Currency Information

Fijian Dollar (FJD; symbol F$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of F$50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of F$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, at trading banks and at most hotels. ATMs may not accept foreign credit cards.

Credit / Debit Card Information

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at a number of establishments. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, JCB International and MasterCard have representatives in Suva. American Express and Visa can replace lost and stolen credit cards and traveller’s cheques.

Travellers Cheque Advice

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Australian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign or local currency, provided declared on arrival. Unspent local currency can be re-exchanged on departure up to the amount of foreign currency imported. The export of local currency is limited to F$500. The export of foreign currency as cash is limited to the equivalent of F$500.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0930-1500, Fri 0930-1600. Restricted Foreign Exchange Dealers (authorised to issue foreign currency and traveller’s cheques for travel-related purposes only): Mon-Fri 0830-1700, Sat 0830-1200.

Fiji is one of these paradise islands in the Pacific. But the island has more to offer than just beaches where you can bum, and water where you can snorkel.

There are many scenic and historic attractions in Fiji. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and markets with various foods, artefacts, handicrafts and especially seafood. Places of historic interest include the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House and the old Parliament Buildings. Other sites of interest on Fiji include the Cultural Centre at Orchid Island, just outside of Suva, the mysterious earthworks at Taveuni and the old colonial houses (situated around Fiji).

Very typical for Fiji are three things : The first is the word “Bula”! This will probably be your first word when arriving in Fiji. Meaning “welcome” but also “be at ease”, it will most definitely make you feel both. Secondly it is common refrain repeated by all who travelled to Fiji, is that the islands of Fiji are not only among the most pristine in the world, but also inhabited by the friendliest people. And last but not least the world renowned Island Resorts, resorts on private islands, many of them within easy reach from the international airports of Nadi and Suva.

The ethnic variety of Fiji society can be seen mainly in the towns. There are powerfully built Fijians dressed in wrap-around sulus, numerous Indians, men in Western clothes, women wearing colourful saris and a scattering of European, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders. One tradition of both the Indians and Fijians is the practice of fire-walking. Fijian fire-walking has its origin in legend, while Indian fire-walking is done for religious reasons; although tourists can pay to see these ceremonies, the ritual remains a religious penance and not merely a tourist attraction. Cruises on large schooners or yachts to the different islands can be arranged, and tours around the main islands in comfortable coaches are also available.

For the hardier, hiking in the mountains with dramatic views of the islands is another option.

If you are interested to view the Map of Fiji, please do not hesitate to check out the Fiji Mapserver Website on http://map.mrd.gov.fj. Fiji is a very nice place to go and visit although it has many island i suggest that you try a cruise to visit all the islands.

Fiji is most easily reached by air - so flying is the fastest and most economical way of getting there. Fiji has international airports in Suva and Nadi. Flights to Nadi tend to be cheaper and are more frequent.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Fiji: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bangaldesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Germany, Micronesia, Finland, France, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein,Lesotho,Luxebourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Pacific Islands, Paraguay, Peru, the Phillipines, Poland,Portugal,Republic of Ireland, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand,Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay,Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Travellers from the above countries are granted a 4 month visitor visas upon arrival.

As most Fijians don’t own cars, public transport is plentiful and cheap, though slow and sometimes uncomfortable.

Within cities buses and taxis are the main mode of transport. Try to take a local bus at least once. The ride is bumpy and usually breezy (as most buses have no windows, just canvas blinds to keep out the rain) but lots of fun. Most bus drivers take great pride in their stereo systems and blare out Fijian or reggae music at top volume. A word of warning though - if you have long hair make sure you tie it back before the bus starts moving, otherwise you’ll be left looking very windblown.

Taxis are also a good way of getting around in cities, especially at night. As a general caution, one should not walk around at night alone in the cities, as muggings have been reported. All taxis have meters, but the Fijian Land Transport Authority only enforces the use of meters in Suva. In other towns and at airports you’ll need to agree to a price with the driver before you start your journey. In Suva taxi journeys are quite cheap. The most a taxi ride will cost you will be about FJ$5 and this will get you a long way.

Buses run regularly between cities and towns on the main island of Viti Levu. A bus trip between Nadi and Suva takes about five hours. Though more expensive, try to get an air-conditioned coach for this trip, your bottom and back will thank you for it.

Travel between islands is by ferry or plane.

The name Fiji is a Tongan corruption of the indigenous name “Viti.” The Fiji Islands are arrayed in a horseshoe configuration with Viti Levu (great Fiji) and adjacent islands on the west, Vanua Levu (great land) and Taveuni to the north, and the Lau Group on the east. This upside-down U-shaped archipelago encloses the Koro Sea, which is relatively shallow and sprinkled with the Lomaiviti, or central Fiji, insular group. Together the Fiji Islands are scattered over 1,290,000 square km of the South Pacific Ocean.

If every single one was counted, the isles of the Fiji archipelago would number in the thousands. However, a mere 322 are judged large enough for human habitation and of these only 106 are inhabited. That leaves 216 uninhabited islands, most of them prohibitively isolated or lacking fresh water.

Most of the islands are volcanic, remnants of a sunken continent that stretched through Australia. This origin accounts for the mineral deposits on the main landmasses. None of Fiji’s volcanoes are presently active, though there are a few small hot springs. The two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, together account for 87% of Fiji’s 18,272 square km of land. Viti Levu has 50% of the land area and 75% of the people, while Vanua Levu, with 30% of the land, has 18% of the population. (View a detailed map of Fiji.)

Fiji’s rainforests are unique in that they have no harmful animals or insects. Here one can enjoy serene contemplation of nature in complete safety. Multi-hued birds flit from the trees, and if you are lucky you may spot several varieties of Fiji’s tiny wild parrots. While the forest can be thick and impenetrable, you will find pathways used by the Fijians who know the jungle as well as you know your own living room.

Because of the mountainous nature of the islands, there are numerous streams and waterfalls, often with a cool pond in a rocky basin beneath the falls. One of the most famous is the sacred Bouma Falls on the Island of Taveuni, seen by the world in the motion picture “Return to the Blue Lagoon”.

Here you will also find a natural waterslide, also featured in the movie, where local residents have enjoyed themselves for centuries. Fiji has no leeches or crocodiles, and wild streams and brooks are crystal clear and unpolluted.

Fiji is famous for the variety of activities available. These include snorkelling over shallow reefs close to shore, diving, which offers a full range of a underwater experiences, riding in a jetboat, trekking in the tropical rainforests, swimming in the crystal clear waters of a rushing river, or even a visit to a sacred cave?

How about a full day or half day shopping tour of Suva, or a special week-long excursion around the major island where you can pilot a raft through raging rapids, sail through the magnificence of the Yasawa island chain or safari into the highlands to see rugged peaks and remote villages.