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Fiji is a blend of fascinating ancient cultures. Tranquil villages nestled
in out of the way places. Rituals such as the yaqona ceremony are enacted as they have been for centuries and visitors are
welcomed as honoured guests. Come and discover our history, be entertained by our legends and tales, find out about our culture
and learn our ways. Teach yourself a little of our language. |
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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 three 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 1 month for nationals
of:
Nationals of other countries require prearranged visas, which can be applied
for at the nearest Fiji High Commission in their respective country. Visas may be extended 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. Those wishing to reside and work in Fiji, even on a temporary basis, require
proper authority to do so before arrival. In most cases, prospective employers who make the necessary arrangements sponsor
such people. For more information on our customs visit the Fiji Customs website: www.customs.gov.fj/site/arrivals_guide.htm Fiji is noted as one of the friendliest places in the world, but visitors
who intend to reside, or to reside and work, must make certain they have satisfied immigration requirements. |
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Airports Fiji has two international airports - Nadi, the principal gateway and
Nausori, near Suva. Customs At International Airports Fiji Customs operates a Dual Channel System - the Red and Green Channels
- for expeditious clearance of air travellers. Note: Your baggage may be examined by Customs whether you take the Red
or Green Channels. If this occurs, you will be required to open and repack your baggage. 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 applied at 10%. VAT is applied on a base which includes
the value of the goods plus any fiscal duty payable. Duty/VAT Free Concessions A bona fide passenger finally disembarking in Fiji is entitled to the
following DUTY and VAT free concessions: Personal Effects Household effects for returning residents ( must be used for 12 months
prior to departure ) or intending residents. The goods should not be for sale and must be accompanied at the time of
final disembarkation by the passenger. Alternatively, the passenger purchases the goods immediately after final disembarkation
in Fiji. Each passenger of 17 years or more may also bring the following goods
into Fiji, duty and VAT free, provided they are accompanied and are not for sale: A Baggage Declaration Form is to be filled and signed by the bona fide
passenger in the case of unaccompanied luggage. Departure Tax Visitors to Fiji are required to pay $20.00 departure tax in Fijian currency
following check-in. Children under 12 are exempt.
Exchange Rates Approximate rates of currency exchange at October, 1998 for travellers
cheques were: Currency The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in denominations
of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. There is no limit to the amount of money to be brought
in. Visitors are allowed to take out currency up to the amount imported. Credit Card Major credit cards are welcomed by most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental
car agencies, tours, cruises and travel agents. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, JCB International and Mastercard, are
represented in Suva. American Express and VISA can replace lost credit cards and travellers cheques.
Here is an idea of the average cost of goods and services. The values
stated in Fijian dollars.
Tipping Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is left to the individual to
determine whether to make a gratuity. Some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund. Though tipping is not a local custom, you
will find local people tipping. This has as much to do with social attitudes as it does recognition of the excellence of service.
Fijians ritually exchange gifts of food, clothing, "yaqona", "tabua", kerosene, and even money during important social occasions,
so that tipping can be seen in the light of sharing. It can denote a person of affluence who is generous. But it must be emphasised
that at all times it is a question of individual choice. Visitors to Fiji should bring a light tropical wardrobe. Bathing suits,
shorts, T-shirts and as they will soon discover "sulus" (known also throughout the Pacific as pareau, lavalava or sarong)
are a must for both men and women. 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". Visitors are asked to be careful not to offend local sensibilities. Wearing
bikinis and ultra-brief, swimming costumes is fine at the resort but not when visiting villages or shopping in town. At such
times it is easy to take a sulu to use as a wrap-around so no offence is caused. Both men and women should be careful to respect
local feelings. LOCAL FASHION - HOW TO TIE SULUS Place one corner over-shoulder and wrap around body to tie behind neck Place one corner over shoulder and right around body to back tie corners |
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