© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji

© Chris McLennan – Tourism Fiji

Travel to Fiji: What You Need to Know

Are you beginning to plan for a getaway to Fiji? Then there a few things you need to know in terms of the climate, destinations, transport, accommodations, activities, cultural protocol and more that will make planning your trip to Fiji smooth sailing from here. Let’s not delay: check out all of those points and more in this list of tips for travelling in Fiji!

1. The Best Time to Visit is When it’s the Best Time for You

There’s never really a bad time to visit Fiji. There are things to do all year round and the tropical climate always means that it’s hot hot hot! But depending on what activities you want to do, your ideal weather scenario, and whether you prefer to “avoid the crowds”, there might be a better season for you to visit. Fiji has two distinct seasons, a dry season which is drier and cooler, and a wet season which is hotter and more humid. Plus, activities like swimming with manta rays can only be done between May and October, for instance. Check out The Best Time to Visit Fiji for more information.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© Pxhere.com

2. You Probably Won’t Need a Visa

For citizens of around 100 different countries, you just need to arrive in Fiji with a valid passport and an onward travel ticket. Visitor Visas are granted for four months from the date of arrival. Citizens not from visa-exempt countries will need to organise a Visitor Visa before arrival in Fiji. Find out more in Do You Need a Visa to Visit Fiji?

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

3. There are Many Destinations to Choose From

Don’t underestimate the size of Fiji. It is made up of 333 islands split into eight different islands/island groups, but that’s not all. Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, is 10,389 sq km (4,011 sq mi) split into several interesting destinations in itself. Each region and island group of Fiji has its own charm, attractions and fabulous accommodations, so we recommend doing some insane research into the different destinations before just planning a trip to “Fiji”. A good place to start with your research is Understanding the Fiji Regions and Visiting Fiji: Main Island Vs. Outer Islands.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© Captain Cook Cruises

4. Three Days to Two Weeks is a Good Amount of Time to Spend in Fiji

With the usual life commitments, the amount of time we have to spend at a destination is not typically our choice. Luckily, Fiji can provide an ideal getaway from as little as three days to two weeks (or more – did we mention there are 333 islands?!). In three days, you can enjoy a fly-in-flop holiday in a stunning Fiji resort, while two weeks gives you enough time to do some island-hopping and even a road trip around Viti Levu. Check out our Fiji itineraries to plan your trip, starting with: The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 WeeksThe Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 WeekThe Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© R. Eime on Flickr

5. Don’t Underestimate the Number of Ways to Get Around

Transport is all part of the experience of Fiji, where getting between islands can be a scenic ride on a fast catamaran, a lavish charter helicopter experience, or simply domestic flights from one island group to the next. You can even join the locals one of the cheap cargo/vehicle/passenger ferries for a real adventure. Even on land, there are several amazing ways to get around, from hiring a private driver to taking a ridiculously cheap bus! Learn more about getting around in How to Get Around Fiji.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© Pixabay

6. You’ll Find Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Island Resorts but that’s Not All…

Fiji has more than 100 resorts scattered across its idyllic islands, including all-inclusive family resorts, luxury adult-only resorts and humble budget resorts in five-star locations. However, if resorts aren’t really your style, then you also have a dizzying array of alternative accommodations between authentic village homestays and all-inclusive island-hopping cruises. Dive into the rabbit hole of our Accommodation category to begin exploring your options.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© The Remote Resort

7. There’s More to Fiji than Cocktails and Coral Reefs

It would be an understatement to say there’s a lot to do in Fiji. For travellers on Fiji’s largest islands, there’s an array of adventure tours, island cruises, wildlife parks and tours, scenic helicopter flights, hikes in national parks to stunning waterfalls, and the list goes on. If staying at one of the outer island resorts, then a menu of activities are usually presented by the resort, some for free like snorkelling and weaving lessons, and some that are paid like scuba diving and fishing. Good places to start exploring your options include our 10 Must-Dos in Fiji and 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© Aaron March - Tourism Fiji

8. The Food is to Die for

Fiji should definitely be on the bucket list for any foodie. Fiji’s two main cultures, Fijian and Indo-Fijian, both have their staple dishes that are a must-try like the Fijian Kokoda with raw fish marinated in coconut cream or flavoursome Indo-Fijian curries. On top of that, resort restaurants pride themselves on presenting international favourites with a Pacific twist using fresh local ingredients. There’s even plenty of opportunities to learn how to make local meals yourself through cooking lessons. Learn more about Fiji’s food side with The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© Tourism Fiji

9. Know the Local Customs

Speaking of Fiji’s cultures, it is a good idea to come to Fiji aware of the local customs in order to not offend the locals and keep the harmony between visitors and villagers. Fijians are very religious, so wearing respectful clothing that covers the knees is important to them. It’s also against village protocol to wear a hat. If you’re doing a Fijian village visit without a tour guide, then you will also need to bring a sevusevu (gift) to present to the village chief. Learn more in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village.

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

10. Fiji Time is a Very Real Thing

You will likely hear locals, drivers and accommodation hosts joke about “Fiji Time” as you arrive in the country. While it might be said with a smile in passing, Fiji Time is actually a gentle reminder to tourists that things are a bit more relaxed in Fiji than what you’re probably used to. Tours might not run to an exact itinerary, taxi drivers might show up later than organised, and resort activities might just happen when they happen. It’s best to have an open mind and go with the flow. Learn more in What Does Fiji Time Mean? (& What You Need to Know About It).

10 Things You Need to Know About Travelling in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

More About Travelling in Fiji

That’s it for our tips on travelling in Fiji. Finally, check out Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for even more advice.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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