| FAQ
/ Visiting Fiji
These FAQ should help to answer the most common questions.
It is not going to replace an e-mail chat with us or a travel
guide where you find more in depth information. Some items
like prices, times, may change without notice. So please don't
take it as gospel and double check before you travel. Should
you find information here that is outdated or wrong, please
e-mail us and let us know.
Is
Fjij a safe place to travel?
Fiji is a fascinating country. Like any other place in the
world it has its downsides as well. The travel advisories
of some countries do warn to take extra caution if you travel
to Fiji due to the political unrest that has occurred at
times. Crime does exist and occasionally even travellers
have fallen victim. However, Fiji is not the dangerous place
that it is sometimes painted to be. All that is needed is
a bit of common sense and respect for local advice. We say
this because we have sent hundreds of travellers to Fiji
who have all had a safe and enjoyable experience. As a rule
of thumb, you are very safe in your resorts, on your dive
boats, in hotels and with your tour guide. Use normal caution
around airports and in bigger cities, avoid being out at
night alone, especially in bigger towns. Foreign Affairs
departments of all major nations offer "official travel
advice". We don't always agree with them as we have
usually more detailed information, but please judge for
yourself:
Top
Do I need a Passport or Visa?
A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended
period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel
is required on entry to the Fiji Islands. Entry visas are
granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months to most Nationals.
These include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France,
Germany, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom and USA. Other nations must apply for a visa before
departure at their nearest Fiji Embassy.
NOTE:
As visa requirements can change at any time, we recommend
you confirm visa requirements prior to your departure.
AIRPORT
LEVIES
Visitors are required to pay FJD$30 following check in for
you flight departing Fiji. Children under 12 are exempt
as are people in transit (in Fiji for less than 12 hours).
There is no departure tax on domestic flights. However,
please note that airport fees can be introduced or changed
at any time with no prior notice.
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When
is the best weather to visit and dive in Fiji?
Fiji
enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate and can get hot
in the summer but seldom reaches above 35°C (96°F).
Trade winds from the east southeast bring year long cooling
breezes late afternoon and early evening.
Top
Do
I need vaccinations before I travel to Fiji?
Fiji
is free from malaria, yellow fever and other major tropical
diseases in tropical countries. Outbreaks of mosquito transmitted
dengue fever are very limited and spraying the towns to kill
the mosquitoes is quickly organised if the threat becomes
apparent. There are no serious animal pests or plant
diseases. No specific vaccinations are required, exceptions
are yellow fever and cholera if coming from an infected area.
The real threat is the sun - sunstroke, heat stroke and sunburn
are common occurrences with those eager for a tan. Don't underestimate
the strength of the suns' rays. As we say in Australia, "slip,
slop, slap"- SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen and SLAP
on a hat!
Fresh
water reticulated in Suva, Lautoka and the other major towns
has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. This
also applies to hotels and resorts. Some resorts use artesian
water for bathing, but provide drinking water separately.
If this is the case, visitors will be advised.
Top
What do I need to know about the
currency?
The Fijian dollar and cent are used in denominations
of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c
and $1. As a a rough guideline the Fijian Dollar is worth
approximately 0.80 Australian Dollars. ATM's are
readily available in major towns and include ANZ, Westpac
and Colonial. There is a 24 hour bank at Nadi International
Airport. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted at most
resorts and at the larger shops. There are several money
exchange companies in Nadi and Suva.There is no limit to
the amount of money to be brought in. Visitors are allowed
to take out currency up to the amount imported.
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Will my electrical appliances/computer/chargers
etc. work in Fiji?
The current is 240 volts and outlets take 3 pins (as in
Australia and New Zealand). Leading hotels and resorts have
universal outlets for 240v or 110v appliances or 110v adapters.
Some resorts generate their own electricity and if they
kick in and out, bedside digital clocks will need resetting
- a travel alarm clock can be a handy travelling companion!
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Can I use my drivers licence to
hire a car?
PNG's drive their cars on the left hand side of the road.
If you are used to driving on the right hand side then exercising
a little caution at the beginning should get used to the
left hand side quickly. To hire a car a valid national car
drivers licence (in English) or a international drivers
licence is needed. Car hire is relatively expensive in PNG.
In most cases you will be better advised to find a local
guide to take you around and show you places, rather than
driving yourself.
Top
Should I bring any special clothing?
Bring casual, light and comfortable clothes. The evenings
can get relatively cool with a sea breeze so something warm
for the evening is recommended. Bring some very light clothing
which offers sun protection for trips ashore to some of
the villages. If you plan to stay overnight in Port Moresby
dress is relaxed and casual, with a shirt with collar, long
pants and shoes (not runners) for men and the women dress
equally tasteful. It will get you admission to just about
everywhere. Bring:
- Slacks or other informal dress
- Long sleeved shirt
- Sweatshirt or jacket or windbreaker
- Walking shoes or sandals
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Swim suits
- Sun hat
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How much tips do I need to give?
Tipping is not encouraged anywhere in Fiji. Tip with a smile
and a "vinaka" (thank you). Some resorts, however,
operate a staff Christmas fund - a box will usually be found
near reception and donations are purely voluntary. Fijian
custom says that if you give something for nothing, the
person receiving will owe you - and that's how a tip is
perceived. By all means, if you receive exemplary service,
show your appreciation!
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What is the time difference to
Fiji?
On the top right corner of this webpage you see the time
in Cairns, Queensland/Australia at the moment. Fiji is two
hours ahead of Cairns. Just calculate the difference to
your local time.
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Are airport transfers included?
Most hotels, cruises or tour operators offer complimentary
pick up services from the airport. This will be marked clearly
on the product description.
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