Fiji is an independent state in the southwestern Pacific Ocean north of New Zealand. It is located on 332 islands of the archipelago of the same name. The total area of the country is about 18 thousand square kilometers.
Why go to Fiji
If you are dreaming of a serene beach holiday on the islands of Oceania, you will not find a better place. Comfortable hotels, summer all year round, excellent opportunities for surfing, diving and fishing – all this awaits you in Fiji.
The islands have gained particular popularity among newlyweds: they come here to have an unforgettable wedding ceremony on the ocean shore. A marriage certificate from the Fiji Islands is recognized in 150 countries, including Russia.
The main thing about the country
- The official name is the Republic of the Fiji Islands.
- Languages: English and Fijian. Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi, is also spoken.
- Time zone UTC+12.
- Most of the believers are Christians and Hindus.
- The cost of the trip is from $100 per day excluding tickets.
- The attitude towards tourists is friendly.
- The country’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, mining, logging, and fishing.
- The climate is oceanic tropical.
- The relief of the islands is dominated by plateaus intersected by low mountain ranges (up to 1322 m).
Customs
In addition to the standard restrictions (weapons, ammunition, drugs), Fiji has a ban on the import of plants and animals, any biological materials of animal and plant origin, including food products. Without the appropriate permit, the export of samples of plants and animals under state protection, as well as products made of bone, leather, bird feathers, corals, shells, etc. is also prohibited.
When to go
Fiji’s climate allows you to enjoy a seaside holiday all year round. In winter (from May to October-November) the south-east trade winds blow on the islands, bringing sunny and dry weather. On the central and large islands, the average daily air temperature during this period varies from +18 to +26°C. The high season is coming to Fiji.
From December to April, the air temperature rises significantly and reaches +32°C, but is accompanied by a rainy season. Hurricanes also occur during this period, as the islands are located in the heart of the Pacific cyclone belt.
Holidays and non-working days
October 10 – Independence Day (1970).
Currency
The national currency is the Fijian dollar. Almost all tourist places, including diving clubs, accept bank cards of international payment systems. There are practically no ATMs, especially on small islands, so it is worth stocking up on cash before the trip.
It is best to arrive in the country with US dollars: they can be easily exchanged for local currency at the airport, banks, exchange offices, tourist centers and most hotels. New Zealand and Australian dollars are also accepted for exchange.
Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. The ANZ Bank branch at Nadi International Airport is open 24 hours.
RFED exchange offices are open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 17.00, and close at 12.00 on Saturdays.
Prices
Traveling to Fiji is expensive, mainly because of the flight. Otherwise, prices are moderate compared to other countries in Oceania. A hotel room will cost from 20 USD per night. You can have lunch in an inexpensive restaurant for 5 USD per person.
* all prices are valid for September 2022.
Beaches
In Fiji, all beaches are sandy and very clean. The most exclusive and secluded ones are on the small islands. Each hotel has its own well-equipped beach. Sun loungers, hammocks and umbrellas do not require additional payment.
Every day there are high and low tides. In the morning the sea recedes by twenty meters, and in the evening it returns to its original level.
Resorts
The capital of the Republic of Fiji is Suva on the island of Viti Levu. Other major islands are Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kandavu, Ngau and Koro.
Yasawa is the most popular island among newlyweds: it has the most beautiful wedding ceremonies.
For a quiet and safe holiday, small islands are ideal, where there is nothing but accommodation facilities (hotels or villas) and tourist infrastructure: Denarau, Vatulele, Wakaya, Vomo.
Attractions
The main historical landmark of Fiji is the city of Levuka on the island of Ovalau. It was founded by European settlers in 1820. For a long time it was the capital of the country, an important trade hub of Oceania and a center of whaling.
No less interesting tourist attractions:
- the aboriginal village of Lovoni, which is unusual in that it is located right in the crater of an extinct volcano;
- Koroyanithu National Heritage Park with ancient trails, waterfalls and authentic huts;
- The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a picturesque place at the foot of the mountains. There are thousands of species of tropical flowers and trees, including rare orchids.
Entertainment
For fans of active recreation, Fiji offers diving, rafting, underwater hunting, surfing, water skiing, swimming with dolphins, boat trips with fishing, golf and tennis.
Fans of exoticism should definitely see the fire walking ritual, as well as a colorful show of traditional songs and dances.
Kitchen
Fiji’s cuisine is based on four ingredients: seafood, coconuts, root vegetables and vegetables. Breadfruit is widely eaten. The meats eaten here include lamb, goat and game, which are prepared in a variety of ways.
To fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, you should definitely try traditional dishes:
- lovo – fish or meat baked with vegetables in an earthen oven;
- duruka – boiled vegetables that taste like asparagus;
- caconda – fish marinated in lime juice;
- balolo – fried sea worms;
- wakalolo – cassava pudding;
- kasava – tapioca puree with banana and coconut milk.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs bought in local shopping centers and markets will help you preserve the memory of your exciting trip to Fiji:
- Sulu – traditional cotton fabrics with bright patterns;
- black pearl accessories;
- Fijian drums and lali;
- decorative weapons and other handicrafts;
- clothing and headwear in ethnic style;
- natural cosmetics from sandalwood oil and coconut.
Transport
There are almost no highways or cars on the small islands of Fiji – there is simply nowhere to drive. There are roads only on two large islands – Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Traffic is on the left. To rent a car, you must present an international driver’s license and a passport. The most convenient way to travel between the islands is by boat, which can also be rented.
Safety
Fiji is considered a country with a high crime rate and low standard of living. Therefore, vacationers are advised not to appear outside tourist areas in the evening and at night.
Medicine
Before traveling to the Republic of Fiji, it is recommended to obtain a medical policy for the entire duration of the trip, as medical services for foreigners are paid. Hospitals and pharmacies are only available on the large islands. In general, the quality of medical care in the country is below international standards.
Traditions
During the colonization, the Fijians were famous for their ferocity, belligerence and widespread cannibalism. There were constant wars between the islands, and the victors simply ate their enemies. With the adoption of Christianity, this terrible custom was abolished, so a tourist can not be afraid of becoming a chieftain’s dinner.
Today, the local population is friendly and hospitable. Fijians are usually unhurried, calm and always happy with life. In addition, they are very musical: every second person sings and plays the guitar.
In rural areas, you should not ignore traditions, so as not to accidentally offend the locals and not run into a conflict. Here it is customary to wear only closed clothes, so tourists with bare shoulders and in short skirts arouse close attention, and sometimes even aggression.
Also in rural areas and on provincial islands it is better to do without hats, so as not to humiliate the village elder, who is supposed to be above everyone else by status. It is indecent to wear dark sunglasses: it is believed that a person hiding his eyes is planning something bad.
Internet
Fiji is served by 3 international submarine cables. In 2018, the two main islands were connected by a submarine cable system. This provided high-speed internet access, as well as reliable communications between the islands during extreme weather events, which are not uncommon in Fiji: tropical cyclones often destroy telecommunications infrastructure.
The main Internet providers in Fiji are Telecom Fiji Limited and Vodafone (which also provides cellular services). The average Internet speed in the country is 9.5 Mbps.
Useful facts
- In addition to the indigenous population, many Indians, Europeans, Chinese, and people from neighboring Pacific countries live on the islands.
- The voltage in the electrical network is 240 V, 50 Hz. Sockets and plugs are used with 3 flat contacts (an adapter is needed).
- In large cities with many tourists, it is customary to leave tips. They make up 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant. In a cafe, giving waiters a tip is not necessary.