Getting to know Fiji

3330 islands scattered across 20,000 square miles or 32,000 square kilometres of land, the Fiji Islands lie on the 180 Meridian where the dawning of each new day occurs.

Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest island and is often referred to as the mainland. Suva is the capital of Fiji and is a 30-minute drive from Nausori Airport, located on the eastern side of Viti Levu. Nadi, which is located on the western side of Viti Levu is considered Fiji’s tourism hub and is home to Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s main global gateway.

English is the official language, however, indigenous Fijians also speak Fijian while Indo- Fijians speak Hindustani.

Here are some Fijian words to get you started:

Bula	Hello
Bula vinaka	A warm hello
Ni sa moce (ni sa mothey)	Goodbye
Vinaka	Thank you
Kerekere	Please
Mai kana	Let’s eat

Useful Information

ACCOMMODATION

Fiji accommodation options are broad with everything from backpacker accommodation through to five-star luxury and beyond.

CLIMATE

Fiji enjoys a mild tropical climate averaging 31°C (88ºF) during the summer months of November to April and 29°C (84ºF) during the winter months of May to October.

COMMUNICATIONS

MOBILE Fiji has two mobile communications providers – Digicel and Vodafone – both have an outlet at the Arrivals Concourse.

INTERNET Wireless hotspots and internet kiosks are available throughout Nadi International Airport. Access is via credit card or internet cards sold through a number of airport outlets.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Banks in the Arrivals Concourse are open for all flights. There are more currency exchange options in Nadi Town while most large resorts will accept foreign currency and credit cards.

ELECTRICITY

The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC/50 cycles. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers.

HEALTH

Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Hospitals are located in the major centres and there are health centres in rural areas. Hotels and resorts usually have a qualified nurse on the premises and a doctor on call. Water is safe to drink from the tap at hotels.

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in Fiji and a return or onward travel ticket is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for visitors for a stay of up to four months.

TIME ZONE

GMT + 12; Sydney + 2 hrs; Hong Kong + 4 hrs; New York + 16 hrs; Los Angeles + 19 hrs

TIPPING

Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and is left to the individual to determine whether to make a gratuity.

TRANSPORT

Nadi International Airport is 6 kilometres (approx. 4 miles) from Nadi Town and 11 kilometres (approx. 7 miles) from Denarau Island. Nausori Airport is 16 kilometres (approx. 10 miles) from the capital Suva. RESORT TRANSFERS Prebooked shuttles to resorts leave from outside the Arrivals Concourse. TAXIS Yellow Airport Taxis are located to the right of the Arrivals Concourse. Flag fall or starting rate for any journey out of Nadi International Airport is FJ$5 and it is mandatory for taxi metres to be utilised on all journeys. CAR

RENTALS A bona-fide tourist in Fiji may drive if in possession of a valid home country driving license for the same class of vehicle. The maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h (30 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph) on highways. Driving is on the left side of the road. Rental car companies are located at the Arrivals Concourse.

PUBLIC BUSES TTF air-conditioned tourist coaches depart Nadi International Airport twice daily for Suva at 7.30 am and 1 pm, making designated stops at major towns and resorts along the way. Pacific Transport, Sunset and Sunbeam Buses also depart from the airport, making stops at major towns and cities.