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GENERAL
INFORMATION |
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Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months for visitors from most countries. |
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Visas may be extended for up to six months on application to the Department of Immigration in Suva, Lautoka, or Nadi. It is necessary to have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds. Those wishing to stay more than six months are best to consult the Department of Immigration. Those wishing to reside and work in Fiji, even on a temporary basis, require proper authoritFiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months for visitors from most other nations.y to do so before arrival. In most cases, such people are sponsored by prospective employers who make the necessary arrangements. Fiji is noted as one of the friendliest places in the world, but visitors who intend to reside, or to reside and work, must make certain they have satisfied immigration requirements. |
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 Map
of Fiji |
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| Fiji is well represented by banking groups.
These are; The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ Ltd), Bank of Baroda, Bank of Hawaii, Habib Bank, National Bank of Fiji (NBF) and Westpac Banking Corporation. All groups have head offices in Suva with branches and agencies throughout Fiji. Normal business hours are from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Thursday and 4.00pm on Friday. There is a 24-hour service at the Nadi International Airport. Major credit cards are welcomed by most
hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, tours, cruises
and travel agents. American Express, Diners Club, visa, JCB International
and Mastercard, are represented in Suva. |
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| Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical
climate. It is thus a perfect holiday destination, especially for
those trying to escape the severe northern hemisphere winters. Maximum
summer temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) and the mean
minimum is 23°C (73°F). The winter average maximum is 26°C
(79°F) and the mean minimum is 20°C (68°F). These are
much cooler in the uplands of the interior of the large islands.
A cooling trade wind blows from the east south-east for most of the year,
it usually drops in the evening and picks up again by mid-morning.
It is a climate ideally suited for the outdoors, the beach and surf; for
light cotton dresses, barbecues and water sports. |
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| The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of
currency, available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins;
1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, and $1. There is no limit to the amount
of money to be brought in. Visitors are allowed to take out currency
up to the amount imported. |
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| The electrical current
in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three pin power outlets
identical to that in Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts
generally offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers
etc. Most hotels
have direct dialing facilities. check with the operator for long
distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone
directory. Please note that the international country IDD code
for Fiji is 679. there are no area codes. Thus, when dialing
any part of Fiji from overseas the style would be: code, =679, plus
the Fiji subscriber number. |
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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 $F10-$F15. It is presented to the Turaga ni koro,
the executive head of a village. It is usually done in his house
and will be attended by whoever is on hand. Pounded into a powder
it will be mixed with water and served. Be prepared to shake hands
and answer personal questions as to where you are from, whether married
and if so how many children, boys, girls etc. It is important to dress modestly when away from the hotel and especially in a village. Always carry a sulu (a wrap around also known as a sarong, lavalava, pareu) to cover bathing togs or shorts and dresses and halter tops. Do not wear a hat in a village. This is considered an insult to the chief. Do not wear shoes in people's houses. It is insulting to touch someone's head. Fijians are 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. |
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Intro
to Nadi
Intro to Suva
Intro to Coral
Coast |
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| Fiji features
four styles of cuisine: Continental, spicy Indian, native Fijian and
Asian which includes Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Each of the above
has many variations. Fijian, Indian and Chinese food is very much
part of everyday life and reflects the cultural and ethic background of
people who live here. The food is available not only in hotels and
resorts but also in local restaurants. Fijian cuisine is often featured
on "Island Nights" at hotels when food cooked in an earth oven is presented
buffet style in association with entertainment. Fijian Cooking: Lovos and lolo. Traditional Fijian cooking relies on seafood, pork, chicken and root crops such as dalo (taro) and tapioca, often prepared in lolo, the sweet cream of the coconut. They tend to be steamed or boiled, not fried. The most popular Fijian specialty, and one found on most menus, is kokoda (ko-konda), a salad of fresh fish marinated - that is 'cooked' in lime juice and served with fresh vegetables in lolo. You'll also encounter palusami in which they wrap dalo leaves around meat, fish or vegetables and cook them in lolo. Ika vakalolo is fish in coconut cream. The best known eating occasion in Fiji and a particular favourite of visitors, is the lovo and magiti (mahng-ee-ty). The magiti is the feast itself; the lovo is the underground oven in which the meal is cooked. After fire heats stones in the love, a variety of foods wrapped in banana leaves are added, covered with earth and left to cook for several hours. It all acquires a faintly smoky flavour. Lovos produce succulent, tender meats, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. If the budget is big enough, the feast includes a whole suckling pig. In the old days, the lovo and magiti were largely reserved for the most ceremonious of occasions. Today, the most major hotels feature a lovo for guests at least once a week. More often than not, the feast is followed by a meke, a colorful evening of traditional song and dance performed by nearby villagers. RECOMMENDED DINING IN NADI & SUVA Price Codes : Approximate average price of main courses: A=$5 or less, B=$5-$10, C=$10-$20, D= $20 over Nadi Airport/Town - Dining out in Nadi Sampling the many interesting and for many visitors, new specialties of Fiji can be a wonderful dining experience. Chinese and Indian cuisine will be found in abundance and in a broad price range. While there are few "Fijian" restaurants, the influence of ethnic Fijian foods and cooking styles is apparent in almost any eating establishment. Particularly popular are items prepared in a lovo (underground oven). The "feast" from the lovo is a magiti. Dressing for the evening anywhere in the Nadi area, including the major resorts, is generally casual. Some may be a little dressier than others, especially the gourmet spots in the five star hotels. However, smart casual attire is usually appropriate and ties are never required. FIRST LANDING FIJI Unique beach side location. Fresh seafood, prime steaks, pizza and pasta dishes. Daily from 11.00am -11.00pm. Tel 666 171. Code B/C/D. HAMCHO YAKITORI BAR Martinar, Nadi Superb Yokitri dishes prepared by Japanese chefs. Air-conditioned, Dinner daily from 5.30pm - 11.00pm. Tel 720 252. SANDALWOOD ROOM Skylodge Hotel. European and local dishes; curries a house specialty. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, snack service. Tel 722 200. Code B/C. SANDALWOOD INN Economical 'home style' European, Indian and Fijian dishes. Open daily Breakfast and dinner, sandwiches only at lunch. Tel 722 553. Code B/C. SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT Sunset Restaurant overlooking the scenic Mamancua Islands. Pacific and International cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tel 720 411. Code C/D. TANDOORI HAVEN Fine Tandoori specialties of India. Exotic buffet lunch and dinner Tuesday. Dinner Tuesday and Saturday 11.00am - 3.00pm; Tuesday to Sunday 6.00pm. Tel 720 811. Air-conditioned. Code B/C. TANOA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Coffee Shop. Nadi's only 24 hour air-conditioned Restaurant. Varied menu and al "All day breakfast". Tel 720 277. Code B/C. THE BISTRO Tanoa International. Pool side, open air. Continental and pacific favourites. 24 hours. Tel 720 277. Code B/C. THE WEST'S MOTOR INN European, Indian and fijian dishes. Dining room open daily. Breakfast , lunch and midday snacks. Tel 720 044. Code A/B. VALENTINO Italian cuisine & seafood specialties. Lunch Monday to Saturday; dinner daily 6.30pm - 10.00pm. Happy hour daily 5.00-7.00pm. Tel 720 640. Code B/C. VALE NI KURO Fiji Mocambo Hotel. Fine Continental cuisine with seafood & flambe specialties. Open daily for dinner. Tel 722 000. Code C/D. PORTS O'CALL 5 star dining in an elegant air-conditioned nautical setting. Specialties of world's most famous ports. From 6.00pm daily. OCEAN LANAI Pool side, awarding winning '5 star' dining featuring the favorites of world's exotic destinations. Dinner nightly from 6.00pm. Code D. THE VERANDAH Overlooking Nadi Bay, serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. Extensive bountiful theme buffets every night. Code C/D. THE CAFE 'Sidewalk Cafe' style dining throughout the day, light meals, specially snacks and pastries. Code B/C. GOLF AND RACQUET
CLUB Sandwiches, burgers, pasta/pizza, shakes and light meals, GARDEN VIEW RESTAURANT Intimate, air-conditioned, fine dining, overlooking lush, tropical gardens. Excellent wine list. Daily from 6.00pm. Code D. OCEAN TERRACE Asian /Pacific specialties served in airy surroundings; unobstructed views of Nadi Bay, breakfast and dinner daily. Code C/D. THE STEAKHOUSE Beach front dining in an airy, nautical setting. Steaks, seafood, pasta specialties and salad bar. Lunch and dinner daily. Code C/D. THE TERRACE Beachfront/poolside. Light meals and snacks from 11.00am -11.00pm daily. Code B/C. HAMACHO Teppanyaki and Yakiniku specialties; a la carte traditional and seafood menu. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. Tel 750 171. Code C/D. Suva/Pacific Harbour GORDON COFFEE SHOP Breakfast, morning tea/coffee, lunch & all day light meals, pastries & desserts. Air-conditioned & licensed. Best Western Berjaya Hotel, Gordon St. Tel 312 300. Code B/C. KAMPONG KU RESTAURANT Superb dining specializing in Malaysian dishes. fully licensed. Dancing, Happy Hour. Best Western Berjaya Hotel. Gordon Street. Tel 312 300. Code C/D. LALI ROOM Intimate, air-conditioned fine dining. A la carte traditional and seafood menu. Special Business lunch. Licensed; reservations recommended. Suva Travelodge, Victoria Parade. Tel 310 600. PENNY'S ALL DAY COFFEE SHOP Snacks, salads, light meals; ideal for a 'business breakfast'. Air-conditioned & licensed. Suva Travelodge, Victoria Parade. Tel 301 600 Code C/D. THE WATERFALL CAFE Poolside door/outdoor dining overlooking lkush tropical greeneray. B/L/D; Licensed bar. Suva Motor Inn. Code B/C. THE SWISS TAVERN World class continental/International cuisine prepared under supervision of Swiss owner operator. Central Suva, Kimberly Street. Lunch and Dinner Mon to Fri, dinner Sat, closed Sun. Tel 303 233. Code C/D. THE PUB
At Pacific Harbour. Wide variety of quality imported steaks, import
& local seafood's, poultry and Italian specialties. Dinner
daily from 5.30, daily happy hour and Sunday BBQ lunch. Tel 450
509. Code
B/C. |
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 Hotel
Guide |
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| Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations
are only required if coming from an infected area. |
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| Fiji is an English-speaking country although
the two major races - Fijians and Indians speak in their vernacular. Hotel
staff are fluent in English. As soon as you arrive in Fiji you feel as
if you belong. If you want to feel even more a part of these lovely
islands, take a few minutes, sit down, relax and learn a few basic Fijian
words. Some of the pronunciations are a little unusual and you will get
a few friendly chuckles when you first start using them, but the reward
for your efforts will be in the response you get from the locals.
THINGS TO REMEMBER "A''s are as long as in master
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 Say
it in Fijian |
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| Vodafone Fiji Limited, a subsidiary of Telecom Fiji Ltd; operates a GSM digital mobile communication service. Vodafone Fiji has roaming agreements with all Australia (GSM) operators Telstra, OPTUS and Vodafone Pty; and NZ operator - Bell South plus UK Operator Vodafone Ltd, UK. All mobile customers in Australia, New Zealand and UK are advised to check with their network operators for their roaming status before travelling to Fiji. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The beach, pool and lagoon
are the usual focal points of a Fiji vacation. There is swimming,
snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, wind surfing, sailing, paraflying,
jet skis, kayaks and paddle boards, and excursions. Onshore activities
include volleyball, bowling, golf archery, horse trekking, aerobics
and jogging. Fijian love sport and are current World Champions in
Seven-a-side Rugby. Organized sport in Fiji features rugby, soccer,
cricket, tennis, squash, badminton, hockey, netball and basketball.
Track and field events are also held and Fiji takes part in international
sporting events including the olympics. Check with your hotel if
you have a particular sport for advice where this may be seen.
Mountain trekking, white water rafting and jet boating are also available for those with slightly more adventurous nature. Excellent facilities for tennis and golf are available.
PITCH 'N PUTT TENNIS Many Nadi hotels and resorts also offer on-site facilities for guests and there are a number of well maintained public courts in the area. Locations nearest you can be obtained from your hotel tour desk or reception. WATERSKIING, WINDSURFING,
PARASAILING & SNORKELLING Fiji is a snorkelling
paradise, especially in the waters around the Mamanuca SPORT FISHING TREKKING AND RAFTING |
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| Since World War II, Fiji has developed
as a major duty-free shopping centre. Bargaining is still conducted
in some of the duty-free shops but the larger stores have fixed prices.
Fijian artifacts are available from roadside stalls to large shops.
Shopping hours: Monday-Thursday
8.00am to 5.00pm. Fridays close at 6.00pm. Saturdays from
8.00am to 1.00pm. Suva Handicraft along Stinson Parade closes
at 5.00pm on Saturdays. |
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| A bona-fide tourist in Fiji may drive
if in possession of a valid home country driving licence for the same
class of vehicle. The maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50kmph
(30mph) and on the highways it is 80kmph (50mph). Driving is on
the left side of the road. An extensive bus service is available on most of the main islands. Deluxe coaches, taxis and rental cars are available. |
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| When it is 9.00am in Fiji
it is: 9.00pm in London previous
day, 10.00pm Frankfurt previous day, 4.00pm New York previous day, 1.00pm
Los Angeles previous day, 6.00pm Tokyo same day, 9.00am Auckland same
day, 7.00am Sydney same day. |
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9.00am-5.00pm daily. Meeting and private function rooms.
Tel 750 477. Code B/C.
Islands just a few miles off Nadi. We suggest taking your own
snorkelling gear as the "loan" or rental equipment is not always available
or may be of the quality you're used to.