10 Things You Should Know Before Travelling To Fiji

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With its tropical white sands, clear blue waters, and rich local culture, it’s no wonder so many international travellers flock to Fiji for a taste of paradise.

However, there are a few factors you should be mindful of in terms of etiquette, safety, and peace of mind when travelling to Fiji.

To help you plan your ultimate trip to Fiji, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 10 things you need to know before embarking on your travels, including the best times of the year to visit, local customs and everything in between.

Read on to find out more!

1. Choose Your Travel Dates Wisely

If you want to make the most of your trip to Fiji, choosing your travel dates wisely will make all the difference.

The cyclone season hits Fiji between November and April, so the best time to visit Fiji for clear blue skies and endless sunshine is from May to October.

Prices are often higher during this period due to increased demand, so be sure to plan and budget accordingly.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider travelling between November and March as there are numerous cheap Fiji holiday packages and off-peak deals to take advantage of within this window.

2. Learn Some Basic Fijian Words

Even though English is the official language and most Fijians understand English to some extent, it’s never a bad idea to build your vocabulary and learn some basic Fijian words before hopping on a plane.

While there is no need to sign up for a course in Fijian any time soon, learning a few key phrases in your travel destination’s language is a great way to make a good impression and could also make your travels much smoother.

If you only learn a couple of Fijian words, make it bula (hello), vinaka (thank you), lo (yes) and sega (no), which will come in handy at hotels, resorts, restaurants and more.

3. Get Used To ‘Fiji Time’

Like many island nations, Fiji runs on its own “island time”.

One of the most important things to know as soon as you step off your plane is that whether it’s meal times, tour guides, flights or shows, nothing runs on schedule.

This can be a little jarring for many people (especially if you’re a bit of a control freak) but it is vital that you learn to go with the flow because it is essential to Fijian culture.

So, live a little and leave your watch at home.

You’re probably not going to need it in Fiji!

4. Watch Out For Mosquitoes

Unless you want to be covered in red welts at the end of your journey, we suggest stocking up on insect repellent to protect yourself from those universally dreaded mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are common throughout the Fiji Islands so be sure to not just bring your insect repellant, but also prioritise repeat applications throughout the day.

It is also extremely important to note that Fiji is listed as one of the countries known to have the Zika virus, which means that travellers should take safety precautions as outlined by their local health services.

5. The National Speed Limit Is 80 km/h

No matter what country you travel to, respecting local laws is an absolute must.

If you plan on renting a car during your Fiji holiday, it is imperative to note that the national speed limit is 80 km/h.

This limit is enforced by police and you will be fined if you are caught speeding, so be sure to err on the side of caution when driving.

Aside from tough speed limits, driving around Fiji is a relatively easy experience, as other road rules are pretty relaxed and sometimes non-existent.

However, to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, we always recommend adhering to basic road rules such as not driving intoxicated, using your indicators, always wearing a seatbelt and watching out for other drivers on the road.

6. Tipping Is Not Expected

Unlike in North America where tipping is mandatory, you’ll be happy to note that tipping is not expected in Fiji, neither is it part of the local culture.

The main reason behind this is due to the communal culture in Fiji, where everyone shares everything.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t show your appreciation with a generous tip — many hotels and resorts feature “Christmas Fund” boxes at reception counters, where guests may leave tips that will be evenly distributed among all employees at the end of the year.

7. You’ll Probably Encounter A Number Of Machetes

Wherever you go in Fiji, chances are you’ll probably encounter at least one person who is walking around with a machete.

Before you freak out, remember that machetes are an incredibly common sight in Fiji as they are the preferred tool for most workers who need to cut away grass, open coconuts and more.

If you see someone with a machete, don’t be alarmed — the Fijians are simply doing their jobs and mean no harm!

8. Think Before You Drink

You may opt for some fancy ‘Fiji Water’ when you’re home, but contrary to popular belief, the tap water in Fiji is not the same as the famous bottled water.

To stay on the safe side and to ensure you don’t end up with some serious gastrointestinal discomfort, be sure to only drink filtered, bottled, or pre-boiled water.

When eating out, ensure that your food is piping hot (especially if you’re enjoying soups or broths) and steer clear of rockmelons, which, unfortunately, aren’t always grown in the best conditions.

Top Tip: Avoiding tap water includes more than you might think, including brushing your teeth, ingesting water in the shower, ice in beverages, and food that has been washed in tap water.

9. Bring A Gift When Visiting Small Villages

If you plan on visiting small villages during your Fiji holiday, it is important to note that bringing a small gift along with you is always a good idea.

When paying a visit to local communities, a number of villages in Fiji require guests to engage in a sevusevu (gift-giving ritual), which is not optional.

What you bring along is generally up to you or based on where you are, as preferences vary from region to region.

However, the most common item which you simply cannot go wrong with is Kava Root, an indigenous substance which you can find at any Fijian marketplace.

This will show your true understanding of the Fijian culture and the significance of the kava ceremony.

10. Be Careful Of Eating Reef Fish

Seafood lovers, this one’s for you.

When visiting Fiji, it is imperative that you stay away from consuming reef fish, which has been associated with sickness, not just in Fiji but in many of the South Pacific Islands.

Unfortunately, reef fish live in shallow waters and feed off the coral, which may have a toxic bloom on them during certain periods of the year, infecting the fish.

Almost any reef fish can cause ciguatera poisoning, but species such as red snapper, moray eel, barracuda, grouper, hogfish, sturgeon, kingfish, and sea bass, in particular, are the most commonly affected.

But don’t worry — you don’t have to give up your fish dinner entirely.

Instead, stay safe by opting for deep-water fish such as tuna, marlin and mahi mahi.

And there you have it — 10 essential things you should know before travelling to Fiji.

We hope this list has equipped you with all the knowledge you need to prepare you for your trip and we are certain you will enjoy this tropical paradise!

All the best and safe travels!

Fiji Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Fiji Safety Review

Safety Index:

70

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW