Money:
The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the unit of currency, with 100 cents
to a dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels,
restaurants, shops, rental car agencies and travel agents. The best
currencies to carry are Australian, New Zealand or US dollars,
which can be exchanged at all banks. Most ATMs accept the full
range of international credit cards and travellers cheques and cash
can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange bureaux throughout
the islands.
Time:
Local time is GMT +12.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have
three oblique flat pins.
Language:
The official languages are Fijian and Hindustani, but
English is widely used and understood.
Health:
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Fiji, but
a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers
entering Fiji within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer
in infected areas. Visitors to Fiji should practice strict food,
water and personal hygiene precautions to prevent typhoid as well
as other diarrhoeal illness. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for
all travellers to Fiji, except short-term visitors who dine only at
major restaurants and hotels, such as cruise passengers. Visitors
must drink only bottled water, The mosquito-borne disease, dengue
fever, is a serious risk between November and April. Preventive
measures include wearing long clothes and using insect repellent at
all times. Medical facilities are adequate for uncomplicated
treatment, but travel insurance with provision for medical
evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is advised.
Tipping:
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji but small tips are appreciated
for good service. Some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund where
tips are shared, instead of tipping staff daily.
Safety:
Fiji does exhibit some socio-political tension and visitors need
to be vigilant and avoid political rallies and public
demonstrations. On 5 December 2006 the military moved into Suva,
and took over the running of the country in what was the fourth
coup in 20 years. Visitors are advised to keep up to date with the
current situation and avoid all large gatherings of people. The
uncertain political situation, poor economic climate and
unemployment mean the crime rate is high and it is unwise to carry
large amounts of cash or wear expensive clothes or jewellery.
Pickpockets are active at bus stations and taxi ranks and women on
their own should be cautious. There has been an increase in the
number of violent robberies, which have occurred against
foreigners, particularly at night and in urban areas. Natural
dangers exist in the form of rip tides along the reefs and river
estuaries and care should be taken when swimming or boating. There
is also the possibility of shark attacks. On the roads reckless
driving is common and animals on the road pose a hazard,
particularly after dark. Cyclone season is usually from November to
April.
Customs:
Visitors to Fiji should be careful not to offend local
sensitivities. Wearing bikinis and swimming costumes is fine at the
resorts but not when visiting villages or shopping in town. A sulu
(a sarong that can be worn by men and women) is useful as a
wrap-around so no offence is caused when wearing shorts or
sleeveless tops away from hotels or resorts. Topless bathing and
nudity in public is forbidden. A popular excursion for visitors to
Fiji is a visit to one of the traditional villages. Guests in
villages should show respect and avoid wearing hats, as they are a
sign of disrespect, and remove shoes before entering a house. When
visiting a village it is customary to present a gift of yaqona,
which is also known as kava and is the national drink. Avoid overly
praising an object, as Fijians will feel obliged to give it as a
gift. Homosexual acts, even in private, are prohibited and carry
jail sentences.
Business:
Business is relatively casual in Fiji. Only for very formal
meetings would suits need to be worn, otherwise a fairly casual,
but neat approach to dress is taken. Patience is necessary as
meetings rarely start at scheduled times. Fijians prefer using
first names as opposed to titles. Business hours are generally 9am
to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Fiji over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 250g
of cigars or 250 cigarettes or a combination of tobacco products
not exceeding 250g; 2.25 litres of liquor, or 4.5 litres of wine or
4.5 litres of beer or a combination of all these not exceeding the
prescribed limit for one; perfume for personal use up to 118ml; and
other goods to the value of F$400 per person. Restrictions apply to
firearms and ammunition and meat and dairy products from Tasmania.
Travellers who have been on a pilgrimage and return to Fiji with
holy water will be checked to ensure it is accompanied by
certification declaring it sterile and free from contaminants.
Communications:
The international country dialling code for Fiji is +679. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no area codes and all
numbers are seven digits. Most hotels have direct dialling
facilities. Vodaphone Fiji Ltd has active GSM roaming agreements
with most international networks. There are a few Internet cafes,
but connection times are very slow.