Fiji is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. This year, the country is actually expecting a contribution of $2.2 billion from the tourism industry. If you’re not familiar with the country yet, it is located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 3,000 km east of Australia and 2,000 km north of New Zealand. The total land area is roughly the same size as the USA’s New Jersey, only a bit smaller.
The country is known for its majestic beaches and beautiful landscapes. There are over 300 islands and at least 500 islets, so there is a lot of places to see and things to do. It’s a perfectly relaxing and fun holiday destination for you and your friends.
But before booking a trip to this captivating country, take note of the things you need to know.
1. Interesting Facts About Fiji
Before visiting another country, it’s always a good idea to store some knowledge about it first, like its official language. English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi are all the official languages of Fiji. English is widely taught at schools, so locals won’t have any problems conversing with English-speaking tourists. Fiji Hindi became an official language because of the large population of Fijians with Indian descent in the country.
If you’re a fan of Rugby, you’d enjoy Fiji, because it’s their national sport. You may encounter matches while travelling the country, so keep an eye on their tournament schedules.
Fiji is also rich in culture and tradition. If you’re familiar with the practice of walking on hot stones or “fire walking”, it actually began in Fiji nearly five centuries ago. You can witness this tradition taking place in some hotels and resorts around the island.
If you’re trying out local dishes, don’t be surprised if locals still use traditional methods for cooking their food. The lovo pit, an underground pit, is still commonly used by Fijians to prepare many of their dishes. Your experience in the country won’t be complete without eating a meal cooked in a lovo pit.
An eerie but fascinating fact about Fiji is that cannibalism is part of their history. Fijians used to believe that consuming someone’s flesh will enable them to possess their knowledge.
2. Visa Requirements
Australian citizens visiting up to 90 days won’t be needing a tourist visa, and the same rule applies to Americans and Kiwis. Just be sure to bring a valid passport. If you’re not a citizen of any of the countries mentioned, refer to official guides or travel agencies to obtain your requirements for a visa, should it be needed.
3. Budget
Backpackers should have around AU$150 of pocket money. This should cover meals, public transport, and sight-seeing. However, you might need to exchange your currency to Fijian Dollars if you’d dine at small eateries and shop at markets.
Luxury tourists, on the other hand, are advised to have at least AU$350 to cover their expenses. But if you wish to get the most out of your splurge, why not get an exhilarating all-inclusive Fiji tour package from Australia? You can get 9 days of island-hopping, sight-seeing, water sports, snorkeling, and many more fun and exciting activities. It’s definitely recommended for families or groups of friends.
4. Travel Tips
As you set foot in Fiji, you may come across other surprising sights, such as people carrying machetes while they go on about their days. This is not a cause of alarm; machetes are just a common working tool in the rural areas of the country, so it’s a normal everyday sight.
If you’re thinking about a late-night walk, it’s best to take your friends with you. Tourists are not advised to walk alone at night, even if the country is generally safe. Avoid eating reef fish as well, watch out for mosquitoes, and don’t drive faster than 80 km/h. Bring cover-ups if you’re visiting small towns and villages. Remember to observe their customs, such as removing your hats or sunglasses when entering villages.
Adequate research is key to having the best experience in Fiji. Be a responsible tourist by getting to know their unique culture and abiding by their regulations.
