Fiji Islands - Visiting Fiji - History - Fijian Phrases

Visiting Fiji

Fiji is a beautiful country and the people are friendly and helpful. In order to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible, below is some general information about traveling in Fiji.

Communication

Telephone and cable links with overseas countries are available through Telecom Fiji. While there are no telephones in the bures at Wananvu Beach Resort, their friendly staff can provide telephone service for you from the office at the main lodge. Domestic calls are free; you will be advised of the charges for any overseas/long distance calls.

You can conveniently check your messages on the Internet from the Crystal Divers offices for a small fee.

Many pay phones are available in towns and are designed solely for phone card use. These cards can be purchased in many shops/business in $2, $5, $10, $20 increments.

Currency

Exchange your dollars at the airport, prior to exiting through Customs, if you didn't do it in your country. If you need to visit a bank to exchange funds, there are several banks that do this -- the closest bank to exchange international funds is 2 hours away and your funds would be exchanged at the posted daily rate.

Kava

The drinking of yaqona (yang-ona) or kava, is both a ceremonial and social custom. The root of the pepper plan "Piper Methysticum" is ground to a powder and then mixed with water in a tonoa (large wooden) bowl. A small coconut bowl (bilo) is used to drink the "grog." If you are offered a bilo of yaqona, it is correct to clap once, take the bilo with both hands, drink it all at once, and then, after returning the bilo, clap twice more.

Food

A variety of cuisines are available - European, Chinese, Indian and Fijian. Fijian food consists of much seafood, often cooked in coconut cream (lolo), root vegetables (dalo and cassava), leaf veggies, chicken and pork. A traditional feast is prepared in an earth oven (lovo) over hot rocks. Lovos are held at the various resorts about once a week. The aroma of pork roasting outdoors draws visitors to the outside lovo site, overlooking the ocean. The food is wrapped in banana leaves and placed in the earth and covered with leaves and soil, giving it a pleasant smoky flavor.

Medical

Get a tetanus shot if your last one was more than 10 years ago. Consult your physician for any other inoculation concerns you might have.

Fiji is free from malaria and most other tropical diseases. Dengue fever (milder form of illness with symptoms similar to malaria) appears to be under control, with no reported cases in the last two years. Mosquitoe repellant and big loose clothing keep are recommended to keep you comfortable.

Cuts and scrapes from coral and other marine life can become infected if not properly attended to. It is advised to wear gloves when diving. Clean scratches immediately with antiseptic, treat with a topical antibiotic cream, and then cover with a band-aid or bandage. We keep a full medical kit on hand for our guests and Dan is a certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Guests who have allergies or other medical conditions should consult with their doctor before visiting the islands. Prescription drugs should be clearly labeled in their original containers and bringing along a backup supply of medication is also recommended. Common over-the-counter drugs can be obtained locally.

The Fiji Islands are very close to the equator and the sun is can be hot, especially during the early afternoon hours. Use common sense while walking around in the sun and bring an adequate supply of sunscreen along to limit your sun exposure. Waterproof sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating is recommended.

Please call our toll free number: 866-883-3373 if you have any questions.

Fiji is free from malaria and most other tropical diseases. Dengue fever (milder form of illness with symptoms similar to malaria) appears to be under control, with no reported cases in the last two years. Mosquitoe repellant and big loose clothing keep you comfortable. Wananavu Beach Resort regularly sprays and provides citronella candles under your table in the evening.

Cuts and scrapes from coral and other marine life can become infected if not properly attended to. Clean them immediately with antiseptic, treat with a topical antibiotic cream, and then cover with a band-aid or bandage. We keep a full medical kit on hand for our guests and Dan is a certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Guests who have allergies or other medical conditions should consult with their doctor before visiting the islands. Prescription drugs should be clearly labeled in their original containers and bringing along a backup supply of medication is also recommended. Common over-the-counter drugs can be obtained locally.

The Fiji Islands are very close to the equator and the sun is can be hot, especially during the early afternoon hours. Use common sense while walking around in the sun and bring an adequate supply of sunscreen along to limit your sun exposure. Waterproof sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating is recommended.

Language

English, Fijian and Hindustani are the languages of Fiji, with English being spoken by almost everyone. Click here for a list of common Fijian words and phrases.

Temperatures

Cooler, dry weather prevails during fall and winter - May to October, and the warm damp season of spring and summer exist November to April. Rainfall can be abundant, especially over larger islands like our Viti Levu. We get a sprinkle of a sunshower almost every afternoon for @ 5 minutes in summer. The average ambient air temperature during spring/summer is 85-95oF, while fall/winter is 80-90oF. The average water temperature at the surface is 88oF in summer/fall and 85oF during winter/spring.

Attire

In Fiji's tropical warmth, cool clothing should be worn. It is custom to dress casually for dinner (the English influence); ladies typically wear a sundress or sulu, while a shirt with shorts is appropriate for men. Slacks are seldom worn. Bathing suits should be kept at the beach. It is considered impolite to wear skimpy and revealing clothing in public places. Fijian people are respectful and conservative in their dress. If visiting a village, it is considered proper for men and women alike to be covered from shoulders to knees. A sulu and shirt are very comfortable and cool and serve this purpose well. Men often wear sulus here, also. Please call our toll free number: 866-883-3373 if you have any questions.

Shopping

Wananavu Beach Resort has a small boutique offering toiletries, chips, gum, etc., along with clothing, and small gifts. Raki Raki town is a 45 minute, @USD$8.00 (round trip) taxi ride away.

Whenever you venture off of the resort property, Crystal Divers recommends you bring toilet paper and something to dry your hands off with, i.e., hankie or handiwipe. Occasionally, these products are provided in washrooms, but more commonly they are not provided.

If you enjoy shopping, you want to plan to shop in Lautoka or Nadi while you're here. Our guests usually do that on their way out, as those towns are 2 - 2 1/2 hours car ride away on your way to the airport. Shop hours are generally 0800 - 1630. Many businesses close at lunch - 1300 - 1400. Very few stores are open on Sundays.

We recommend shopping at the Lautoka Market. This true market offers many, many hand made handicrafts and wonderful fresh produce items.

Transportation

Crystal Divers recommends commuting via taxi. This is the safest method of transportation and is very reasonably priced. Our taxi service has an excellent reputation for safe driving, clean, air conditioned cars and vans. There is an extensive bus service (no air conditioning) operating and you might consider this mode of transportation for an authentic Fijian cultural experience.