Frequently Asked Questions about Fiji

scene from a beach holiday in fiji

Which Airlines Fly to Fiji?

The Fiji Islands is the main tourist destination in the South Pacific with direct flights from several major world cities including Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles, Hong Kong & Seoul. Virgin Australia, Qantas / Jet Star, Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways (formerly Air Pacific) are the main international carriers with Korean Air also flying to Korea and having connections on to Japan and European cities. Regional airlines flying into Fiji include Air Caledonie, Solomon Airlines, Air Vanuatu and Air Nauru.

Where is the International Airport?

Nadi International Airport on the west coast of Viti Levu, the main island. The airport is 10km north of Nadi Town and Denarau. There is a 24 hour bank at Nadi International Airport and an ATM machine in the arrivals concourse. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted at most resorts and at the larger shops. There are money exchange companies and major banks in Nadi and Suva towns.

Getting Around Fiji?

Domestic airline Pacific Sun (owned by national carrier Fiji Airways) flies from both Nadi International Airport and Nausori Airport to 14 destinations around the Fiji Islands. Baggage allowance is 15kg per person and planes are both old with unreliable schedules with delays the norm - if booking domestic flights allow some leeway for connecting flights. There are also several helicopter and seaplane companies which are a lot more reliable and which transfer guests to resorts throughout the islands. The popular Mamanuca and Yasawa islands are connected by fast large catamarans which depart from Port Denarau in Nadi.

What is the Weather Like?

Fiji has a warm sunny climate all year round although the weather does differ depending on where you are. The high mountainous interior of Viti Levu, the main island, draws in clouds and creates a regional climate: Suva, on the east coast is very wet and the sun seldom shines; Nadi on the west coast often has sunny mornings with clouds and thunderstorms common in the afternoons, especially in summer; the Coral Coast is caught between the two climate zones usually with sunny mornings and cloudy afternoons; whilst the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands sit in the rain shadow with generally clear skies and little rainfall making it perfect to soak up the sun.

When is Winter? When is Summer?

Winter is from May to October when temperature average 26 degrees by day and can get down to 18 degrees at night. Summer, starting in November and ending in April, is hotter averaging 32 Celsius and a lot more humid with frequent intense tropical rainfalls in the late afternoons and evenings with a tropical depression or cyclone occurring on average once in a season.

Fiji Health & Medical

Fiji is blessed. The country is free from malaria, yellow fever and other diseases endemic in many tropical countries. The occasional outbreak of dengue fever (carried by certain mosquitoes) can occur when the wet season is particularly wet. Cases of dengue fever are very limited and spraying in the towns to kill the mosquitoes is usually a quick response when the threat becomes real. Water is safe to drink and few tourists suffer from stomach upsets. The only real threat is the Sun - sunstroke, prickly heat and other skin irritations are quite common, the latter especially so in the more humid season between November and April. Take light, airy clothes. There are no serious animal pests or plant diseases.

Most resorts have adequate medical facilities. In cases of emergency, mercy helicopter flights are quickly despatched. Pharmacies are found throughout the larger towns and most are well stocked with medicines from Australia and New Zealand. Private doctors are excellent and very cheap by International standards. However, the government health services and hospitals are not well funded and medical supplies are mostly provided by China as part of an aid package.

What is the capital of Fiji?

Suva City, located on a deep water harbour on the south east tip of Viti Levu has a population of just under 150,000 making it the largest city in the South Pacific outside of New Zealand.

What is the currency of Fiji? Are there banks and ATM machines?

Fiji uses dollars and cents with its own currency being called the Fijian Dollar. Banks and ATM machines are found in all towns. There are money exchange booths and a bank with ATM machine at the international airport.

Can I use my Credit Card?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted by most restaurants and shops, by the majority of hotels and resorts, although the beach huts in the outer islands are unlikely to have the facility for payment. A credit card fee of between 3% to 5% is commonly charged.

What Electricity and Electrical Sockets are in Fiji?

240V - three pin plugs - the same as used in Australia and New Zealand.

What Tourist Information is available in Fiji?

The Fiji Tourism has an obscure office location in Nadi which is difficult to find and no outlet at the airport. All resorts have tour desks and brochure racks although there are few free tourist magazines and maps available.

Should I Tip for Service?

No - tipping is not encouraged in the South Pacific although a gratuity box is often displayed on hotel reception desks with the money either contributing to the staff Christmas Party or to a local community project

What Items should I pack for holiday?

A wide brim hat, sunglasses and suncream are the most essential items.
A good water bottle if you're going to explore.
Airy clothes, preferably cotton with an emphasis on shorts and shirts or t-shirts.
A light jumper is handy to have in winter in case it gets cool.
Reef shoes if exploring the sea or beachcombing.

Small practical gifts like stationary, books, magazines if visiting a village, and perhaps some play items like a rugby ball, soccer ball or netball if you have space, or miniatures if you don't.

Festivals

Each town has its own week long festival. The two most popular events are the Bula Festival in Nadi (July) and the Hibiscus Festival in Suva (August). Parades with marching bands and beauty pageants are some of the highlights. Religious events include Easter, Eid (the end of fasting for Muslims during Ramadan - times vary), and Diwali (the Hindu Festival of Lights in November).

Holidays

The main school holidays are from the first week in December to mid-January. Between this Christmas period flights and boats to some islands can be full so it is wise to book ahead. Resorts are also busy in this time as it is the main holiday season for New Zealand and Australian holiday-makers.

Christianity

Sundays are observed in Fiji as a day of rest and few shops are open, bus services are limited and churches are full.

Find out more about where to stay in our comprehensive Fiji Accommodation Guide