Flights – Fiji Airways is currently the only airline offering service from the US to Fiji. Non-stop flights are available from both Los Angeles and San Francisco to Nadi, Fiji, with a flight time of approximately 10-11 hours. Fiji Airways operates a network of flights within the country to reach outer island destinations. Helicopter and sea plane transfers are also available to certain locations. Our Travel Designers are experts on international and local flights and can arrange all logistics.

It’s important to note that you’ll cross the International Dateline, so flights from the US to Fiji arrive 2 calendar days later; but you make up that time on the return by departing Fiji and arriving into the US all on the same calendar day.

Cruises, Ferries & Water Taxis – Water taxis and ferries operate regular schedules and day cruises to reach the beautiful Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains. There are also boutique cruise companies that offer multi-day trips, which is a wonderful way to explore the Fiji Islands.

Fiji’s climate is warm and tropical year-round with two distinct seasons, the wet/summer season (December-April) and the dry/winter season (May-November). Fiji is located in the cyclone belt, however cyclones are confined to the wet season. Temperatures in general range from the high 70’s to the high 80’s, and during the wet season you will find temperatures to be in the mid to high 80’s with a high level of humidity.

Fiji has an abundance of activities to experience. Most resort locations will offer snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, village visits and possibly surfing, depending on the location.

For those looking for a bit more adventure such as rafting, zip lining, 4WD tours or even shark diving, we suggest a stay on the main island of Viti Levu before heading to an outer island to relax.

Fiji also offers some unique hiking and trekking options, which can be booked as a day tour or multi-day experience.

The Fijian culture is a major highlight, and is therefore deserving of its own FAQ, see below!

There is a variety of accommodations around Fiji, however our focus is on the smaller boutique resorts and outer island experiences. In these small resorts, it is common for the staff to quickly learn your names and preferences, and to make you feel completely at home. Many of the resorts we work with are located on remote islands, so just about everything is self-contained and you can immediately enjoy relaxation and barefoot luxury.

Passports & Visas – Passport with six months remaining validity after your return date is required for entry, and a ticket for return or onward travel. A visa is not required for US citizens with a stay of less than four months.

For more information on entry/exit requirements and the most current visa information, visit Tourism Fiji.

Tipping – Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji. Most resorts will have a “Christmas Box” which is shared amongst the staff at the end of the year. Feel free to donate to this fund if you have received great service.

Power Adapter – The electric current is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Fiji uses a flat, but angled, two- or three-pronged plug, identical to Australia and New Zealand. If plugging in an appliance or device from the US, you will need a plug adaptor. If your appliances or devices are 110V and do not have a voltage range capacity, you will also need a voltage converter. Several hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 11v shavers, hair dryers and other electrical appliances.

Currency – Fiji’s unit of currency is the Fiji Dollar (FJD$), with both dollar bills and coins. Purchases are subject to “rounding” of amounts either up or down to the nearest 5 cents. ATMs are the best resource for obtaining local currency, so you’ll want to ensure that your bank is notified of your travel plans, and understand the fees that your bank charges for withdrawals from a non-network ATM.

Outdoor Safety – While enjoying outdoor activities in Fiji, be ‘sun smart’ and minimize your exposure. The sun is stronger in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in their summertime. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up, and frequently apply high SPF water-resistant sunscreen.

For more in-depth details on travel to Fiji, you may want to visit Tourism Fiji’s Travel Tips.

Many Fijians live in rural villages, and their traditions continue to run strong. A village visit is one of the best ways to get a glimpse into the daily lives of locals and gain a true appreciation for their charm and friendly nature. We highly suggest visiting a village on a scheduled tour arranged by your hotel or resort, as there are many traditional protocols that must be honored.

For example, it is customary to present a gift of yaqona, which is also known as kava, and is called a sevusevu. It is presented to the Turaga ni Koro, the executive head of the village. A Fijian presentation follows and is usually conducted in the village head’s house, where it is generally attended by some of the older men of the village who happen to be in the vicinity (this can quickly turn into a social occasion). Pounded into powder, the yaqona (kava root) will be mixed with water and served. Be prepared to shake hands and to answer many personal questions, such as: Where you are from? Are you married? How many children do you have? How much money you earn? etc.

Important Tips for Visiting Villages

• It is important to dress modestly when away from the immediate vicinity of your resort or hotel; men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Always carry a sulu (sarong, lavalava, pareu) as a quick and easy cover-up over bathing suits, shorts, or tank tops. Remove hat and sunglasses in a village, as it is considered an insult to a chief. It is also considered an insult to touch someone’s head, even small children. Do not wear shoes into people’s houses.
• Stay with your assigned host. If other villagers ask you to eat or accompany them, politely note that you are with your host and would be honored to visit with them at another time. Remember, Fijians will, out of customs, always ask you to eat with them or share whatever they have.
• Speak softly. Raised voices are interpreted as expressing anger.
• Show respect, but be cautious with praise. If you show too much liking for an object, then the Fijians will feel obliged to give it to you as a gift, whether they can afford to or not.
• If you spend a night in the village, reward your host with a useful gift of similar value for each member of your party. If you feel obliged to pay more, ask your hosts what he or she might like and purchase it for them. A bundle of groceries is graciously appreciated by large Fijian families.

You will find some villages more traditional than others, especially those distant from towns and urban centers.

Fijians are known as the friendliest people in the world. Your respect for their customs and traditions will not only make you a welcome guest in their villages and homes, but add another dimension to your Fijian holiday.

Donations

The local village would be happy to receive some of your donated items:

• Kids clothes
• Writing utensils (crayons, markers, pens, pencils, etc)
• Shoes
• Reading glasses for adults
• Books (both kid’s books and tasteful adult material)

You may also donate to the villages. An average amount is approx. FJD$20-50 (USD$15-30), although you are welcome to donate as much or as little as you like.

English is the official language, although the two major races – Fijians and Indians – speak in their native vernacular. Hotel staff will be fluent in English.

Fijian pronunciation is similar to English, but with a few changes to the phonetic alphabet. Below is a brief guide which will bring you close to the correct pronunciations. The best way to learn, since there are many subtleties, is to have a Fijian instruct you and then listen closely.

Pronunciation

“a” is “ah” as in father, but shorter. The correct pronunciation of Nadi, is closer to “Nahn-di” than “Nan-di”.

“b” is “mb” as in bamboo. You’ll hear “bula” or “hello” many times. You may notice the slight humming “m”, almost silent at the beginning. When something precedes the “b”, then the “m” sound becomes more pronounced. The formal “hello”, Ni Sa Bula, is pronounced “ni sahm boola”.

“c” is “th” as in “this”. So “moce” meaning goodbye is pronounced “moe-they”.

“d” is “nd” as in candy.

“e” is “ey” as in bay.

“g” is “ng” as in singer. The island of Beqa is pronounced “Mbeng-gah”.

“i” is “i” as in sit or “ee” as in routine. 

“o” is “oh” as in go.

“u” is “oo” as in bamboo or “u” as in put.

Common Phrases