Fiji Travel Information

Fiji, an island nation located in the South Pacific, is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals. Whether you're looking to relax on a tropical beach or explore the local culture, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Fiji. Here are the top 10 things to do in Fiji that should not be missed:

1. Relax on the Beach

Fiji is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the warm waters, and enjoy the many water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.

2. Visit a traditional Fijian village

Fiji is known for its rich culture and traditional Fijian villages. Visitors can experience the traditional Fijian way of life by visiting a village and participating in activities like a traditional lovo feast, a kava ceremony, and a firewalking ceremony.

3. Explore the coral reefs

Fiji is known for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can explore the coral reefs by snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking a glass-bottom boat tour.

4. Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a botanical garden located on the main island of Viti Levu, known for its collection of over 2,000 varieties of orchids. Visitors can explore the gardens and also see many other exotic plants and flowers.

5. Take a river safari

Fiji offers many options for river safaris, visitors can take a boat ride up the Navua River and see the beautiful scenery, traditional villages and also spot some of the local wildlife.

6. Visit the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool

The Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool is a volcanic area located on the main island of Viti Levu, known for its hot springs and mud pools. Visitors can take a dip in the hot springs and also cover themselves in the therapeutic mud.

7. Visit the Fiji Museum

The Fiji Museum is located in Suva, the capital city of Fiji. It is known for its collection of artifacts that showcase the rich history of the islands, including its indigenous culture, colonial history, and World War II relics.

8. Visit the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are a group of islands located off the west coast of Fiji, known for their beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can take a boat tour of the islands and also enjoy the many water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.

9. Visit the Kula Eco Park

The Kula Eco Park is a conservation park located on the main island of Viti Levu, known for its collection of exotic animals, such as parrots, iguanas, and crocodiles. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and also see the many animals that call the park home.

10. Take a scenic drive

Fiji offers many options for scenic drives, visitors can take a drive through the beautiful countryside and see the many traditional villages and also spot some of the local wildlife.

Climate

Fiji is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, and it has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The average temperature is around 29°C (84°F) and the sea temperature ranges between 25°C - 29°C (77°F - 84°F)

Fiji has two main seasons: the dry season (May to October) and the wet season (November to April). The dry season is characterized by less rainfall and less humidity, while the wet season is characterized by more rainfall and more humidity.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fiji depends on the type of activities you want to do and your preferences. In general, the dry season is considered the best time to visit, as the weather is more stable and the chances of rain are lower. This is also the peak season for tourism, which means that the prices are higher and the tourist destinations can be more crowded.

The wet season is considered the low season for tourism, but it's also the time when the nature is more lush and the wildlife is more active, making it a great time for nature lovers. It's worth noting that the weather during the wet season is still warm and tropical, with occasional rain showers.

It's also worth noting that Fiji is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, and the visibility underwater is better during the dry season.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Fiji has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. You can find hotels in most of the major islands, towns and tourist destinations. Many of the hotels in Fiji are eco-friendly and have a strong focus on sustainability.

Resorts

Resorts are a popular option in Fiji, as they offer all-inclusive packages and a wide range of activities and amenities. You can find resorts in most of the major islands and tourist destinations.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, villas, and houses can be rented on a short-term basis. This is becoming an increasingly popular option in Fiji, and it can be a great option for those looking for more privacy and space.

Eco-Lodges

Eco-lodges are a popular option in Fiji, as they offer comfortable accommodations in harmony with nature. They are typically located in remote areas, and they offer a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the country.

Homestays

Homestays are a great way to experience local culture and hospitality. They are typically run by local families, and they offer comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations.

Air travel

Fiji has two international airports: Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Nausori International Airport (SUV). From there, you can take a domestic flight to reach other destinations in Fiji. Most of the domestic flights are operated by Fiji Airways and its subsidiary Fiji Link, and they connect the main island of Viti Levu to the other islands in the group.

Bus travel

Buses are a popular and convenient way to travel around Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. Bus travel is relatively inexpensive, but it's worth noting that the buses can be crowded and not always reliable.

Car rental

Car rental is a great option for those who want to explore Viti Levu at their own pace, it's widely available at the airports and in the major cities. It's worth noting that the road conditions can be challenging in some remote areas.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in most cities and towns, and they are a convenient and safe way to get around. It's worth noting that it's best to use a licensed taxi and to agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Ferry services

Ferry services are a popular option for those who want to travel between the islands, they connect the main island of Viti Levu to the other islands in the group, such as Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. They usually run on a regular schedule and can be a scenic and comfortable way to travel.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.