Fiji Guides
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GENERAL INFORMATION
National Day is 10 October
Electricity is available to all main centres at 240 volts, 50 cycles A.C.
The normal working hours for government departments are 08:00 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 to 16:00 on Friday.
The local time is 12 hours ahead of GMT. Fiji is situated directly west of the International Dateline, making it one of the first countries in the world to see a new day.
Daylight saving of 1 hour applies during the months of November, December, January and February.
Trading currency is the Fiji dollar. The exchange rate is determined by the central bank - The Reserve Bank of Fiji - by weighing the Fiji dollar against a basket of currencies from Fiji's major trading partner countries. Currency Converter.
The fiscal year is from January 1 to December 31.
The capital of Fiji Islands is Suva, a city situated on the south eastern coast of Viti Levu.
The main economic activities are tourism, sugar, fishing and copra. Farming (copra and dalo) and the garment industry are other export winners.
Fiji uses the metric system of weights and measures.
Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road.
VISITOR INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIR SERVICES TO FIJI
Nadi International Airport is the gateway to Fiji and the biggest airport facility in the region. Nadi Airport (NAN) provides daily services for a range of airlines including Air Pacific, QANTAS, Air New Zealand, Royal Tongan Airlines, Polynesian, Air Caledonie, Air Vanuatu, Solomon Airlines, Air Nauru, Sunflower Airlines, Air Fiji. The airport is a 15-minute drive to town.
Nausori Airport (SUV) in Suva is Fiji's second International Airport. Situated 30 minutes' drive from Suva City, this facility is used by Boeing 737 services from Auckland and Sydney and domestic carriers servicing the Fiji Islands.
Domestic Air Services
Domestic Airports are situated throughout the Fiji Islands providing visitors with convenient access to the whole of Fiji.
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TAX
A Departure tax of F$20 is applicable for all travelers departing the country on International flights. This tax is payable at the airport prior to immigration processing.
Visitor Requirements
Visitors must have a current passport valid for more than three months from the date of entry, adequate funds to support themselves and a return ticket. No entry permit is required for visitors staying in the Fiji Islands 30 days or less. Visitors wanting to stay longer than 30 days should apply for an extended entry at the time of arrival or through any Fiji Immigration Department Office.Please consult your travel agent or Fiji information office before travelling, to confirm that the above condition is still valid, and whether there are any current or new restrictions or regulations regarding entry into Fiji Islands.
DUTY FREE CONCESSION
The Fiji Islands provides visitors with the following duty free concessions :
- 500 cigarettes or 500 grams of cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco, or all three but not exceeding 500 grams together.
- Two litres of liquor, or four litres of wine or four litres of beer. Up to $400 per passenger of any duty assessed goods.
- A number of other items classified as duty-free (including personal effects).
GOODS AND SERVICES TAXES
There is a 12.5% value added tax (VAT) in the Fiji Islands that is applied to most items.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Electric current is 240 volts AC 50 cycles and is convertible to 110 volts in some hotels. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. If your appliances are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter. The larger hotels and resorts usually offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc. Please check ahead with your resort or hotel.
POSTAL SERVICES
At many resorts and hotels (especially on the outer islands) you will be able to purchase stamps at reception and they may also organise the mailing of your postcards or letters.
Post offices in the main centres are open 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday except in Suva where it closes at 4:30pm.
TIME
Have you ever heard of 'Fiji time'? It is more like 'why hurry' and this describes the slow, easy pace of life in the Fiji Islands. For those seeking a more scientific description, the Fiji Islands is the place where time begins each day and the country is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET
The telephone services in Fiji is modern, with direct or operator-assisted dialling. Check with your resort or hotel when making bookings if you need to have a phone in your room as only the hotels and larger resorts offer that facility. Some also provide internet access in your room. Internet cafés are becoming quite common in the main centres.
WHAT TO WEAR
Fiji enjoys a tropical climate - especially noticeable in the hotter, humid summer months of November-March, so you will be able to travel light! That includes shirts with short sleeves, shorts, skirts, bathing suits, open-toed shoes, etc. Reef-walkers are great for protecting your feet if you are exploring exposed reefs at low tide. And don't forget a hat! Depending on where you are staying, you may like to bring some dressier (but lightweight!) clothes for the evening. During the popular winter season (which is high season in Fiji), it is less humid and some travellers can even feel a little cool in the evening, so a lightweight jacket or sweater is handy. To avoid embarrassing and offending the local Fijian people, visitors should dress modestly when in town, keeping brief clothing for the beaches and resorts. If in doubt about what is acceptable, ask your resort or hotel. This is especially important if you visit a local Fijian village.
WATER
The tap water in Fiji is generally safe although it may be advisable to boil water before drinking. Bottles of drinking water are sold at most stores and hotels in the country. There are local brands available including Fiji Natural Water.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Should you require the services of a doctor while visiting the Fiji Islands there is a variety of public and private medical services available in most major centres and your Hotel can assist you at anytime should you require medical attention.
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