EMERGENCY
POLICE
917
AMBULANCE
911
CRIME STOPPERS
919
WEATHER
Fiji's mild tropical climate can be enjoyed all year round. The dry season is from May to October when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall and humidity. The wet season is from November to April. Daytime temperatures average around 25℃ and humidity is generally high.
ATTIRE
Decent casual, light clothing is recommended. Often you will hear people refer to "Bula" attire, which is Fiji's equivalent to Hawaii's "Aloha" dress code. Visitors are asked to be careful not to offend local sensibilities. Bikini and ultra-brief swimwear is acceptable at hotels/resorts but not when shopping in towns/cities and visiting villages.
ETIQUETTE
There are few places in the world where visitors are as warmly welcomed as they are in Fiji. But there is a protocol to follow. In a Fijian village, a house is a home and visitors aren't expected to poke their heads inside. If invited inside a bure (local cottage), it is considered polite to stop, keep your voice down and sit cross-legged on the floor.
MONEY EXCHANGE
There are specialist bureau de changes around the country but foreign currency and travellers cheques can usually be exchanged at any bank.
TIPPING
While tipping is not customary here it is your choice to decide whether to make a gratuity.
CURRENCY
The Fiji dollar is the basic unit of currency. Notes available in $5, $7, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, shops, restaurants, cruises, travel agencies, rental companies and tour operators. VISA, MasterCard, American Express China Union Pay, Diners Club, JCB International and Discover.
STOCK MARKET
South Pacific Stock Exchange, Shop 1 & 11, Sabrina Building, Victoria Parade, Suva.
Tel: 3304130.BANKING
Banks generally open 9:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 9:30am to 4pm Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Banks include Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ), Bank South Pacific (BSP), Bank of Baroda, BRED Bank, HFC Bank and Fiji Development Bank (FDB). All have offices in Suva and branches & agencies around the country.
VAT
A 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on goods and services with the exception of a select number of items that fall under zero-rated VAT.
For more details: www.frcs.org.fjLICENCE TO DRIVE
You will need a valid home country driving licence for the same class of vehicle. Driving is on the left side of the road and seatbelts are compulsory. Maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h (30 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph) on the highways, unless otherwise posted.
POSTAL SERVICES
Operated by Post Fiji Ltd., post offices are located throughout Fiji. Philatelic Bureau Sales Centres are located at 1 Edward Street in Suva and the Prouds Building in Nadi.
ELECTRICITY
220-240 volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin flat plug is the standard. You will need a voltage converter if the application is 110 volts. Most leading resorts and hotels offer universal outlets for 240 volt or 110 volt hairdryers, shavers, etc.
MOBILE (CELL) SERVICES
Mobile phone (cell) usage is common place in Fiji. Several operators offer services. Top up service for calls and data is available at airports, post offices, shops, supermarkets and service stations.
MOVIE THEATRES
Damodar City & Village 6 Cinemas in Suva, Village 4 Cinemas in Lautoka and Damodar City in Labasa.
Life Cinema in Nadi, Lautoka, Labasa & Nakasi in Suva.AIRPORTS
Two international gateways - Nadi International Airport in the Western Division and Nausori International Airport, outside Suva. There are also domestic airports on Vanua Levu and the outer islands.
PORTS & MARINAS
Port facilities are in Suva, Lautoka, Malau, Levuka, Wairiki and Rotuma. Fiji's premier marina facility Port Denarau Marina is located in the tourism hub of Denarau. Other marinas include the Royal Suva Yacht Club (Suva), Vuda Marina (Vuda), and Musket Cove Marina (Mamanuca). In Savusavu, there is the Copra Shed Marina, Savusavu Marina & Boatyard and Nawi Island Marina.
TRANSPORT
Bus and taxi services are considered reasonable. Rental cars are available on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Inter-island ferries operate between the two main islands, plus Ovalau (Levuka) and Kadavu.
INTERNET SERVICES
Internet access is available at most hotels and resorts across Fiji. Wi-Fi is also available at select locations. If you bring your laptop or tablet you may consider dial-up access or wireless connection. Internet cafes are available in the cities and towns.
POLICE
SUVA STATIONS
Fiji Police HQ
Ratu Dovi Rd
Tel: 3343777
Totogo Police Station
Joske St
Nabua Police Station
Ratu Mara Rd
Samabula Police Station
Ratu Mara Rd
OTHER STATIONS
Pacific Harbour Police Post
Lautoka Police Station
Levuka Police Station
Nadi Police Station
Namaka Police Station
Taveuni Police Station
Nausori Police Station
Korolevu Community Post
Labasa Police Station
Navua Police Station
Savusavu Police Station
Sigatoka Police Station
Kadavu Police Station
Rakiraki Police Station
Tavua Police Station
Ba Police Station
PHONE SERVICES
Local and international calls made from a hotel and resort generally cost more as rates and surcharges apply. Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL) customer care centres are located in major regional centres on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
DEPARTURE TAX
FJ$170 departure tax. Children under 12 are exempt. The tax would already be included in your ticket. Visitors who stay in Fiji for less than 48 hours are exempt from paying departure tax.
MUSEUM
The Fiji Museum at Thurston Gardens on Cakobau Road in Suva opens Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4:30pm. Open on public holidays except Easter Sunday, Diwali, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Tel: 3315944.TOURIST VAT REFUND SCHEME
Visitors can claim refunds at the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS) counter at both Nadi and Suva airports and ports of call in Suva, Lautoka and Savusavu. To qualify, a visitor must spend FJ$500 (VAT inclusive) at any APPROVED licensed retailer and must take the goods out of Fiji within two months from the date of purchase. Present your goods for inspection at the TVRS counter along with the refund form, original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass.
For more details: www.frcs.org.fjMEDICAL
There are many registered private practitioners. We suggest checking Fiji's Yellow Pages online for listings.
MAJOR HOSPITALS
SUVA
Colonial War Memorial Hospital
Waimanu Rd
Tel: 3313444
Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd
120 Amy St., Toorak
Nasese Private Hospital
62 Ratu Sukuna Rd
Pacific Specialist Healthcare
107 Foster Rd
Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital Fiji
251 Barker Rd
WEST
Nadi Hospital
Lautoka Hospital
Rakiraki Hospital
Ba Hospital
OVERSEAS MISSIONS & HONORARY CONSULATES IN FIJI
37 Princes Rd, Suva
Tel: 3382211
47 Gladstone Rd, Suva
Tel: 3229100
183 Queen Elizabeth Dr., Suva
Tel: 3300215
41 Borron Rd, Suva
Tel: 3387899
37 Loftus St, Suva
Tel: 3304566
158 Princes Rd, Suva
Tel: 3314466
6th Fl, TappooCity, Suva
Tel: 3313633
2nd Fl, Pacific House
Butt St, Suva
Tel: 3310526
91 Gordon St, Suva
Tel: 3316697
2nd Fl, BSP Life Centre, Suva
Tel: 3304633
36 McGregor Rd, Suva
Tel: 3302512
8th Fl Vanua House, Suva
Tel: 3300977
5th Fl, Pacific House, Suva
Tel: 3312166
7th Fl, Ratu Sukuna House, Suva
Tel: 3313566
10th Fl, Reserve Bank Bldg, Suva
Tel: 3311422
3rd Fl, Credit Corp Bldg, Suva
Tel: 3304244
Level 3, Plaza 1
Downtown Blvd
Ellery St, Suva
Tel: 3100355
16 Kimberley St, Suva
Tel: 3311087
16 Gorrie St, Suva
Tel: 3301355
8th Fl, Kadavu House, Suva
Tel: 3312500
CONSULATES
Mr Neil Underhill
Cell: 9998803
Mr Viliame Cegumalua
Tel: 3410022
Mr Roderic Evers
Five Princes Hotel
Tel: 3381575
Dr. Virgilio De Asa
Nasese Private Hospital, Nasese, Suva
Tel: 3314450
Mr Rolf Gfeller
Cell: 9995637
TRADE MISSION
SPEAK OUR ETHNIC LANGUAGES
English is commonly spoken in Fiji. As you explore our beautiful and ethnically diverse country you will also hear conversations in iTaukei and local Hindi and Cantonese, at the markets and smaller shops. You, too, can speak our languages.
| English | Fijian | Hindi | Cantonese | good morning | ni sa yadra (ni sah yan dra) | Kaise hai | jo sun |
|---|---|---|---|
| hello | bula (mbula) | namaste | ney ho |
| yes | io (ee-o) | haa | hai |
| no | seqa (senqa) | nehi | ng hai |
| thank you | vinaka (vee naka) | dhan baad | hai |
| village | koro | ngao | hang chin |
| lady | marama | aurat | tai tai |
| mister | turaga (tu rang ah) | aadmi (man) | sin sung |
| little | vaka lailai (vaka lie lie) | tora se | siu siu |
| plenty | vaka levu (vaka ley vu) | dher se | hoo dor |
| quickly | vala totolo (vaka toe toe lo) | jaldi | fei fei |
| house | vale/bure (valey/mburey) | ghar | oouk |
| eat | kana | kana kao | shiek |
| come | lako mai (la ko my) | ao | lei |
| go | lako tani (la ko tanee) | jao | whui |
| one | dua (ndua) | ek | yat |
| two | rua | dwee | yhee |
| drink | gunu (goo noo) | peeo | yum |
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