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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 Should you find information here that is outdated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:
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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.
Up
to date weather information can be found at http://nadraki.com/
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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.
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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.
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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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