Fiji FAQ

Fiji frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about Fiji's islands. For other need-to-know facts, check out our important info page.

How many islands are in Fiji?

There are more than 300 islands that make up Fiji. However, only a third of them are inhabited.

How many people live in Fiji?

Slightly over 900,000 people reside in the Fjiian islands. More than 70% call Viti Levu home.

Are certain areas of the country more expensive than others?

Unlike Tahiti and Bora Bora, there is not one island chain in Fiji that is more expensive than the others to visit. The Mamanucas, Yasawas and Northern Islands each contain a variety of resorts catering from backpacker to ultra-luxury guests.

What are popular gifts and souvenirs from Fiji?

A quintessential gift is a large kava bowl (don't worry, it can be used for other things), called a tanoa. Kava itself - the root used in many traditional ceremonies - is legal in every country but Canada.

Other handicrafts include items made of tapa, or bark. Playing on their cannibal and warrior heritage, crafted clubs and implements are available from various artisans.

Avoid buying tikis or carved masks - they are not native to Fiji (tikis belong to French Polynesia!) and only purchased by unknowing tourists.

What are the business hours in Fiji?

In the cities, shop weekday hours are from 8-4:30 or 5:30 p.m., with a break from 1 to 2 p.m. On Saturdays, shops open slightly later and close around noon.

Do we bargain or negotiate at shops in Fiji?

Bargaining at established shops is not done in Fiji or with Fijian vendors. However, Indian vendors will often haggle over the price.

Do we tip in Fiji?

Tipping goes against traditional Fijian notions of hospitality and is not widely practiced.

What should we pack for our Fiji honeymoon?

Throughout the islands, casual beach wear in the norm. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended, including short sleeve shirts and summer dresses for the women. The sulu (sarong) is often used to cover up when entering a shop from the beach.

In order to protect yourself from the strong sun, make sure to bring a hat and sunglasses, as well as enough sunscreen to last the trip, as it can be expensive at the resorts.

Will my computer, hair dryer or other appliance work in Fiji?

Like the UK, Australia and New Zealand, electricity runs on 240V, with angled, three prong sockets. Travelers from the United States will need both converters and plug adaptors to use their appliances.

The luxury private island resorts provide converters. Travelers not staying at a luxury resort must pick up this item before they visit because convertors can be hard to find on the islands.

Can I access my e-mail in Fiji?

Most resorts offer internet access from a business center. Internet cafes abound around larger cities like Suva and Nadi.

How do I call home from Fiji?

Phone line quality from Fiji is on par with those found in the UK, US and Australia. However, direct calls from resorts can be shockingly expensive. Buying a TeleCard phone card from a kiosk or shop and using it at a pay phone is more economical.

How do we travel around Fiji?

Air Wakaya takes to the skies! Guests of the ultra-exclusive Wakaya Club fly there on the resort's own plane. It is easy to fly between Fiji's larger islands or take any number of ferries, catamarans or arranged transfers.

For more on shuttling between (or around) the islands, look at our Fiji Interisland Travel page.

What is the average temperature in Fiji?

During the summer, temperatures hover around 85-90 degrees, reaching peaks of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Throughout the cooler winter months, temperatures settle around 80-85 degrees during the warmest part of the day.

Cooling sea-breezes, especially in the late afternoon, occur year-round. Read more about Fiji's environment and climate.

When is the high season in Fiji? When is the low season?

Unlike Tahiti, Fiji does not have a set high and low season. The drier months offer cheap airfare from North America, while during February and March, you'll find higher priced air tickets but discounted room rates.

Where are the best SCUBA diving spots in Fiji?

Reefs provide the most active underwater wildlife - and vibrant colors - in Fiji. Kadavu, with its Astrolabe Reef and nearby Beqa, with its namesake lagoon, are both close to Viti Levu. In the Northern Islands, the Rainbow Reef is popular and caves can be found in the Yasawa Islands. Mamanuca also offers several nearby spots in her chain, including the famous Malolo Barrier Reef.

Click here to see the Rainbow Reef in Google Earth.

You can also view Malolo's key dive spots of the Namotu Wall, Gotham City and the Supermarket in Google Earth.

Where are the surfing spots in Fiji?

Frigate Pass on Yanuca Island and King Kong Kadavu are two remote areas that are well-known among surfing circles for their brilliant waves and stunning water color. However, a majority of the surfing is found around Viti Levu, with the most famous being Tavarua, which can only be surfed if staying at their resort.