Why Go To Fiji ?
Secluded white sand beaches, palm trees, scuba diving, luxury spa treatments and a bed that’s actually over the water. These are the main reasons that people choose to vacation in Fiji. The beaches are beautiful, the people are very friendly, and relaxation is a must.Republic of the Fiji Islands is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu.
The country occupies an archipelago of about 322 islands, of which 106 are permanently inhabited, and 522 islets. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the population.

Comprised of more than 300 volcanic and coral islands, the Fiji archipelago is at the crossroads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. More recently, Fiji’s tropical climate and location on Pacific air routes have made it a prime spot for tourists.

Fiji’s population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided almost equally between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendants of indentured laborers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society.

Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world. They are not judgmental of other people and rarely express a negative opinion. Customs still prevail in the more traditional villages, especially those distant from towns and urban centres. And of course, Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave was found offshore at Tavarua, a place which still draws surfers from around the world.

A coup by indigenous Fijians in 1987, followed by a further coup in 2000, caused immense harm to the tourism industry and to Fiji’s international reputation. Then, in December 2006, military chief Frank Bainimarama announced he had taken over the country and installed himself as interim prime minister from the start of 2007. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, whom he accused of mis-managing the country’s affairs, was sent back to his home island.

Nightlife

Major hotels and resorts offer live bands, dancing and Fijian entertainment (meke). The biggest range of evening entertainment is in Suva – Victoria Parade is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Cinemas are found throughout the islands and show both English-language and Bollywood films.

Shopping

Favorite buys are filigree jewelery, woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, woven work (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not the norm in shops. Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases. Duty-free items are available and include electrical goods, pewter, crystal and porcelain.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 08.00-17.00, Sat 08.00-13.00. Many places close for lunch 13.00-14.00.

Climate

Tropical. Southeast trade winds from March to November bring dry weather. The rainy season is from December to April. On average there are 15 cyclones per decade, affecting some part of Fiji, and two to four actually cause severe damage. They occur from November to April and with greatest frequency in January and February. There is more risk in the outlying northwest island groups.

Required Clothing

Lightweight for summer, rainwear for the wet season.

Getting There by Air

The national airline, Air Pacific (FJ) (website: www.airpacific.com), flies from Los Angeles, Sydney and Auckland. There are no direct flights from the UK; Air New Zealand flies from London to Nadi via Los Angeles.

Air Passes

Visit South the Pacific Pass: valid with Solomon Airlines (IE), Air Vanuatu (NF), Our Airline (Air Nauru) (ON), Qantas (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Aircalin (SB) and Air Pacific (FJ). The pass allows flexible island-hopping within the South Pacific, for up to 40% off normal airfares.

Boomerang Pass: can be used to explore the South West Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. Two or more sectors must be purchased. Used in conjunction with Qantas and British Airways international tickets from the UK to Australia. The pass is also valid on Air Pacific (FJ), Air Vanuatu (NF) and Polynesian Airlines (PH). For further information, contact one of the participating airlines.

Air New Zealand South Pacific Air pass: offers flights between 36 locations in the region. The fares vary according to four domestic and three international travel zones, and the pass must be bought in conjunction with an international ticket outside of the South Pacific or within 30 days of arrival.Contact Air New Zealand for details.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Nadi (NAN) is 8km (5 miles) north of Nadi town on Viti Levu island (website: www.afl.com.fj) and is where most international flights arrive. To/from the airport: Taxis and buses are available (journey time – 20 minutes).
Facilities: 24-hour bank/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, 24-hour bar, restaurants, 24-hour left luggage office, tourist information, post office and car hire.

Suva (SUV) is at Nausori, 16km (9 miles) from Suva (journey time – 30 minutes), and is the hub for internal flights. To/from the airport: Taxis and car rental. Facilities: Parking, duty-free shop, snack bar, and car hire.

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Suva (website: www.fijiports.com.fj) and Lautoka (Viti Levu). Several passenger lines serve Fiji.

MONEY!

Currency

Fijian Dollar (FJD; symbol F$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of F$50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of F$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, at trading banks and at most hotels.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at a number of establishments. Major international cards are accepted at ATMs, which can be found in Nadi, Suva and Savusavu, and although they are cropping up throughout the rest of the islands, these cannot always be relied upon.

Traveller’s Cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Australian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 08.00-17.00. Restricted Foreign Exchange Dealers (authorised to issue foreign currency and traveller’s cheques for travel-related purposes only): Mon-Fri 08.30-17.00, Sat 08.30-12.00.