Welcome in what is without any doubt one of the most beautifull destinations in the world, if not the most beautifull: the Fiji Islands.
Fijians will often tell that their 333 unspoiled islands in the tropical South Pacific together form the worlds friendliest paradise, and they have all the right to say so, as the Fiji Islands do not have it all, but much more than that.
Clean air and water, an unpolluted environment, lack of serious diseases, uncrowded beaches, beautifull virgin coral reefs and forests, an own unique exotic culture and above all that what will be your main memory; the genuine legendary friendliness of the people. “Bula”! That will probably be the first word you will hear when you arrive. The word means “a warm welcome” as well as “relax” as “a good health”, which is rather a promise than a wish. You could say that the highlight of the Fiji Islands are the people.
The islands were first settled about three and a half thousand years ago, by a race known as “Lapita People”. Linguistic research indicates that the first settlers came from Northern or Central Vanuatu or possibly the Eastern Solomon Islands.
The first explorers, as Captain James Cook and William Bligh, spoke very highly of Fiji’s early society. The Fijians themselves called their home ‘Viti’, but the Tongans referred to it as ‘Fiji’, and it was this pronunciation first used by Captain Thomas Cook that gave the islands their modern name.
Today Fijian culture is made up of an intricate network of people , of Fijian, Indian or other origin – but all sharing a common pride in their culture and determination to keep it alive.
Geography
The Republic of Fiji, independent since 1970, which compromises 333 islands with a total land area of 18,333 sqkm, is situated in the very heart of the South Pacific. The largest island, VITI LEVU, with 10,425 sqkm, contains the capital of Suva and two international airports, to be reached from both Los Angeles as well as Australia.
The second largest island is called VANUA LEVU. Your holiday will be most likely spent on one of these two large islands.
Straddling the international dateline and lying between 15 degrees and 22 degrees south of the equator, Fiji is truly the hub of the South Pacific region and has become a major crossroad for air and shipping between North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Fiji lies 3,100 km northeast of Sydney, 2,100 km north of Auckland, 5,100 southwest of Honolulu and 7,100 southeast of Tokyo.
Travel Info
While Fiji is an exotic destination, it is easy to get there. Travel to Fiji is usually a nonstop flight from Los Angeles or Sydney to the Nadi International Airport in Nadi on VITI LEVU.
To reach VANUA LEVU you will take a short one hour flight to Savusavu, from where an airconditioned van will take you to the resort of your choice.
Time zones
When it is 9 am in Fiji, it is :
1 pm in Los Angeles, previous day
4 pm in New York, previous day
9 pm in London, previous day
10 pm in Frankfurt, previous day
6 am in Tokyo, same day
9 am in Auckland, same day
7 am in Sydney, same day
Climate
Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate. Maximum summer temperatures average 31ºC (88ºF) and the mean minimum is 22ºC (84ºF). In the winter the temperature varies from 29ºC (84ºF) to 19ºC (66ºF) , thus making it the ideal climate for a holiday anytime, for the outdoors, the beach and surf, for light cotton dresses, barbecues and water sports.
Dress Code
Thanks to the climate, light clothing is highly recommended. In the resorts the dress code is casual, but wet clothing will not be accepted in the restaurants.
It is important to dress modestly when away from the hotel and especially visiting a village. Always carry a “sulu” to cover bathing togs, shorts, dresses or halter tops. The wrap-around “sulu” is Fiji’s most distinctive and versatile form of dress. It is women who obtain the most benefit from the “sulu”. There are at least ten different ways in which it can be used, even for evening wear. Ask your resort staff for hints on tying and wearing your “sulu”.
Population
The population of close to 825,287 is multi-racial, composed of indigenous Fijians, Indians, Europeans, Part Europeans and Chinese. Of these , 52.8% are Fijian, 40.3% Indian and 6.9% other races.
Religion
A multiracial, multicultural national, Fiji is represented by major religions of the world. Visitors will see Christian churches, Mosques, Sikh and Hindu temples in the towns and the countryside. The majority of Fijians are of the Wesleyan persuasion, but all the other Christian denominations are represented. Visitors are welcome at Sunday worship throughout the Fiji Islands.
Language
Fiji is an English-speaking country although the two major races – Fijians and Indians speak in their vernacular. Hotell staff are fluent in English.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is left to the individual to determine whether to make a gratuity.
Currency
The currency is the Fiji Dollar or FJD. At the time of this publication $F1 was equivalent to 0,58 USD or 0,47 EUR and 0,31 GBP (Currency exchange rate of March 2004).
Entry Requirement
Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least 3 months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required.
Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months or less for nationals of Commonwealth countries.
Nationals of other countries require pre-arranged visas, which can be applied for at the nearest Fiji High Commission in their respective country. Visa may be extended for up to six months on application to the Department of Immigration in Suva, Lautoka or Nadi. It is necessary to have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds. Those wishing to stay more than six months should consult the Department of Immigration.
Dutiable Goods
Fiscal duty and VAT are levied on all goods in excess of concessions. Fiscal duty rates vary depending on the goods, whereas VAT is uniformly charged at 10%. VAT is applied on a basis which includes the value of the goods plus any fiscal duty payable.
Departure Tax
Visitors to Fiji are required to pay $20 departure tax in Fijian currency following check-in. Children under 12 are exempt.
Communications
Most hotels have direct dialing facilities. The international country IDD code for Fiji is 679.
There are no area codes. Thus, when dialing any part of Fiji from overseas the procedure would be : access code 679 plus the Fiji subscriber number.
Etiquette in a Fijian Village
Village life is central to Fijian culture. When visiting a village, it is customary to present a gift of “yagona”, which is also known as “kava”. The gift, called a sevusevu, is not expensive – a half kilo costs approximately $15-$20. It is presented to the “Turaga ni Koro”, the traditional head of a village.
This is usually done in the head person’s house and will be attended by whoever is on hand. Pounded into powder it will be mixed with water and served. Be prepared to shake hands and answer personal questions as to where you are from, whether married and if so, how many children, boys, girls etc.
Do not wear a hat in the village. This is considered an insult to the chief. Do not wear shoes in people’s houses.
It is also insulting to touch someone’s head.
Fijians are 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. |
