MelanesiaFiji is a country of 332 islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 km north of New Zealand. Its largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Visitors come for beaches, coral reefs, rain forests and village traditions.
Why go
Relax on the sandy beaches of the Mamanuca Islands.
Explore coral reefs by diving or snorkelling.
Visit villages to learn about local traditions.
See rain forests, waterfalls and volcanic peaks on Taveuni.
Best time to go: Consider the Southern Hemisphere winter if you prefer cooler weather. Tropical cyclones can occur from November to April.
Getting there
By air
- Nadi International Airport is Fiji's main international airport. Suva airport also has some international flights.
- Fiji Airways flies directly to Nadi from cities in North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
- Air New Zealand flies from Auckland to Nadi. Qantas flies from Sydney.
By sea
- You can reach Fiji by boat from Australia.
- Official entry ports are Savusavu on Vanua Levu, Levuka on Ovalau, Suva and Lautoka on Viti Levu, and Oinafa on Rotuma.
Customs
- Yachts must get clearance from customs, immigration, health and biohazard officials before stopping at any island.
Getting around
Bus
Buses run about every half hour on the main road around Viti Levu. Buses on western Taveuni make only a few trips each day. Hop-on, hop-off passes let you travel for a fixed price and may include activities. Check the route, as some passes do not cover remote islands.
Shared taxi
Shared taxis are usually white minivans. They generally leave when they have six to eight passengers.
Private taxi
If the taxi has a meter, ask the driver to turn it on. This is usually much cheaper than agreeing on a fare. For resort transfers around Nadi, you may be able to negotiate the fare. Use a seat belt where one is available.
Driving
Drive on the left. Roads can have potholes, washed-out sections and damaged bridges. Avoid driving at night, especially outside towns. Buses are the better choice unless you are comfortable and capable of driving yourself.
What to see and do
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
This garden near Nadi has more than 20 hectares of orchids, other plants and a lily pond.
Navala village
This village on Viti Levu still has traditional houses called bures.
Fiji Museum
Visit this museum in Suva to learn about Fiji's history and culture.
Sigatoka Valley sand dunes
These dunes were once used as a burial ground.
Kulu Eco Park
This jungle-covered park on Viti Levu offers a chance to see inland wildlife.
Sawa-i-Lau cave
Explore a dark limestone cave in the Yasawa Islands.
Food and drink
Taro and coconuts
These are shown at a market in Nadi.
Lovo
The source mentions cooking on a lovo but gives no further details.
Kava
Also called yaqona or grog, this earthy, peppery drink is made from pepper plant roots. It is mildly intoxicating and should not be mixed with alcohol.
Fiji Bitter
A widely available local beer.
Bati and Ratu rum
These rum brands are made by the Rum Company of Fiji.
Money
Fijian dollar (FJD), written as F$ or $.
- Notes include $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. A rare $7 note also exists.
- Coins include 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, plus $1 and $2.
- Some places accept Australian dollars, but Fijian dollars are preferred.
Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected in taxis, hotels or restaurants. Many all-inclusive resorts and diving businesses have a Christmas donation box shared equally among staff.
Typical costs
- The bus from Colo-i-Suva to Suva bus station costs F$1–2.
- A shared taxi from Nadi bus station to Suva costs about F$17.
- A private taxi from Suva airport to Sigatoka costs about F$80.
- From Nadi beach resorts, the stated fare is F$8 per passenger to downtown Nadi and F$12 to the airport.
Language
- English
- Fijian
- Hindi
- Bula
- Hello; it also means life in Fijian.
- No worries
- No problem or you're welcome.
- Sevusevu
- A gift offering, commonly kava, brought when visiting a village or household.
Staying safe
- Take great care after dark in Suva, Nadi and other towns. The source advises staying on hotel grounds at night.
- Most crime occurs in the outer suburbs of Suva and Nadi, away from resorts. Consider hotel security when choosing where to stay.
- Robbery and violent crime have affected travellers, particularly in Suva. Being in a group does not always prevent a mugging.
- Police can have difficulty responding to crime.
Local customs
Do
- Greet people with bula to show appreciation of local culture.
- Keep your shoulders covered during village stays.
- Wear a sulu, a sarong, when your village hosts require it; this can apply to all genders.
- Bring kava as a sevusevu gift when visiting a village or household.
- Ask your hosts to explain local customs.
Don't
- Do not assume village clothing rules are the same as resort rules.
Staying healthy
- Urban tap water is treated and nearly always safe. Filter or boil water if you are unsure.
- Watch for public warnings about drinking water, including on radio and in print.
- Some mature reef fish can contain toxins that cause fish poisoning. Tingling lips and unusual sensitivity to heat or cold can last beyond the main illness.
- Kava can numb the lips and tongue and relax muscles. Avoid drinking it with alcohol.
Phone and internet
- Vodafone and Digicel operate mobile networks. Inkk resells access to Vodafone's network.
- Prepaid SIM cards, the small cards used to connect a phone to a mobile network, are available free or cheaply at Nadi airport kiosks.
- Top up online with a credit card or at a shop advertising top-ups. Keep a note of your phone number, as you need it to add credit.
- Ask about data-only cards and promotions. Some plans include free social media data.
Where to stay
- Fiji has accommodation across a wide range of prices. Most resorts are near Nadi airport or in the nearby Mamanuca Islands.
- Nadi has lodges suited to backpackers. Large international hotel brands are mostly on nearby Denarau Island.
- Hotels in Suva mainly serve business travellers.
- Travel agents may take a 15–20% commission called a deposit. Booking one night first may let you negotiate a lower rate for later nights if rooms are available.
Outdoor adventures in Fiji
Fiji has palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, rainforest hills and volcanic peaks. Outdoor trips range from snorkelling and kayaking to challenging forest hikes, rafting and cave visits.
Mamanuca Islands beaches
BeacheMamanuca Islands
Visit the Mamanuca Islands, west of Viti Levu, for sandy beaches.
Sawa-i-Lau cave
CaveYasawa Islands
Visit Sawa-i-Lau in the Yasawa Islands. The cave visit involves entering the water.
Bouma National Park rainforest hike
HikeTaveuni
HardHead to Bouma National Park on Taveuni to hike along ridges and through dense rainforest.
- The hike is challenging.
Whitewater rafting with Rivers Fiji
RaftingViti Levunear Pacific Harbour
Arrange a rafting trip with Rivers Fiji, based in Pacific Harbour.
Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
Hot springSabeto, Viti Levunear Nadi
Go to Wailoko Road in Sabeto, about 10 minutes past the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Apply mud, let it dry in the sun for about ten minutes, then wash in three pools.
- Cost: $30 for the mud bath; $40 for a 30-minute massage. Prices listed May 2017.
Sigatoka Valley sand dunes
HikeSigatoka Valley, Viti Levu
Head to the Sigatoka Valley to explore the sand dunes.
Kulu Eco Park
WildlifeViti Levu
Visit Kulu Eco Park inland on Viti Levu to see wildlife.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant walks
More to doViti Levunear Nadi
Visit the garden on Wailoko Road and follow its walking paths through tropical plants and orchids.
- Cost: $18 per adult. Price listed October 2019.
- The ground is hilly.
- It is warm and humid for much of the year; take breaks.
Wailoaloa Beach
BeacheViti Levunear Nadi
Head north of Nadi town to Wailoaloa Beach.
Sea kayaking with Rivers Fiji
KayakingViti Levunear Pacific Harbour
Arrange a sea kayaking trip with Rivers Fiji in Pacific Harbour.
Snorkelling tours with Land and Sea Tours Fiji
SnorkellingViti Levunear Nadi
Arrange a snorkelling tour with Land and Sea Tours Fiji at Lot 11 Enamanu Road, Nadi.
Surfing charters with Land and Sea Tours Fiji
SurfingViti Levunear Nadi
Arrange a surfing charter with Land and Sea Tours Fiji at Lot 11 Enamanu Road, Nadi.
Guided e-bike tours with Land and Sea Tours Fiji
CyclingViti Levunear Nadi
Join a guided electric-bike tour through Land and Sea Tours Fiji at Lot 11 Enamanu Road, Nadi.
Fishing charters with Land and Sea Tours Fiji
More to doViti Levunear Nadi
Arrange a fishing charter with Land and Sea Tours Fiji at Lot 11 Enamanu Road, Nadi.
Sunset cruises with Land and Sea Tours Fiji
More to doViti Levunear Nadi
Arrange a sunset cruise with Land and Sea Tours Fiji at Lot 11 Enamanu Road, Nadi.
Skydive Fiji tandem jumps
More to doNadi and the western outer islandsnear Nadi
Arrange a tandem skydive, where you jump attached to an instructor, with Skydive Fiji at 11 Zahoor Road, Martintar.
Pacific Island Air scenic flights
More to doWestern Fijinear Nadi
25 minutesArrange a helicopter or seaplane flight with Pacific Island Air at the CAAF Compound, London Avenue, Nadi Airport.
- Cost: $432 per person. Price listed June 2017.
Jetboards Fiji water sports
More to doViti Levunear Nadi
Contact Jetboards Fiji on Wailoaloa Road to try a motorised surfboard, hoverboard or flyboard.
Nanuya Lailai beach
BeacheYasawa Islands
Visit Nanuya Lailai, a smaller island in the Yasawa chain, for its beach.
Pacific Harbour beach
BeacheViti Levunear Pacific Harbour
Head to Pacific Harbour for the closest tourist-quality beach to Suva.
The Pearl Fiji Championship Golf Course
More to doViti Levunear Pacific Harbour
HardVisit The Pearl on Queens Road in Pacific Harbour to play its golf course.
Apted Park beach
BeacheViti Levunear Suva
The beach is at Apted Park, at the bottom of Laucala Bay Road.
- The water has high levels of rubbish and bacteria linked to faecal contamination.
Queen Elizabeth Road beach kitesurfing
More to doViti Levunear Suva
The kitesurfing-friendly beach is on Queen Elizabeth Road, near the National Stadium.
- The water has high levels of rubbish and bacteria linked to faecal contamination.
Airports, metros and trains in Fiji
Airports with scheduled flights
- NANNadi International AirportNadiMain international airport
- SUVNausori International AirportNausoriMain international airport
Trains
- Rail network
- 597 km
People and safety in Fiji
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mixed.
- Christian64%
- Hindu28%
- Muslim6%
- No religion<1%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #68 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
78% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 112 of 198 countries can visit Fiji easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required112
- eVisa36
- Visa required50
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Oceania13 of 13 countries
- Europe38 of 46 countries
- Americas24 of 35 countries
- Asia19 of 50 countries
- Africa18 of 54 countries
Questions
When should I visit Fiji?
Consider the Southern Hemisphere winter if you prefer cooler weather. Tropical cyclones can occur from November to April.
Which airport should I fly into?
Nadi International Airport is Fiji's main international airport. Suva also receives some international flights.
Can I get around without renting a car?
Yes. Fiji has buses, shared taxis and private taxis, though services are less frequent in some areas such as western Taveuni.
What money should I use?
Use Fijian dollars. Some places accept Australian dollars, but they are not the preferred payment.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is generally not expected. Some resorts and diving businesses have a Christmas donation box shared among staff.
Will people understand English?
English is widely spoken. People on some remote islands may be less fluent, so a few Fijian phrases can help.
Can I drink the tap water?
Urban tap water is treated and nearly always safe. Filter or boil it if you are unsure, and watch for public warnings.
What should I wear in a village?
Keep your shoulders covered. Some villages also require everyone to wear a sulu, a sarong; your hosts can explain.
Can I book accommodation in person?
Some smaller places offer local rates for in-person bookings with a legitimate local address and phone number. You may also be able to negotiate later nights after booking one night first, if rooms are available.
How can I get internet without using hotel Wi-Fi?
Buy a prepaid SIM card at a mobile operator kiosk at Nadi airport. Phone data is generally cheaper than resort Wi-Fi, and shops can help you add credit.
Reviewed by @snuck