The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. However, in the age of jumbo jets and global travel. Fiji has become the central hub of the exotic South Pacific. More than 85 flights land at Nadi on the main island of Viti levu every week. From there it is only a quick seven minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands, where then outside world is quickly left behind

For those who like to keep their feet on the ground once they arrive, the big island of Viti Levu offers a wealth of tropical scenery, from rushing mountain rivers and waterfalls in the depths of the rainforest, to palm-fringed beaches where time seems to stop. This is where you can fish from the reef in the morning, picnic at the edge of a waterfall plunging into a rocky jungle pool at midday and eat native food cooked in an earth oven in the evening, and then dance to the beat in a swinging discotheque until long after midnight. Along with it's pristine tropical beauty, Viti levu offers several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, a shopper's paradise and you will never have to travel more than a few hours to get anywhere on the island.

FIJI Arrival & Departure

Fiji has two international airports - Nadi, the principal gateway and Nausori, near Suva.

Fiji Customs operates a Dual Channel System - the Red and Green Channels - for expeditious clearance of air travellers.

• If you have any prohibited or restricted goods, or dutiable goods exceeding your duty/VAT free concessions, you should seek Customs Clearance at the Red Channel.
• If you do not have any prohibited, restricted or commercial goods, or dutiable goods exceeding your Duty/VAT concessions, you should proceed through the Green Channel.

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:

• Dutiable goods accompanying passengers (other than alcohol and tobacco products ) not exceeding $F400 in value
• The following goods which are owned by passengers and are not intended as gifts or for sale:

  Personal Effects

  Household effects for returning residents ( must be used for 12 months prior to departure ) or intending residents.

• Articles taken out of Fiji on departure on which duty and tax have been paid

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:

• Alcohol - 2 litres of alcohol liquor, or 4 litres of wine, or 4 litres of beer, or any combination that does not exceed the prescribed limit for any one item.
• Tobacco products - 500 cigarettes, or any combination of tobacco products up to 500 grams net weight.

A Baggage Declaration Form is to be filled and signed by the bona fide passenger in the case of unaccompanied luggage.

Visitors to Fiji are required to pay $20.00 departure tax in Fijian currency following check-in. Children under 12 are exempt.

Here is an idea of the average cost of goods and services. The values stated in Fijian dollars.

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 emphasized that at all times it is a question of individual choice.

Religion

A multiracial, multicultural nation, Fiji is represented by major religions of the world. Visitors will see Christian churches, Mosques, Sikh and Hindu temples in the towns and the countryside. The majority of Fijians are of the Wesleyan persuasion, but all the other Christian denominations are represented. Visitors are welcome at Sunday worship throughout the Fiji Islands

Electricity

The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. If your applications are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.

Postal & Telephone Service

Post offices are open 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday except in Suva where it closes at 4:30pm. Of course, our phone service is modern with direct or operator-assisted dialling

Geography

Fiji is ideally located in the tropics of the southern hemisphere. It lies on the 180 Meridian where the dawning of each new day occurs.

Over 300 islands make the Fiji group of islands with a total land area of just 18,272 square kilometers. Of the 300 islands, only a 100 or so islands are inhabited by humans and the rest are left as nature reserves.

Area Covered:
Latitude: 12°-21°S and
Longitude: 176°E-178°W.

The two major islands in the group are known as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Almost 80 percent of the population live on these two islands. Still the majority of the population live in the rural areas and the outer islands. Only about 40 percent of the population live in urban areas.

Etiquette

Etiquette In A Fijian Village

When visiting a village it is customary to present a gift of yaqona, which is also known as kava. The gift, called a sevusevu, is not expensive-half-a-kilo (which is appropriate) costs approximately $10.

It is presented to the Turaga ni Koro, the executive head of the village. The presentation is usually in his house and will generally be attended by some of the older men who happen to be in the vicinity at the time and can quickly turn into a social occasion. Pounded into powder, the yaqona will be mixed with water and served. Be prepared to shake hands and to answer many personal questions such as where you are from, are you married, how many children do you have, how much money you earn etc.

It is important to dress modestly when away from the immediate vicinity of your resort or hotel. Always carry a sulu (sarong, lavalava, pareu) to cover bathing togs or shorts and halter tops.

Do not wear a hat in a village as it is considered an insult to a chief. Do not wear shoes into people's houses. It is considered an insult to touch someone's head.

Fijians are known as the friendliest people in the world. Your respect for their customs and traditions will not only make you a welcome guest in their villages and homes, but add another dimension to your Fijian holiday.

• Dress modestly. Don't wear shorts, and women must not wear halter tops and shoulders bare.
• Do not wear hats. They are interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
• Always remove your shoes before entering any house or other building.
• Stay with your assigned host. If other villagers ask you to eat or accompany them, politely note that you are with your host and would be honored to visit with them at some other time. Remember, Fijians will, out of customs, always ask you to eat with them or share whatever they have.
• Speak softly. Raised voices are interpreted as expressing anger.
• Show respect, but be cautious with praise. If you show too much liking for an object, then the Fijians will feel obliged to give it to you as a gift, whether they can afford to or not.
• If you spend a night in the village, reward your host with a useful gift of similar value for each member of your party. It is not recommended that you stay in a village which is in the habit of accommodating paying visitors. If you feel obliged to pay more, then ask your host what he or she might like and purchase it for them. A bundle of groceries is graciously appreciated by large Fijian families.