Suggested Length of Stay
Recommended lengths of stay on Fiji, stay anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the level or relaxation you are after.
Modes of transport
Roads
Paved highways encircle the two big islands connecting villages, towns and cities so it’s fairly easy to get around.
Public transport
Buses
Buses are a cheap option for trips to the Suncoast, Lautoka, the Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour or Suva on Viti Levu that is provided, you’re in no rush to get there! The trip takes anywhere between 1- 4 hrs and costs up to approximately FJ$20 one-way
Buses operate on an electronic ticketing system, so you’ll have to buy a disposable card ($2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100) from the bus checkers. Cards stay valid for 30 days and can be refunded in cash during that time from a Vodafone retail outlet.
Most inter-city buses travelling the Queen’s Highway make regular stops at Nadi International Airport and small towns along the way. Look out for any Pacific Transport, Sunbeam or Sunset bus outside the Departures terminal.
There’s also an Airport – Hotel Connections bus travelling the same route. It leaves the Nadi International Airport twice-daily (7.30am & 1pm) with brief stopovers at hotels along the Queen’s Highway. Book your ticket at the Rosie Holidays or TTF offices outside the International Arrivals terminal. It costs slightly higher than the regular public buses.
Taxis
It’s hard to miss the four-seater yellow taxis lined up outside the Nadi Airport arrivals terminal. With fares starting at FJ$5.00, they’re an easy option for short trips to Nadi, Denarau and Lautoka. Seven-seater vans are also available for bigger groups but expect to pay a bit more.
If you flag a taxi off the street, look out for the LT or LH registrations on the license plate. LT plates are metered taxis with a base rate of FJ$2.50. LH taxis are not metered and have fixed distance rates. It’s a good idea to check with your hotel reception about general taxi costs and confirm these with your taxi driver before starting your trip.
Car Rentals
There are roads all over Viti Levu and Vanua Levu just begging to be explored. Self-drives are perfect. Take your time in the small towns and grab a selfie or two at all the scenic spots.
By Sea
Passenger (Resort) Ferries
Escape to the stunning Mamanuca and Yasawa islands with daily connections out of Port Denarau. South Sea Cruises operators these sectors.The Tavewa Seabus, also departs daily from Lautoka Wharf and services the route between the sugar city of Lautoka and the Yasawa Islands.
Local (Roll on-Off Ferries
If you are cost-conscious, there’s always the inter-island ferry to consider.Locals favour this no-frills option for cheap travel between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. It’s also great for self-drives as you’re able to take your car onboard with you.There are also regular ferries to Ovalau (Levuka) and Kadavu islands.
Water Taxis
The Mamanuca and Yasawa islands are some of the most accessible islands in Fiji. If you’ve missed the regular boat, share a water taxi or charter your own to your resort. Most depart Port Denarau Marina but you’ll also find them at Vuda Marina and Lautoka Wharf too.
By Air
Fiji Link and Northern Air – Fiji’s domestic airlines – fly to most small airports around the country.
Health Precautions
Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases. Inoculations are required if you are travelling from an infected area.Most towns have a medical system in place with government and privately run hospitals, clinics, surgical centres, dental service and pharmacies.
Food and Drink
New Zealand is a mighty fine place to wine and dine. From country pubs to chic restaurants, the emphasis is on home-grown ingredients like lamb, seafood, and venison, with a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene to cleanse the palate. Dining choices depend on destination: you will be spoilt for choice in Auckland while little seaside towns might have just a bakery and pub to pick from.
Money
The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency with denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Coins are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. There is a 24-hour currency exchange service at the arrival’s concourse at Nadi Airport and in major towns.
Time Zone
Straddling the 180th Meridian, Fiji is exactly 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight savings kicks in around November to January, when Fiji moves one more hour ahead.
Visas
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Fiji.
Embassy & Consulate contacts for Fiji
Australian High Commission
Princess Rd, Suva, Fiji
+679 338 2211
Fiji Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia
Fiji High Commission
19 Beale Cres, Deakin ACT 2600
(02) 6260 5115
Electricity
The local electric current is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Fiji’s three-pin power outlets are identical to Australia.
Getting there (stopovers)
Qantas & Fiji Airways operated direct services to Nadi.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged but feel free to reward someone for outstanding service.
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