Fiji - General Info

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BULA VINAKA

As the pace of life quickens in the cities,you can be sure that in Fiji it is the reverse.  These islands are timeless-you can leave your watch and your cares behind and yet still enjoy comfort and convenience that will make every moment of you holiday a truly relaxing experience.

More than anything else, Fiji is an exotic fascination - renowned for superb natural attractions, friendly and welcoming people, a rich and lasting culture and nearly perfect weather.

It is a place for relaxing and having fun and basking in the warmth and genuine hospitality of the Fijian people.

They say it is like no place on earth.

Fiji has outstanding waterfalls, natural beauty and tropical forests, quaint villages and marketplaces,  an unspoiled environment and spectacular coral reefs, but the one main attraction that stands above all others- the genuine friendliness of the Fijian people, will bring you back to these magical islands time and again.

Fiji's soft sunsets,balmy days and tranquil  beauty offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.  The resorts with their discreet service and seclusion set the scene for a wonderful wedding or honeymoon, and most of all you'll be made to feel very special.  Matamanoa, Treasure, Castaway, and the deluxe resorts of Yasawa, Vatulele and Namale are great places for a romantic interlude.

Fiji's 330 islands offer breathtaking underwater experiences.  Snorkeling and dive sites abound and the northern island of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Qamea and Mantangi are world renowned for their unparalleled marine life and coral.  Jean-Michael Cousteau calls it the 'soft coral capital of the world'.  His resort and many others give you access to these premier dive destinations for an outstanding dive experience.

Imagine a holiday where you can truly relax, indulge yourself and sleep.  All while the children are being entertained.  The Fijian people have a natural love of children and a strong affinity for the family.  There is no destination more perfect for a fun, family holiday.  Head to resorts like Castaway, Naviti, Jean-Michael Couseau, Treasure Island or Plantation Island for family accommodation, loads of activities and kids clubs.

CLIMATE

Fiji has a sunny climate without extremes.  The cooler dry season is from May to October and the warm wetter season from November to April.  Warm season high temperatures average 86 degrees.  The cool season average is 78 degrees.

DEPARTURE TAX

There is a FJD$30pp/ departure tax, children under 12 years are exempt.

VISA

Visas are issued on arrival for nationals of most countries.  Nationals from some countries will require prearranged visas which can be applied for at the nearest Fiji Embassy to their respective country, check with your travel agent for details.  Visitors must have a current passport valid for three months from the date of entry, adequate funds to support themselves and a return airline ticket.

CURRENCY

The currency used is the Fijian Dollar but New Zealand Dollars are often accepted.  There is a bank at Nadi International Airport to change currency both on your arrival and departure.  Major credit cards are welcomed by most resorts, restaurants, shops and tour companies. 

GETTING MARRIED IN FIJI

All foreign marriage applicants that visit Fiji as bona fide tourists from Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada and European countries are to be exempted from the marriage requirement of producing single status certificates.
The approval is conditional subject to the following:

Hotel Marriage coordinators are to submit to the Registrar General's office in Suva monthly returns of the foreign marriages that took place in their respective hotels. Details of marriages including names of Bride/Groom, gender, Date of Marriage, Place of marriage, Parents of the parties and name of the marriage celebrant.
Marriage guidelines for overseas applicants are :

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE

Overseas visitors intending to get married in Fiji are required by law to obtain and sign a marriage license of their choice from a nearest marriage registry prior to the marriage ceremony. It is important that the marriage parties must provide the following personal papers to the registry for verification purposes at least two weeks before the wedding.

Original Birth certificate for both the Bride & Groom
Passport with valid legal status of applicants
Divorce Papers (If divorce granted in the last 5 years - please confirm current marital status)
Death certificate if spouse died
Certificate of Single Status (or) Certificate of no legal impediment is required to be produced by the following:
1) Marriage Applicants where one party is a local and the other is a foreign citizen

2) Marriage Applicants who were former citizens of Fiji

3) Marriage applicants who are foreigners and residing in Fiji

4) Asians who are not citizens of one of these countries: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Japan and European countries.

Marriage Applicants with visitors' visas or bona fide tourists to Fiji from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK and European countries are fully exempted from this requirement(Except applicants who were previously married, are to confirm current marital status if divorce has been granted in the last 5 years)
Marriage Applicants from Japan must produce the KOSEKI-SHOUHON, to certify their personal details.
Consent of the father, if one of the parties is under 21 years (or) mother if father dies. The valid marriage ages in Fiji is 16 years old for females and 18 years for male.
The presence and names of two witnesses who are 21 years of age and over.
Marriage applicants from Asian countries including: China, Philippines, Pakistan, India, Korea must apply one month in advance and produce police clearance together with other translated personal documents.

ELECTRICITY

240volts, 50cycles.  Fiji has 3 pin power outlets.  It would be wise to pack a socket adaptor, although converters/adaptors for appliances are usually available upon request.

LANGUAGE

English is widely used with Fijian and Hindi.  Hotel staff are fluent in English.

MEDICAL

Fiji is free from most tropical diseases and inoculation is not required unless entering from a designate infected area.  Hospitals are located in major cities.

CLOTHING

Visitors to Fiji need a light tropical wardrobe.  Swimwear, shorts, T-shirts and a sulu are a must.  During the cool season it would be advisable to take a sweatshirt, particularly at night when the temperatures drop.  Wearing swimwear is fine at the resort but visitors need to be careful to respect local feelings when visiting villages or shopping town.  At such times it is easy to take a sulu to use as a wrap around.

DRIVING

A visitor may drive in Fiji if they are in possession of a valid home country driving license.  Driving is on the left,the speed limit in busy areas is 30mph, and on open highways is 50mph.

DRINKING WATER

Fresh water reticulated in major towns on the mainland of Viti Levu has been treated and is safe to drink, and applies to many of the resorts on the mainland.  A number of island resorts pipe their water from the mainland as well, making the water drinkable.  Some resorts have installed desalination plants also.

DIVING

Year round sunshine, warm waters and an unbelievable range of dive destinations supported by professional dive operators with good local knowledge have combined to make Fiji an outstanding dive experience.  Often all equipment is provided but we would recommend you have your own fins and mask for comfort.  Generally the dive operators offer a complete range of courses from introductory to specialty courses.

DUTY FREE

Each visitor may bring the following free of duty into Fiji:  500 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco or cigars.  Two litres of liquor or four litres of wine or beer and up to FJD$400 of duty assessed goods.

ACCOMMODATION CHECK IN

Check in times differ between hotels, rooms are not available before noon at the earliest.  Hotels will make every effort to give travelers arriving in Fiji on early flights immediate  access to their accommodation, however this cannot be guaranteed unless guests register  from the previous night and pay an additional nights accommodation.

TIPPING

Tipping is not encouraged anywhere in Fiji.  Tip with a smile and 'vinaka', which is Fijian for 'thank you'.  Though tipping is not local custom, you may see examples of what looks like tipping.  Fijans ritually exchange gifts of food, clothing, kerosene, and even money during important social occasions but it is more an act of sharing.

COUNTRY FLAG OF FIJI

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE RESERVATION STAFF AT SUNSPOTS INTERNATIONAL.