Fiji Vacation FAQs

Immigration
Most passport holders are granted a 4-month tourist visa on arrival, onward ticket and a passport valid for at least 3 months longer than your intended stay are required.  International departure tax is F$30, children under 12 are exempt.

Customs
Duty free allowances for persons 17 years and older: 200 cigarettes or 200gms tobacco or 200gms of cigars.  2 litres of liquor or 4 litres of wine or 4 litres of beer.  There is no limit on currency brought into Fiji.

Health
Fiji is free from malaria and most tropical diseases.  Vaccinations are not required unless traveling from designated infected regions.  Tap water is safe to drink in major towns and resorts; bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Money
The Fiji dollar is the unit of currency.  Specialist bureau de changes are located around the country; most banks have foreign currency exchanges also.  Most hotels and tour operators welcome major credit cards, though in remote regions only cash is accepted.  VAT (value added tax) at a rate of 12.5% is charged on goods and services.

Tipping
Tipping is neither encouraged nor expected in Fiji.  For excellent service or in special circumstances many resorts operate a 'Staff Christmas Fund' for tips

Transport
Public transportation is readily available and reasonably priced.  Public buses can be waved down at the roadside, are a fun way to get around and service most towns and cities.  Taxis are numerous, especially in the big towns and relatively cheap.  For long trips agree on a price with the driver before departure.  Most major car rental agencies have offices located around the 2 main islands.  Current driving licenses from any English speaking country are accepted in Fiji.  Driving is on the left hand side of the road, with a national speed limit of 80km/h.

Media
Fiji has 3 daily English language newspapers - Fiji Post, Fiji Sun and Fiji Times.  The free tourist newspaper - Fiji Magic, is full of great information for the visitor to Fiji.  International editions of Time and Newsweek can be found in bookstores, as can daily newspapers from Australia and New Zealand.
A variety of English, Fijian and Hindi radio stations play the best of modern and golden oldies music with regular news broadcasts throughout the day.
Fiji has 1 national television station with satellite channels available at most major hotels and resorts.

Communications
Post offices are open from 8am - 4:30pm weekdays.  Public telephones require phone cards, available from post offices, newsagents and some pharmacies.  Most major hotels and resorts have Internet access and there are numerous cyber cafés in the main towns. 
Vodaphone provides GSM digital mobile phone service.  Check with your service provider for international roaming and rates.

Etiquette
When visiting a Fijian village a gift of yaqona (kava) is traditionally presented to the village chief.  Kava drinking is an important part of Fijian culture, if offered a bowl of kava it is considered impolite not to drink it.  Modest dress is required in the villages, where hats, caps and sunglasses should not be worn. 

Electricity
220-240 volts, 50hz, 3 pin flat plug (Australian style) is the standard in Fiji.  Most leading hotels and resorts offer 240/110 volt outlets.

Time Zone
GMT + 12hrs.  The International Date Line doglegs to the east of the Fiji archipelago.