Fiji

Flight.co.uk Overview

Passengers taking long haul flights to Fiji find themselves in a South Pacific tropical paradise made up of 322 scenic, lush islands, where the sun shines every day. Most flights to Fiji land at Nadi airport on the main island of Viti Levu, from where it is easy to access the bustling capital, Suva, and the beautiful island resorts. Direct flights to Fiji are available from the United States (12 hours from Los Angeles) and Australia (three to four hours), but from London cheap long haul flights to Fiji with stopovers take 26 hours. Holiday-makers and adventure travellers book flights to Fiji to be met by the friendly locals, wearing flowers in their hair, and relax among orchid-bedecked waterfalls, jungle pools, and palm-fringed beaches with crystal clear water washing over coral gardens. Many scuba divers obtain discount flights to Fiji as part of a package to dive on the famous Astrolabe Reef. Fiji flights open the door to a magical land where life is lived at a relaxed pace, and the air is pervaded with joie de vivre.

Overview

One of the world's more exotic destinations, Fiji is a tropical paradise in the South Pacific, made up of 322 islands nearly two thousand miles (3,219km) east of Australia. Once feared as the haunt of cannibals and fierce warrior tribes, today Fiji is regarded as being inhabited by supremely friendly and welcoming people who are full of joie de vivre and consider it rude to rush. It has been said that Fiji is where people wear flowers in their hair not to impress, but simply because they like to.

Flowers there are aplenty blooming on these scenic, lush islands where the sun shines every day and orchids hang over waterfalls that plunge into jungle pools behind palm-fringed beaches. Visitors here can swim with manta rays, snorkel over coral gardens, scuba dive on the famous Astrolabe Reef, or ride the amazing 20ft (six-metre) waves known as the 'Cloud Breakers' off Tavarua.

The Fiji archipelago is the hub of the South Pacific with more than 85 flights a week landing at Nadi airport on the main island of Viti Levu. From there it is easy to access the offshore island resorts or the other large islands of Vanua Levu or Taveuni. Viti Levu has several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, which is a shopper's paradise and offers an upbeat nightlife.

Local Customs

Visitors to Fiji should be careful not to offend local sensitivities. Wearing bikinis and swimming costumes is fine at the resorts but not when visiting villages or shopping in town. At such times it is easy to take a sulu (a sarong that can be worn by men and women) to use as a wrap-around so no offence is caused. Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden. A popular excursion for visitors to Fiji is a visit to one of the traditional villages. Guests in villages should show respect and avoid wearing hats, as they are a sign of disrespect, and remove shoes before entering a house. When visiting a village it is customary to present a gift of yaqona, which is also known as kava and is the national drink. Homosexual acts, even in private, are prohibited and carry jail sentences.

Business

Business is relatively casual in Fiji. Only for very formal meetings would suits need to be worn, otherwise a fairly casual, but neat approach to dress is taken. Patience is necessary as meetings rarely start at scheduled times. Fijians prefer using first names as opposed to titles. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Health

There is a risk of waterborne diseases such as Leptospirosis, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid. Drink only bottled water, take care not to swim with open cuts or to walk barefoot near open waterways used by farm animals. No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Fiji, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers entering Fiji within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer in infected areas. The mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, is a serious risk between November and April. Preventive measures include wearing long clothes and using insect repellent at all times. Medical facilities are adequate for uncomplicated treatment, but travel insurance with provision for medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is advised. There has been an increase in diarrhoeal illness in the Suva area; visitors are advised to take care with food and drink.

Safety

Fiji does exhibit some socio-political tension and visitors need to be vigilant and avoid political rallies and public demonstrations. On 4 December 2006 the military moved into Suva, disarmed police and set up roadblocks around the capital, and cordoned off the Prime Minister's residence; a military coup took place on 5 December. Bainimarama has assumed control of the country and installed a new prime minister; a state of emergency is in place and curfews could be imposed without warning. The situation could deteriorate with little notice and visitors are advised to avoid travel to Suva until the situation becomes clearer. The uncertain political situation, poor economic climate and unemployment mean the crime rate is high and it is unwise to carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive clothes or jewellery. Pickpockets are active at bus stations and taxi ranks and women on their own should be cautious. There has been an increase in the number of violent robberies, which have occurred against foreigners, particularly at night and in urban areas. Natural dangers exist in the form of rip tides along the reefs and river estuaries and care should be taken when swimming or boating. There is also the possibility of shark attacks. Cyclone season is usually from November to April. On the roads reckless driving is common and animals on the road pose a hazard, particularly after dark.

Duty Free

Travellers to Fiji over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 250g of cigars or 250 cigarettes or a combination of tobacco products not exceeding 250g; 2.25 litres of liquor, or 4.5 litres of wine or 4.5 litres of beer or a combination of all these not exceeding the limit; perfume for personal use up to 118ml; and other goods to the value of F$400 per person. Restrictions apply to firearms and ammunition; and meat and dairy products from Tasmania. Travellers who have been on a pilgrimage and return to Fiji with holy water will be checked to ensure it is accompanied by certification declaring it sterile and free from contaminants.

Tipping

Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji but small tips are appreciated for good service. Some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund where tips are shared, instead of tipping staff daily.

Language

The official languages are Fijian and Hindustani, but English is widely used and understood.

Communications

The international country dialling code for Fiji is +679. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are no area codes. Most hotels have direct dialling facilities. Vodaphone Fiji Ltd has active GSM roaming agreements with most international networks. There are a few Internet cafes, but connection times are very slow.

Time Zone

Local time is GMT +12.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three oblique flat pins.

Money

The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the unit of currency, with 100 cents to a dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies and travel agents. Not all ATMs accept the full range of international credit cards, but travellers cheques and cash can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange bureaux throughout the islands.