Many people travel to the Fijian Islands for their beauty, interesting culture and their tropical climate. In fact, the temperature varies very little between summer and winter, and the average annual temperature is a comfortable 25 C (77 F).

Even though the winter months (May through November) are usually quite warm, it can get a bit chilly in the evenings, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket if you are visiting the islands during this time.

The dress code in Fiji is quite strict and conservative. Wearing bathing suits, short shorts and tank tops in public is seen as a lack of respect. Revealing too much skin in Fijian villages is considered offensive. Men should always wear shirts in town, and women should wear skirts or dresses that cover at least the upper legs while seated.

On the beach near the resort hotels it’s ok to wear beach wear. However, keep in mind that in Fijian society, bathing suits are considered risky wear for local women and public nudity and topless sunbathing for women is illegal.

Currency and credit cards

The basic unit of currency is the Fijian dollar. It is available in denominations of F$2, F$5, F$10, F$20, F$50 and F$100, while coins are available in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. It is recommended to bring travelers checks instead of cash for security reasons. American Express is probably the best to bring because they are represented in Fiji by a.t.s. Pacific. Usually it’s not possible to exchange travelers checks or foreign banknotes in rural areas, so plan ahead and bring sufficient Fijian dollars with you if you plan to go to these areas. Also avoid exchanging money at the hotels because they often times give a lower rate than the banks.

Credit cards are accepted usually only in the cities and resorts. The most common ones that are accepted are MasterCard and Visa. Many tourism operators don’t accept American Express.

There’s no restriction on the import of foreign currency, however, only F$500 may be imported or exported. But it’s best to not take any Fijian dollars home as Fiji banknotes are difficult to change outside Fiji and are usually very discounted.

Entry requirements

A passport is necessary for everyone entering Fiji. The passport had to be valid at least three months beyond the date of entry. Visas are not required for visitors from 101 countries, such as North America, Western Europe, Japan, Israel and most Commonwealth countries, for example. Visitors from visa-exempt countries may stay up to four months. To see a complete list of the visa-exempt countries, visit www.bulafiji.com. Visitors are required to have a valid returning airline ticket with them when entering the country.

A yellow fever or cholera vaccination is only required for visitors coming directly from an infected area, such as the Amazon in Brazil, for example. No vaccinations are necessary for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe or North America.

Fiji airports and flight seasons

airport The airport in Nadi, which is five miles north of the town of Nadi located on the island of Viti Levu, is where most of the international flights arrive. Bus and taxi services are available at the airport, as well as car hire, restaurants, duty-free shops, a post office, tourist information, a 24-hour bank, left luggage office and bar.

The Suva Airport, which is the hub for internal flights, is located in Nausori on the eastern coast of Viti Levu and nine miles from the city capital of Suva. Some similar services that are offered at the Nadi Airport are available here as well.

Anytime is a good time to visit Fiji, even during its rainy season or off-season. Flights during the months of February and March, which make up Fiji’s off-season, are often times available at discounted rates.

Tipping and bargaining tips

Tipping is not customary in Fiji, so leaving a tip is up to the customer. Bargaining is common in smaller shops. Once an item is purchased, it cannot be returned. Sales are final.

Disabled travelers

There aren’t many facilities for disabled travelers in Fiji. However, things may improve in the future since Fiji ratified the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities in March 2007. Contact the Fiji Disabled People’s Association for more information. Their phone number is 331-1203, and the address is 355 Waimanu Road, Suva.

Traveling with children

Fiji is a family-friendly destination. Many hotels offer discounts and facilities for children. At many large resort hotels, children can stay free if they share a room with their parents and if they don’t require extra bedding. Kids also often times eat at a reduced price, and many large resorts have children’s clubs where parents can drop off their offspring, so they can play with other children under the supervision of the hotel staff. Resorts that offer this service include Malolo Island Resort, Plantation Island Resort, Bounty Island Sanctuary Resort, Musket Cove Island Resort, Castaway Island Resort and Treasure Island Resort, among many others.

Women traveling alone

As long as women follow some simple rules, they should have few problems while traveling alone or with a female friend in Fiji. A woman shouldn’t accept a ride back to her hotel by someone she doesn’t know, especially after dark. Also, conservative dress and polite behavior is recommended. Women should also avoid being alone in remote areas, such as beaches and trails.

Gay and lesbian travelers

Homosexuality in Fiji is illegal. The Fiji Law Reform is currently considering to decriminalize homosexual conduct, but as of today, this hasn’t happened yet. Gay and lesbian travelers to Fiji should be discreet and avoid displaying affection toward each other in public.