Everything you need to know before you go — written by people who actually live here. Visa requirements, money, weather, safety, getting around, and the local tips that travel blogs never share.
Most visitors to Fiji do not require a visa in advance. Citizens of over 120 countries — including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, Canada, and the EU — receive a free visitor's permit on arrival valid for up to 4 months.
There is no visa fee for most nationalities. You do not need to apply in advance — the permit is stamped in your passport at Nadi International Airport.
Fiji's currency is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). As of 2026, the approximate exchange rates are: AU$1 ≈ FJD$1.45 · USD$1 ≈ FJD$2.20 · GBP£1 ≈ FJD$2.75 · NZD$1 ≈ FJD$1.35.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. ATMs are available at Nadi Airport, Denarau Marina, Sigatoka, and Suva. Markets and village-based experiences require cash. Always carry some FJD cash for small purchases and tips.
Fiji has two main seasons — a dry season and a wet season. Both are very warm (Fiji is tropical) but the character of the weather differs significantly.
Dry season (May–October) is the most popular time to visit. Lower humidity, less rain, cooler evenings (22–28°C), and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. Book well in advance for July–August.
Wet season (November–April) brings higher temperatures (28–33°C), more frequent rainfall, and occasional tropical cyclones in January–March. However, the wet season offers lower prices, fewer tourists, and the waterfalls and rivers are at their most dramatic.
Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the main entry point for international visitors. It's located 9km north of Nadi town and 22km from Denarau Island. Taxis are available from the airport, but we recommend pre-booking a transfer for reliability and fixed pricing — available through Fiji Tour Transfers.
The Queens Highway connects Nadi to the Coral Coast and Suva along the main island of Viti Levu. The journey from Nadi to the Coral Coast takes 1–1.5 hours; Nadi to Suva takes approximately 3.5 hours. Private transfers, rental cars, and local buses (Fiji's inexpensive carrier buses) all operate on this route.
Ferries to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands depart daily from Port Denarau Marina. South Sea Cruises and Yasawa Flyer operate regular services. For more remote islands, small charter flights operate from Nadi to various airstrips.
Fiji has three official languages: English (used in tourism and business), Fijian (iTaukei) (spoken by indigenous Fijians), and Fiji Hindi (spoken by Indo-Fijians). English is universally understood in tourist areas.
Always remove your hat before entering a village. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Don't touch someone's head. Accept kava when offered — it's rude to refuse. Don't eat while walking through a village. Your guide will advise you of any specific protocols.
Fijian cuisine is a delicious blend of traditional Fijian, Indian, Chinese and colonial influences. Kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and citrus — Fiji's ceviche) is essential. Lovo (a traditional underground earth oven feast) is a must at least once. Roti and curry from Indo-Fijian restaurants are extraordinary and very cheap.
Water: Tap water in hotels and resorts is generally safe to drink. In villages and rural areas, stick to bottled or filtered water.
Kava: The traditional ceremonial drink made from yaqona root. It's mildly narcotic, earthy-tasting, and deeply important to Fijian culture. Accepting and participating in a kava ceremony is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Fiji.
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