If you’re planning on visiting Fiji soon, you are in for a treat! Soon, you will step into heaven, with blue oceans, swaying palm trees, and some of the world’s friendliest people surrounding you with peace and calm.
Fiji is among the most desirable Pacific islands to visit, yet it is also one of the most diverse. It’s an excellent destination for both adventurers and beach bums who are eager to spend hours soaking up the sun and taking in the surroundings.
Visiting Fiji is relatively simple, and the islanders are eager to please their guests. There are, however, a few factors you should be mindful of in terms of basic etiquette, safety, and peace of mind. Here’s our rundown of the most important things to know before visiting Fiji. Some of these suggestions will be particularly useful if you’re visiting Fiji for the first time.
Post Contents
- 1. Tipping Is Not Expected
- 2. When Visiting Small Villages, Bring a Gift
- 3. Consider the Best Time for Visiting Fiji
- 4. It’s Okay for People to Roam Around With Machetes
- 5. Learn Some Fijian Words Such as ‘Bula’ and ‘Vinaka’
- 6. Adapt to Fijian Time
- 7. There Are No Cash Machines
- 8. You’ll Hear Music All Over Fiji
- 9. There Are a Lot of Islands
- 10. One-On-One Babysitter Services Are Frequent Free Benefits for Families
- 11. Learn to Differentiate Between Single and Taken
- 12. Kava Ceremony Etiquette Is Important
- 13. Avoid Shopping on Sunday
- 14. Don’t Sit Under Palm Trees
- 15. Snorkelling With Reef Sharks Helps Support the Conservation Effort
- Ready to Plan Your Fiji Adventure?
1. Tipping Is Not Expected
If you’re considering a trip to a resort in Fiji, you might be curious about the tipping culture there. Don’t worry, they’ve worked it out.
Tipping is not anticipated or needed in Fiji, unlike in other nations. That’s because Fiji is a communal culture in which everyone shares everything.
However, many hotels and resorts will feature a “Christmas Fund” box where customers may leave tips, and at the end of the year, the money will be fairly distributed among all employees. These boxes are normally located at the check-in counter.
2. When Visiting Small Villages, Bring a Gift
Before entering a local community, several villages in Fiji require guests to engage in a sevusevu (gift-giving ritual). Outsiders are required to provide a little gift always when they visit a Fijian community. The village chief, known as the Turaga ni Koro, will next greet you and offer you kava to announce your welcome into the community.
Even if you merely want to visit the village’s picturesque features, such as a waterfall or swimming hole, you will need to bring a sevusevu. Walking into an unfamiliar town without a sevusevu is at best considered rude or at worst, even trespassing, particularly in Fiji’s most remote communities.
It is highly recommended to dress modestly and not to wear anything on your head when presenting your sevusevu. If you don’t want to deal with the logistics of many sevusevu rituals each day, the best option is to connect with one of our trusted Local Designers in Fiji. They have already formed connections with locals and can take you to the villages, like during this Matamanoa Island trip.
3. Consider the Best Time for Visiting Fiji
When looking for the ideal time for visiting Fiji, keep an eye on Australian and New Zealand school holidays since resorts and airlines tend to fill up and rates skyrocket, especially around July, August, and Christmas holidays.
Fiji’s climate is split into two seasons: hot and humid (November – April) and dry and pleasant (May – October). In general, mid-October to mid-November is the best time to visit Fiji since prices are lower, there are fewer visitors, and the weather is dry. Everything is serene and delightful.
Another important fact to remember is that during the rainy season, the south-eastern portion of Viti Levu receives far more rain than the rest of the island. Remember this while speaking with our Local Designers on the ground in Fiji or exploring our selection of fully-customizable Fiji tours.
4. It’s Okay for People to Roam Around With Machetes
Machetes are widespread in Fiji, and they’re the tool of choice for most farmers who need to cut grass, chop up plants, or crack open a coconut. Don’t be concerned. In the villages and rural regions, you’ll even find elderly ladies with machetes. Don’t worry; they’re most likely simply going about their daily business.
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5. Learn Some Fijian Words Such as ‘Bula’ and ‘Vinaka’
The Fijians are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll ever encounter, and they’ll be happy to assist you in finding new and unusual local activities to make your Fiji vacation more delightful.
Even though English is the official language and most Fijians understand English to some extent, you will hear bula and vinaka constantly during your trip.
The world-famous “Bula” of Fiji is more than just a welcome. It is the genuine kindness, compassion, and positive attitude that permeates all aspects of Fijian society. Vinaka means thank you. If you only learn two Fijian words, make it bula and vinaka, so that you arrive as a guest and leave as a friend genuinely immersed in the bula spirit.
Locals are so proud of their heritage that they will significantly value your attempts to learn a few words.
It’s also crucial to try to interact with locals nonverbally. The Fijian language has just about 10,000 words, so communication relies heavily on body language and facial expressions — something to bear in mind when visiting Fiji!
If there is one activity not to be missed, it’s immersing yourself in the cultural heritage through activities such as village visits and everyday encounters with locals, just like in this Matamanoa Island trip.
6. Adapt to Fijian Time
Fiji, like many island nations, has its own “island time”.
Nothing runs according to schedule, whether it’s flights, tour guides, or lunchtimes. This can be highly aggravating for many people, but please try to adapt to it because it is essential to Fijian culture.
Take the stress out of planning your Fiji trip by connecting with our in-destination Local Designers, who will do all the heavy lifting for you. You’ll explore Fiji with a sensation of freedom that more than compensates for the absence of urgency!
7. There Are No Cash Machines
Cash machines in Fiji are few and far between.
When visiting Fiji, it is advisable to bring cash with you as the native currency is Fijian Dollars. Alternatively, you can use the ATM at the airport to withdraw cash. Be prepared for the fact that some places will only accept cash, while others accept credit cards.
8. You’ll Hear Music All Over Fiji
A traditional Fijian greeting is a warm grin and a song, which are crucial elements of the Fijian hospitality that make this archipelago unique.
Every time you arrive at a new resort or island, you will be greeted with the most incredible singing. Then, a farewell song will be sung when you check out, with each resort’s interpretation being unique. It sure adds to the fun of your visit!
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9. There Are a Lot of Islands
Located in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, Fiji is an archipelago of approximately 330 islands. This tropical haven is home to exciting cultures and customs, and it has just been named one of the world’s top 10 luxury destinations.
Fiji has over 330 islands, although only around 100 of them are inhabited. Most visitors are only familiar with the two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, simply because you’ll most likely arrive via Viti Levu’s Nadi Airport. To experience different islands, our Local Designers will recommend that you go island hopping across several of the islands on your tailor-made Fiji trip.
Taveuni, especially, is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, with lush tropical woods spanning 80% of the island. A trip across the island will take you through secluded waterfalls like the beautiful Tavoro Falls and the Signtaga Sand Dunes near the Kulukulu settlement.
In ‘Blue Lagoon,’ who can forget Brooke Shields rising from the dazzling water after being shipwrecked? Did you know that numerous sequences in the film were shot on Turtle Island in the Yasawa? If you’re a movie buff or just looking for some fun and leisure, the Yasawas are well-known for having some of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches.
It’s also fairly simple to go by boat from one island to another. This 8-day exclusive private islands in Fiji trip will take you to the most beautiful regions of Mamanuca and Monuriki Island, as well as the filming locations.
10. One-On-One Babysitter Services Are Frequent Free Benefits for Families
Family is fundamental to Fijian culture. So it’s no surprise that Fiji is exceptionally family-friendly. One-on-one babysitter services for toddlers and “Bula Buddies” are frequent free benefits for families.
Teens often have a daily schedule of guided activities to pick from, such as canoeing, snorkelling, and trekking. Keeping youngsters active, occupied, and safe during the day allows parents to rest by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or participate in experiences with peace of mind.
This family holiday to Fiji provides plenty of relaxation time and an abundance of fun activities for the whole family.
11. Learn to Differentiate Between Single and Taken
If you’re single and seeking love, the Fijian people have a simple technique of identifying who else is interested: check their ear!
If you see frangipani behind someone’s left ear, they’re unmarried; if you see one behind their right ear, they’re taken or married.
12. Kava Ceremony Etiquette Is Important
If you want to enjoy a truly genuine experience, don’t miss a Kava ceremony. Kava is a root-based plant that is mashed into a drink and is believed to soothe the soul. Kava rituals are held on the floor, with everyone seated in a circle. To prepare the drink, the ceremony’s leader –typically the chief of the village, the most senior Fijian, or the person hosting the kava ceremony– combines kava with water. The kava is prepared in a tanoa, which is a large wooden bowl.
When the ceremony’s leader offers you a bilo (a cup made of coconut shell), clap once and drink the kava. Instead of sipping the bilo like a cocktail, you should drink it all at once. Then, return the bilo, applaud, and say “Bula” (good health). One bilo serves the entire group. Everyone in the circle applauds three times when the ceremony’s leader returns the bilo.
Top tip: If you are unsure about having kava and want to drink a small amount, request “low tide” from the leader. This signals to the leader that you simply want a tiny bit.
Check our 6-day Fiji mainland adventure for more foodie experiences!
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13. Avoid Shopping on Sunday
The majority of Fijians are devout Christians who take Sundays exceptionally seriously. Everyone wears their Sunday finest to church, with many of the men choosing immaculate white shirts and black sulus (a traditional black skirt men wear in the islands).
Many stores are closed or have restricted hours on Sundays, so it’s advisable to do all of your shopping and major activities on another day of the week. Due to the large Fijian-Indian community, Hinduism is the second most popular religion. Expect plenty of celebrations and nighttime fireworks if you visit Fiji during the Diwali or Holi festivals.
You can read more about the national festivals and celebrations of Fiji in our complete guide to Fiji travel.
14. Don’t Sit Under Palm Trees
No joke, coconuts kill over 150 people per year throughout the world. When walking outside during heavy gusts or storms, use precaution and watch the coconut colour. Green coconut trees are still young and safe to stand beneath. Brown coconut (the kind you find in supermarkets) should be avoided since they’re ripe and can fall at any time. If you notice coconuts lying nearby, never sit beneath that palm tree.
15. Snorkelling With Reef Sharks Helps Support the Conservation Effort
It’s logical that Fiji, as an island country, is conscious of the environment. Rising water levels, after all, threaten many of the country’s natural riches as well as people’s livelihoods. Many resorts have played an essential role in promoting sustainable tourism.
The hotels in the Yasawa and Mamanuca archipelagos (a famous island-hopping route) are typically tiny and run by locals. In other resorts, electricity is only provided in the evenings, and water heaters are solar-powered. Numerous Fiji resorts are also involved in marine conservation and cooperate closely with experts to monitor the condition of the ocean.
Snorkelling with reef sharks, for example, may help support this conservation effort while also providing essential scientific research. This means you can discover the South Pacific’s diverse biodiversity while contributing to scientific studies that will benefit the local administration of marine protected areas. Win-win!
If you love diving, you can design your own travel experience in Fiji by customising this trip to Mamanuca Island or by designing your own trip from scratch! It is an underwater paradise, with diving activities ranging from pool breathing exercises to shipwreck diving, reefs, and shark encounters. This Fiji diving trip, on the other hand, will give you a good balance of snorkelling and diving, if you want to gain more experience first.
Ready to Plan Your Fiji Adventure?
Now you know everything there is to know about visiting Fiji, it’s time to plan that extraordinary trip if you haven’t already!
Begin your adventure with Designer Journeys by exploring our range of fully-customisable Fiji trips and customising any one of them to your preferences with our trusted Local Designers. Better yet, specify your budget, duration, travel style and what you want out of a trip using the ‘Design your Own Trip‘ feature and let one of our Local Designers design your free personalised itinerary in less than 48 hours!
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