(Last updated: 4 Aug 2011)

Visas

Australians travelling to Fiji require a valid passport but do not require an entry visa. A four-week visa to enter and reside in Fiji is issued on arrival at the port of entry. You should also have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for living expenses before entering Fiji.

There are two main types of permits given: investor permit or work permit. Both types of permit entitle holders, spouses and children less than 21 years the right to enter and reside in Fiji.

Working without a work permit is prohibited. The exception is a person may work for up to two weeks in their normal occupation.

Climate

Fiji enjoys a tropical climate with generally warm to hot conditions. Temperatures average 22°C during May to October, when the cooling southeast trade winds blow. In summer the winds are more variable and temperatures higher, typically around 30°C, with high humidity with heavy rainfall in Suva. A mountain range divides Viti Levu, the main island, into wet and dry zones. Suva is on the wet, eastern side, where rainfall averages over 3,000mm per annum.

For weather details in Fiji, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Fiji has two airports that service international arrivals.

The main airport is located in Nadi on the North Western side of Viti Levu. This airport services the main resort region around Nadi. Suva is a three-hour drive from Nadi or a half-hour flight by small aircraft.

The second airport is located near Suva at Nausori, about 30-40 minutes drive from the CBD. A taxi fare is approximately FJ$35.

International flights are available to Suva from Sydney and Auckland.

Ground transport

The international gateway to Fiji is Nadi, which is approximately three hours drive from Suva or a short 30-minute flight by small plane. Businesses are spread evenly between Suva and Nadi, so business travellers need to make time to visit both areas to make contacts.

Hotels

Fiji offers a range of accommodation options ranging from back packer to business to resort style accommodation. For a referral to a service provider that best meets your specific requirements, we recommend you contact Austrade Suva.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Fiji. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Vaccinations are not normally required. However, travellers arriving from designated areas of yellow fever or cholera are required to have evidence of vaccination.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected or required in Fiji

Time zones and time differences

Fiji is two hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

To find out the current time in Suva, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Fiji's country code is 679.

For calls to Fiji from Australia dial: 0011 + 679 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Fiji to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Government hours are 8.00am to 4.30pm with lunch from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Banks are open 9.30am to 4.00pm daily. Some branches are also open for a half day on Saturdays.

Businesses are usually open from 8.30am to 5.00pm with an hour for lunch between 12 noon and 2.00pm.

Public holidays

January 2 – New Year's Day
February 6 – Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday
April 6 – Good Friday
April 9 – Easter Monday
June 11 – Queen’s Birthday
October 10 – Fiji Day
November 13 – Diwali
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Fiji Dollar.

Electricity and water

Fiji's power supply is 240 volts, 60 AC. The three pronged, angled configuration plugs are used (as in Australia and New Zealand).