Fiji is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific that consists of 300 islands, from which only 110 are permanently populated by people.
What is interesting to notice is that due to the abundance of natural resources, it is considered to be the most developed country in the Pacific realm and also this is one of the factors that bring tourists from different parts of the world.
Even if they are considered to have an easy-going and very friendly culture it is very important for you as a tourist to respect their customs that you will be able to know while visiting the island.
Warnings & Dangers in Fiji
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Fiji is claimed to be a relatively safe destination for tourists, but still, they are advised to use their common sense as this is the key that will make you enjoy to the fullest of your vacation.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
You can choose from a wide range of available means as all of them are claimed to be safe and really enjoyable.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpockets as everywhere in the world can be met here as well and as a piece of advice will serve to keep a close look on your belongings and do not leave them unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Fiji is located in earthquake zones, which means that these can cause tsunami alerts, the only thing is that you should be aware of local safety procedures just in case. Tropical cyclones can occur from November to April most of the times and it is really advisable in that period to follow the advice of public authorities.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
There are really few cases of mugging that can involve tourists, but it is still recommended when on Nadi or Suva to not walk at night even if in a group.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Even if there is no historic data of any terrorist attack happening on the islands these can not be ruled out and you should be kind of prepared as everywhere in the world.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams cases can occur, but these could be easily avoided by using your common sense and not being easily influenced.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
On rare occasions, a woman has been threatened and it is believed that women will not experience any difficulties while traveling.
So... How Safe Is Fiji Really?
Even if it is claimed to be a safe place from different prospectives there are some that can diminish somehow the safety degree, but still, in a well-functioning country, they can assure that you will enjoy your trip by providing you with all the necessary equipment in case of emergency or offering necessary advice.
In many cases, men are asked if they want to buy drugs or prostitutes, as a tourist you should keep in mind that both of these two are not allowed to be traded on the island and as a result, you should avoid as much as possible these people and not so populated places.
It is advisable not to walk around alone and even in groups at night as it is not really safe at that time of the day, but if happening act as locals and get a cab that will drive you to your place in safety.
Regarding natural disasters, it is advisable to follow all the recommendations given by public authorities that are most of the times provided on the state-owned websites.
Even if the crime rate is low you as a tourist should take all the precaution measures for avoiding to the highest possible degree the unpleasant cases and safely enjoy your trip.
How Does Fiji Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Fiji | 70 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Iceland | 95 |
| Ireland | 83 |
| Serbia | 77 |
| Belgium | 70 |
| Austria | 92 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Italy | 77 |
Useful Information
Visas
It depends on your nationality whether you need a visa or not, but all the required information is clearly provided by the web-site of the public authorities.
Currency
The locally used currency is considered to be Dolar Fijian, but the US dollar is widely accepted as well on the islands. There is a fixed exchange rate set between these two currencies and mainly that $1.00 Fijian dollar is equal to $0.46 US dollar.
Weather
Fiji has a tropical climate, which means that there is hot and humid weather from December to April and a cooler season from June to October.
Airports
Nadi International Airport is considered to be the main international airport as well as one of the most important airports for the South Pacific islands.
Travel Insurance
As it is always recommended to have travel insurance while traveling, no matter the destination Fiji is not an exception.
Fiji Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 30 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| Low °C | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 |
| High °F | 86 | 86 | 86 | 82 | 81 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 84 |
| Low °F | 73 | 73 | 72 | 70 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 70 | 70 | 72 |
You have forgotten to tell people about the new taxes
Fiji is not safe
Fiji was safe place 30-40 years ago, people were very friendly but not any more. I used to go to Fiji every year until about 8 years ago, crime, prostitution, cheating hotels, petrol stations, corrupt police officers and so on and on. I would never go there again.
Safe for a visit
Fiji is safer than most people talk about in recent years, it’s just an exaggeration by the media like they do on most things, am I right?
Safe and gorgeous views
I never wear fancy jewelry on the street when traveling, no matter the country of destination. It’s safer, wiser and it also gives me peace of mind. Fiji is our soul island, we always come back eager for more. The only potential threat I could warn you about is the myriad of creatures that are not a common recurrence for a classic NYer like me.
I am retiring there...
I fee far safer there than I in any American city. Lovely people and landscape ….