark limestone Sawa-i-Lau cave in the Yasawa Islands. Discover the sand dunes of the Sigatoka Valley, once used as a burial ground, or head deep into Viti Levu to see Fiji's inland wildlife at the beautiful and jungle-covered Kulu Eco Park. From virtually any of the islands you can dive to experience Fiji's underwater beauty, or take a challenging hike along the ridges and through the dense rain forest of Bouma National Park, on Taveuni. Tall jungle trees, a colourful array of birds, waterfalls and volcanic peaks are just some of the attractions.
Regions
Fiji can be divided into nine groups of islands:
| Viti Levu This is the largest and most important island of the country. It has most inhabitants, is the most economically developed, and is home to the capital, Suva. |
| Vanua Levu The second largest island, surrounded by some smaller northern islands. |
| Taveuni The third largest island, near Vanua Levu, with the 180th meridian cutting the island in half. It is the exclusive habitat of the tagimoucia flower. |
| Kadavu This island is south of Viti Levu. |
| Yasawa Islands Northwestern island group popular for island-hopping holidays. |
| Mamanuca Islands A group of tiny islands west of Viti Levu. |
| Lomaiviti Islands The central group of islands between Viti Levu and Lau Group. |
| Lau Islands Group of many small islands in eastern Fiji. |
| Rotuma Remote dependency of Fiji, home to a different Polynesian ethnic group. |
Cities
Other destinations
Understand
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| Capital | Suva |
| Currency | Fijian dollar (FJD) |
| Population | 905.5 thousand (2017) |
| Electricity | 240 volt / 50 hertz (AS/NZS 3112) |
| Country code | +679 |
| Time zone | UTC+12:00, Pacific/Fiji |
| Emergencies | 000, 911, +1-919 (police force) |
| Driving side | left |
| edit on Wikidata | |
Fiji is the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Its majestic and varied coral reefs today draw tourists from around the world, but were the nightmare of European mariners until well into the 19th century. As a result, Fijians have retained their land and often much of the non-commercial, sharing attitude of people who live in vast extended families with direct access to natural resources. When it came, European involvement and cession to Britain was marked by the conversion to Anglicanism, the cessation of animist beliefs, brutal tribal warfare and cannibalism, and the immigration of a large number of indentured Indian labourers, whose descendants now represent nearly half of the population, and there are smaller numbers of Europeans and other Asians. Today, Fiji is a land of tropical rain forests, coconut plantations, fine beaches, and fire-cleared hills. For the casual tourist it is blessedly free of evils such as malaria, landmines, or terrorism that attend many similarly lovely places in the world.
Internal political unrest since 2005 has reduced tourism. The Fiji tourism industry has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of the main resort areas that are far removed from the politics in and around the capital, Suva.
While the 180-degree longitude line crosses through Fiji, the international date line passes east of all of Fiji, making it one of the first countries to enter every new day.
Climate
Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation. Tropical cyclonic storms (the South Pacific version of hurricanes) can occur from November-April. Temperature sensitive visitors may wish to visit during the Southern Hemisphere winter.
Geography
Fiji is 3,000 km east of Australia within the waters of the South Pacific Ocean. It comprises a group of 332 islands across its archipelago.
Terrain
Mostly mountains of volcanic origin. In most of the interior of the main islands there are some roads, many trails, and an amazing number of remote villages. Buses and open or canvas topped "carriers" traverse the mountains of Vanua Levu several times a day and the interior mountains of Viti Levu many times weekly. (The Tacirua Transport "hydromaster" bus which leaves from Nausori in the morning, runs past the hydroelectric reservoir and mount Tomanivi, and arrives the same day in Vatoukola and Tavua is the best and the scenery is truly spectacular in good weather!)
History
Austronesians were the first settlers, who reached Fiji by 1100 BC. From 500 BC, Melanesian mariners reached Fiji, giving rise to the modern Fijians. By the 10th century, it came under the sphere of influence within the Tu'i Tonga Dynasty, bringing Polynesian customs.
Europeans explored Fiji in the 17th century, including Abel Tasman, who in 1643, accidentally discovered the islands. Then in 1774, Captain Cook explored Fiji, combining the names "Fisi" that people from Tonga called Fiji, and "Viti" that natives Fijians called their islands. It was briefly ruled under an independent kingdom until being transitioned to colonial rule under the British Empire in the 19th century.
Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract labourers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration. The population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. There was another military coup in 2006, led by Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama. An election was held in 2014 and Bainimarama's FijiFirst party won a majority of seats.
Culture
Indigenous Fijian culture and tradition is very vibrant and is an integral component of everyday life for the majority of Fiji's population. However, Fijian society has also evolved over the past century with the addition of Indian and Chinese immigrants, and because of heavy influences from Europe and Fiji's Pacific neighbours, particularly Tonga and Samoa. Thus, the various cultures of Fiji have come together to create a unique multicultural national identity.
Holidays
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- Feb/Mar: Holi
- Rau Naumi (not an official holiday)
- Easter (variable)
- Eid al-Fitr (Islamic religious observance)
- 10 October: Fiji Day (Independence Day)
- Oct/Nov: Diwali (Festival of Lights)
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Boxing Day
Tourist information
- Fiji Travel website
Talk
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Fijian terminology
Fijian English vocabulary is similar to that of Australian, New Zealand and other Oceanian English dialects.
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Fiji has three official languages, namely English, Fijian and Hindi.
Fijian is the first language of the native Melanesian population, while a local variant of Hindi is mainly spoken by those of Indian descent. English is the lingua franca and medium of instruction in Fijian schools, and is widely spoken across Fiji. Residents of some remote islands may not be fluent in English, so learning some Fijian phrases will come in handy when travelling to those areas. Even in major cities, it is always polite to greet people with bula (meaning "hello" or "life" in Fijian) as it shows appreciation of the local culture.
A small number of other indigenous East Fijian and West Fijian regional languages (including Rotuman, a language spoken by the Rotuman people of Rotuma) are spoken on the islands, standard Fijian belonging to the East Fijian group.
Get in
Entry requirements
Fiji has a liberal travel policy, and citizens of over 100 countries including the US, the EU, India and China do not need a visa. Most visitors are granted permits on arrival that last 4 months. The visitor permit may be extended for up to 2 additional months for a fee. All visitors receive entry stamps, but not exit stamps.
All others will need a visa. Visas can be applied for online, are processed in 3 working days, and cost $91/180 for single/multiple entry.
By plane
Nadi International Airport (NAN IATA) is Fiji's main international airport, and the main air hub for the Pacific island nations. Suva airport also has some international flights. Flag carrier Fiji Airways flies to Nadi directly from Los Angeles (LAX IATA), San Francisco (SFO IATA and Honolulu (HNL IATA) in the United States, Vancouver (YVR IATA) in Canada, as well as Hong Kong (HKG IATA), Singapore (SIN IATA), Tokyo (NRT IATA) and many locations throughout Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the Pacific. Air New Zealand operates flights to Nadi from Auckland (AKL IATA), while Qantas operates flights from Sydney (SYD IATA).
From Brisbane the flight to Fiji is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, from Sydney 4 hours and 30 minutes and from Melbourne it is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
By boat
You can enter Fiji by boat from Australia through the Australia shore connection. Yachts must not stop at any island until they have clearance from Customs, Immigration, Health, and Biohazard officials. There are five official ports of entry in Fiji: Savusavu on Vanua Levu, Levuka on Ovalau, Suva and Lautoka on Viti Levu, and Oinafa on Rotuma.
Fiji is also a common port of call for cruise ships departing from Australia.
Get around
Fiji has a variety of public transport options, including buses, share taxis, and private taxis. Rates are very cheap: $1-2 (Fiji dollars) from Colo-i-Suva to Suva bus station by bus, $17 from Nadi bus station to Suva by share-taxi (share-taxis are usually white mini-vans that congregate and set-off when they reach their capacity of 6-8), or approximately $80 from Suva airport to Sigatoka by private taxi. On the main road circling Viti Levu buses run every half hour and taxis are a substantial proportion of traffic, while on western Taveuni buses make only a few runs per day and very little traffic is present. If the taxi has a meter, ask the driver to switch it on - the ride will be lot cheaper than with the negotiated price.
The rate from resorts on Nadi beach to Nadi downtown is $8 per passenger, and $12 to the airport -- you should be able to negotiate this price reasonably easily.
While there is rarely much traffic, most vehicles run on diesel and pollution on major roadways can be severe. A national speed limit of 80 km/h is usually observed; village speed limits are all but entirely ignored, but drivers slow down for several speed humps distributed within each village. Seat belts are advised on taxis but are rarely evident and apparently never used.
Road travel tends to be more dangerous than many people are used to, and many embassies advise their citizens to avoid pretty much any form of road travel. Pot holes, washouts and dilapidated bridges are commonplace. Buses are the best, unless you are truly comfortable and capable of renting and driving a car on your own - most people are not even if they think they are. Avoid travel at night, especially outside of urban areas. Another option is hop-on, hop-off bus passes which allow you to tour Fiji at your own pace for a fixed price. These are a more expensive way to travel but feature inclusions like tours and activities. However, some like Feejee Experience are limited to Viti Levu and trips to Beachcomber island and don't include the more remote islands.
Inter-island
Denarau Marina on Denarau Island is the gateway to all the inhabited Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. This is where most cruises and ferries serving Fiji's tourism-oriented western islands operate from. Denarau Island is connected to the mainland via a short bridge, and is 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport. Alternatively, there are additional services to the Yasawas from Lautoka, about 30 min to the north of Nadi.
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South Sea Cruises operates daily inter-island ferry transfers throughout Fiji's Mamanuca Island resorts, except Malolo Lailai (see Malolo Cat below). Awesome Adventures Fiji and the smaller Tavewa Seabus provide daily ferry transfers out to the remote Yasawa Islands. Inter-island ferries are reasonably priced and have a good safety record, though they may be busy at the beginning and end of school holiday periods. Ferries typically offer two or three classes (depending on the ship).
For fast boats to popular Malolo Lailai, the Malolo Cat service runs multiple daily departures from Denarau. A handy resource to compare and combine all ferry departures, timetables and connections to these island groups can be found on Fiji-bookings. The furthest extremes of the Yasawa islands take most of the day to reach, depending on weather, up to 5 or 6 hours. The Mamanucas, while on average much closer to the mainland, can also take multiple hours to reach. It is compulsory to be booked at an island resort for at least 1 night if you wish to disembark at any of the islands serviced by the ferry routes.
Fiji Searoad provides slow (car) ferry routes from eastern Viti Levu to Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Koro. They also include bus transfers from all main settlements on Viti Levu in combination with their ferry departures. However, in most cases it is wise to compare the pros and cons of such a long sea voyage (typically 10-12 hr) with more abundant and much faster (however more expensive) domestic flights.
Economy ($65 pp on Suva-Taveuni route) is the cheapest option, but requires you to sleep on chairs or on the floor. Sleeper ($104 pp, Suva-Taveuni) is dormitory-like accommodation. Cabin ($135 pp on MV Suiliven, $95 pp on SOFE, Suva-Taveuni) is not necessarily the best option, as the space is very limited, cabin can be shared (4 beds) and can have hordes of bugs.
Do not attempt to take a car to another island unless you own it or have made clear special arrangements: most rental companies forbid it and they do prosecute tourists who violate this clause in the contract.
Getting to the more remote islands such as the Lau group usually is exclusively possible by boat charter, domestic flight or plane charter. An official invitation from the local chief is usually required.
Bicycle
Bicycles are becoming more popular in Fiji for locals and tourists alike. In many ways, Fiji is an ideal place for a rugged bike tour. However, the motor vehicle traffic can be intimidating on well-travelled roads, and there is a lack of accommodation along secondary roads. Cycling is a great way to see Fiji but make sure you carry all your own spares and supplies as bike shops are scarce. It is a good idea to carry plenty of water, a camelbak is great, as it is very hot and humid almost year round.
The main road around the largest island, Viti Levu, is sealed except for a 40-km section on the east side. A sturdy road, touring or hybrid bike is suitable.
Bike rental can be quite expensive comparing to other options: on Taveuni bike for full day costs $25. With two persons the cost is similar to renting a car.
Railway
The extensive system of narrow gauge railways used to transport sugar cane to the refineries also carried passengers for free or cheaply in the past, but the infrastructure is falling into disrepair and the opportunities are closing. Thus, the Coral Coast Railway offers a tourist train ride, but no further than Sigatoka as the railway river bridge there has collapsed. Its station is at 18°8'27"S 177°25'50"E (across the main road from The Gecko Lodge, by the turnoff to the Shangri-la Resort) and its westward excursions from that station are off, because of another unrepaired bridge collapse immediately west of the station. Mechanical failures may mean no offerings during the time of your visit.
There is talk of another tourist train scheme based in Nadi. As you leave the airport, you will cross the tracks.
See
In short, the natural treasures alone are worth the trip, but this island nation does have a number of cultural sights to offer. There's the beautiful Garden of the Sleeping Giant on Nadi, once owned by famous actor Raymond Burr who lived here. It holds over 20 hectares full of orchids native to Fiji, many cultivated and exotic plants plus a lovely lily pond. Make a trip to one of the many villages to take part in a kava-ceremony or to see one of the many other remaining cultural traditions. Navala village (on Viti Levu) still maintains its traditional bures, making it an excellent pick. For a deeper insight in the country's history and culture, the Fiji Museum on Suva is an excellent addition to your trip.
Sport
Sport is a large part of Fijian culture.
- Rugby union is the national sport, and even in the poorest villages, you can see children playing rugby in any open field available making use of plastic bottles or something similar as substitutes if they can't afford to buy an actual rugby ball. The ANZ stadium in Suva is Fiji's national stadium, and the Fijian national team typically performs a traditional war dance known as the cibi before every test match. Fiji contests the Pacific Nations Cup with the neighbouring countries of Tonga and Samoa, and regularly sends teams to the Rugby World Cup, having made the quarter finals twice. In addition to the traditional 15-a-side game, Fiji also regularly competes in rugby sevens, where it is the world's most successful team, having been the most successful team in the Hong Kong Sevens, as well as the winner of the gold medal at the inaugural rugby sevens tournament at the Olympics.
- Soccer (also known as football) is a growing sport in Fiji. The Fiji Premier League is the highest men's soccer league in Fiji, which has promotion and relegation with the Fiji Senior League, while the highest women's league is the Fiji Women's Super League, which has promotion and relegation with the Fiji Women's Senior League. Fiji has never qualified for the Olympic football tournament, nor have they ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup or the FIFA Women's World Cup. The men's national team is nicknamed the "Bula Boys".
Do
- Whitewater rafting, Rivers Fiji, P.O. Box 307 Pacific Harbour, ☏ +1-209-736-0597. Rivers Fiji operates whitewater rafting and sea kayaking trips six days a week.
- The Pearl, Queens Road, Pacific Harbour, Pacific Coast, ☏ +679-773-0022. The Pearl Fiji Championship Golf Course and Country Club is situated in Pacific Harbour and surrounded by beautiful tropical forests. With more than 60 bunkers, multiple water traps, and winding course, it provides a challenge for even the most experienced golfers.
Learn
- University of the South Pacific[dead link], Suva
- Fiji National University
- The Fiji School of Medicine[dead link]
Buy
Money
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Exchange rates for Fijian dollar
As of January 2024:
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available from XE.com |
In Fiji the currency is the Fijian dollar, denoted by the symbol "F$" or "$" (ISO currency code: FJD). Wikivoyage articles will use $ to denote the currency.
Bills include: $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. You may also encounter a $7 Fijian note, although you're better off keeping that rather than spending it as it is quite rare. Coins include: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, and a $2 coin. In some areas, the Australian dollar is also accepted, but unlike some other Pacific Island countries, AUD is not the preferred method of payment.
Tipping
In Fiji, tipping is virtually non-existent. This includes no tipping to taxis, hotels, bellpersons, restaurants, etc. However, at most all-inclusive resorts and amongst the scuba diving operations, they have a "Christmas Box" where you can donate money that is shared equally amongst all the staff at Christmas time.
Concerns
Expect to pay prices similar to those of Australia in tourist regions.
Be aware when going to local markets, often some of the stall holders family will be outside on the lookout for travellers, and will escort the travellers inside using the guise of "getting the best bargains". Once inside they, and their relatives who own the stall, can become quite aggressive if the traveller does not buy their products. Be firm, tell them that you will report them to the authorities if they do not leave you alone. They will quickly change their tone and back down.
Also be aware of small travel counters acting as travel agents, even in some hotels, or on wharves where boats pull in. They may not be accredited, or may be an outright scam. While tourist police have been created to assist tourists in such predicaments, time constraints may restrict tourists ability to retrieve monies. Ask resort managers for more advice.
Eat
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Indigenous Fijian cuisine
Traditional food in Fiji relies heavily on tubers like taro, yams, sweet potatoes (kumala), manioc (tavioka) and breadfruit (uto), served with a relish made from meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables. Dishes to look out for:
- palusami, baked taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk often with some meat or fish filling and a bit of onion or garlic
- kokoda, raw fish or other seafood marinated in lemon and coconut milk, similar to ceviche
- lovo, food cooked in a pit oven. Not found at restaurants, but many hotels offer lomo "feasts" for dinner.
Don't miss fresh tropical fruits, found at the farmer's market in any town when in season. Vutu is a local variety of nut mainly grown on the island of Beqa, but also available in Suva and other towns around January and February. A great deal of food is cooked in coconut milk: everyone reacts different to increased fat levels in their diet. Chicken is often served chopped into pieces with the bones left.
While traditional Fijian cuisine is quite bland, Indian migrants brought along their food and have definitely spiced things up. South Asian cuisine is widely available and thali platters served with rice and roti flatbread are spicy, cheap and often delicious.
Indian cuisine
Due to the large number of Indians in Fiji, Indo-Fijians have developed their own cuisine, which blends traditional Indian cuisine with Fijian and Western cuisines.
Fiji is home to many local curry variants. One of the most well-known Fijian curries is fish suruwa, a type of fish curry that originated in Fiji.
Where to eat
Locals eat in the cafes and small restaurants that are found in every town. The food is wholesome, cheap, and highly variable in quality. What you order from the menu is often better than what comes out of the glass display case, except for places that sell a lot of food quickly and keep putting it out fresh. Fish and Chips are usually a safe bet, and are widely available. Many cafes serve Chinese food of some sort along with Indian and sometimes Fiji-style fish, lamb, or pork dishes. Near the airport, a greater variety of food is found, including Japanese and Korean.
Fiji also has some fast food options in cities and major towns, including McDonald's (locally known as "Maccas") and Burger King.
Drink
A very popular drink in Fiji is yaqona ("yang-go-na"), also known as "kava" and sometimes referred to as "grog" by locals. Kava is a peppery, earthy tasting drink made from the root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Its effects include a numbed tongue and lips (usually lasting only about 5-10 minutes) and relaxed muscles. Kava is mildly intoxicating, especially when consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis and you should avoid taxi and other drivers who have been drinking. It should not be consumed alongside alcohol.
Kava drinking in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflict and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages. If you are invited to a Fijian village or household, it is the most common gift (sevusevu) offering to bring.
Beer is also popular, particularly the ubiquitous Fiji Bitter. While a fairly new development, some of those sugarcane fields are now put to good use by distilling rum, and the Rum Company of Fiji has a nice range under the brands Bati and Ratu.
Sleep
- See towns in Fiji for detailed hotel listings.
Fiji is a popular tourist destination and has plenty of accommodation in all price brackets. Most resorts are near the main airport at Nadi or the nearby Mamanuca Islands. Nadi has backpacker-friendly lodges, while the international big brands are mostly nearby at Denarau Island. Hotels in the capital Suva are geared more towards business travellers.
Most Fiji travel agents will take a commission of 15 and 20% along with your booking, which may be called a "deposit". Since this is an up-front payment, it is often beneficial to only book one night, and then you may be able to negotiate a lesser rate for subsequent nights (if space is available).
Many smaller and simpler accommodations have "local rates" and can give discounts that are simply huge if you can book a room in person (or have a local do it for you) and give a legitimate local address and phone number. In the Suva area, the Raffles Tradewinds is nice and quiet and about a dollar by frequently running buses from central down town. Sometimes upon arrival at the airport in Nadi, you can stop at the Raffles Gateway across from the airport entrance and book a room at the Tradewinds at a good local rate if business is slow.
- Village Stays, Throughout Fiji. Finding details is very difficult. Villages vary, as do amenities (including electricity), ensure you have an idea of what is included, any additional costs, what activities are available, before arriving. Unlike resorts, villages require shoulders to be covered at all times, and sometimes sulu (sarong) to be worn, for all genders. Your hosts will be more than happy to explain cultural requirements. Price varies - ensure you bring kava for sevusevu.
Stay safe
Crime
Most crime takes place in the outer suburbs of Suva and Nadi, away from the resort areas. The best advice is to stick to hotel grounds after dark, and to use extreme caution in Suva, Nadi and other urbanised areas after nightfall. Travellers have been victims of violent crime, particularly in Suva. Travellers have reported the regularity of petty robberies, muggings, and also home-invasions/rape, etc. You will notice the predominance of bars on most peoples' homes. Economic and ethnic strife has led to a low-level hum of violent crime. Some resorts and hotels have more extensive security measures than others which should be taken into account.
Muggings are often carried out by large groups of men so being in a group won't necessarily be a deterrent. Police forces sometimes have difficulties responding to crime, potentially for reasons as mundane as being unable to pay for petrol.
Fijian culture encourages sharing and sometimes small things like shoes will be "borrowed". Often by speaking with the village chief it can be arranged to get things returned.
Political unrest
Fiji has been subject to occasional political unrest and upheaval, including five coups d'état since 1987, with the most recent occurring in 2009. These upheavals have damaged the Fijian economy, including its tourism sector, and have led to relative international isolation. While as of April 2021 there is no significant unrest or potential for a coup, visitors should stay aware of political news in the country and those doing business in Fiji should ensure that their contracts and visas remain valid. Even in the event of unrest, tourists at resorts and hotels will likely remain safe, especially if they are not in Suva. If unrest does happen, and you happen to be in a hotspot such as Suva, avoid areas where protests may occur, and have the information for your country's embassy handy in case you are detained or are required to evacuate.
LGBT travellers
Although Fiji is a religious country, Fijians are generally quite tolerant of LGBT people. Fiji has more advanced LGBT rights than almost every other Oceanian country, the sole exceptions being Australia and New Zealand.
The age of consent in Fiji, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, is 16, with the laws being the same in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and most of Australia. Consensual sex between two men has been legal in Fiji since 2009.
Discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, has been banned by the Constitution since 1997. Fiji was the second country in the world to enshrine discrimination protections for LGBT people in its constitution, the first being South Africa.
Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legally recognised in Fiji. The only Oceanian countries where same-sex marriages are legally recognised are Australia and New Zealand.
Stay healthy
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Diseases
Fiji is relatively free of disease compared to most of the tropics. Avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and even elephantiasis by covering up thoroughly or using repellents while outdoors at dawn or dusk.
Water
Drinking water
While water is often unsafe to drink in several Pacific Island nations, water in Fiji is generally safe to drink, though filtering or boiling is advisable when unsure. Urban tap water is treated and nearly always safe. When exceptions occasionally arise, there are public warnings or radio and print media warnings. Contaminated food is uncommon, though on occasion, mature reef fish can contain mild neurotoxins they accumulate in their bodies from freshwater algae that wash into the ocean. The effects of such "fish-poisoning" are usually intense for only a day or two, but tingling lips and unusual sensitivities to hot and cold can linger for a long time.
Water safety
Drownings are common, and automobile and other motor vehicle accidents (often involving animals or pedestrians) are very common. Local emergency medical care is very good on the basics in urban areas. Expect long waits in government-run clinics and hospitals. Treatment for serious conditions often requires an evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. Even the most basic medical care is usually not available outside of urban areas.
Sun safety
Fiji, like most of the South Pacific, can have intense solar radiation that can cause severe skin-burns in a short amount of time. Be sure to use hats, sunglasses and liberal amounts of high-SPF value sunblock on ALL exposed skin (including ears, noses and tops-of-feet) when out in the sun. On top of that tropical boils are a common inconvenience in Fiji, this can be avoided by giving those sweaty sections of the body a soapy scrub more than once a day.
Respect
Religion
Fiji, like many Pacific Island states, has a strong Christian moral society; having been colonised and converted to Protestantism by missionaries during the 19th century. Do not be surprised if shops and other businesses are closed on Sunday. The Sabbath starts at 6PM the day before, and some businesses celebrate the Sabbath on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Many Indians are Hindu or Muslim.
Dress
Dress modestly and appropriately. While Fiji is a tropical country, beach-wear should be confined to the beach. Take your cues from the locals as to what they consider appropriate dress for the occasion. When visiting towns and villages, you should be sure to cover your shoulders and wear shorts or sulus (sarongs) that cover your knees (both genders). This is especially true for visiting a church, although locals will often lend you a sulu for a church visit.
There is no nudist/naturist or topless bathing in Fiji.
Connect
There are two mobile phone companies operating on the island (Vodafone, Digicel) as well as an MVNO (Inkk) which resells Vodafone's network. Tourists are invited to use prepaid sim chips which can be found free or cheap in the mobile operator kiosks in the Nadi airport. You can top-up the balance online with a credit card, or by visiting a retail store that advertises top ups. The phone number is required to top up and is provided when signing up for the sim chip so please make a note of it.
Buying a SIM chip gives access to cheap data packages for easy internet access using your phone as a hot-spot. It is generally cheaper than resort Wi-Fi, and speed is reasonable with the connections in the tourist areas (1-8Mbps with an objective 2.5Mbps average based on use in Nadi). You can request a data-only sim to get access to cheaper data packages. Some plans offer free social media data. Be sure to ask the sales agent about promotions. Both networks use 900Mhz for GSM and a mix of 800/1800/2100Mhz for 3G/4G.
- Vodafone offers a battery powered portable wifi device for $59 branded as "Pocket WiFi". The device can be unlocked for use in other countries by contacting support via email or using the online chat feature on the website. In October 2021 a $15 prepaid plan grants 100GB of data.
- Digicel[dead link] offers prepaid "Digimodem" plans. The sim card must be converted to a data sim by the sales rep only after inserting it into a modem. Digicel offers a portable battery powered dual-band Wi-Fi device for $199 which is locked to the Digicel Fiji network. Check in retail stores for more economical modems or bring your own unlocked modem. Alternatively, a mobile phone can be used as a hotspot with slightly more expensive regular data charges.
Public phones are numerous and usually easy to find (look around shops). Calling cards can be used to make international calls. Internet cafes are available in city centers.