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Fiji travel information

Time: Local time is GMT +12.

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

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

Health: There is a risk of waterborne diseases such as Leptospirosis, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid; following the floods in February/March 2007, the Ministry of Health has issued raised alerts for typhoid, dengue fever and Leptospirosis. 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.

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.

Safety: Fiji does exhibit some socio-political tension and visitors need to be vigilant and avoid political rallies and public demonstrations. On 5 December 2006 the military moved into Suva, and took over the running of the country in what was the fourth coup in 20 years. The situation could deteriorate with little notice and visitors are advised to keep up to date with the current situation and avoid all large gatherings of people. 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. On the roads reckless driving is common and animals on the road pose a hazard, particularly after dark. Cyclone season is usually from November to April. Torrential rain in February and March 2007 caused burst river banks and flooding throughout Fiji, but mainly in the north and west. Visitors to Vanua Levu should check with tour operators or resorts before travel.

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. A sulu (a sarong that can be worn by men and women) is useful as a wrap-around so no offence is caused when wearing shorts or sleeveless tops away from hotels or resorts. 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. Avoid overly praising an object, as Fijians will feel obliged to give it as a gift. 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.

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.

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.