Fiji’s is an archipelago of more than 330 islands scattered across 1,290,000 square Kilometers of ocean in the middle of the South Pacific; just East of Australia and North of New Zealand. A tropical paradise of palm-fringed white sand beaches and lush rainforests ringed by thriving coral reefs and fish-filled lagoons.

Roughly one third of the islands are inhabited however most people live in the urban areas of the two larger islands – Viti Levu & Vanua Levu

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

From December to April, the temperatures are a comfortable 22° – 33°C

May to November is slightly cooler where temperatures range from 19°- 29°C

Fiji’s population of more than 880,000 is a melting pot of indigenous Fijians (i-Taukei), Indo-Fijians, Chinese, Part-Europeans and other South Pacific Islanders who call Fiji home. Despite their varied cultural backgrounds, locals are collectively referred to as Fijians.

English is Fiji’s official language but you will find most people are bilingual – speaking Fijian and/or Hindustani

Fiji’s religious beliefs reflect its multiculturalism. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam are peacefully practiced alongside each other

The local electric current is 240 volts AC 50Hz. Fiji’s three-pin power outlets are identical to Australia and New Zealand

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 in the arrivals concourse of the Nadi International Airport and in major towns.

Banks are open 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays at selected areas. ATMs are located around the country and at larger resorts and hotels

Gratuities are not customary in Fiji however you may choose to recognise exceptional service from particular staff; alternatively you can make a contribution to the Staff Fund on check-out, the Staff Fund is divided equally amongst all staff

A 9% Government Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable to all goods and services in Fiji. Visitors staying in hotels and resorts are subject to an Environment & Climate Adaptation Levy of 5%

You will need the following documents to clear Fiji immigration:

• A valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay
• A return ticket home or for onward travel to another country for which you are authorised to enter
• A confirmed address in Fiji (may include resort details)
• Completed immigration arrival card

A four month visa is granted automatically on arrival to visitors from most countries, you can check the list here. All you need is a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Passport holders of countries not on the automatic visa entry list will need to apply for a visa at their nearest Fiji High Commission or Embassy. Visa applications can also be lodged by fax or post to the Visa Processing Officer. For more information click here