Fiji
General Information for Fiji
Geo-political:
Capital City: Suva (on Viti Levu). 18° 08.00′ S, 178° 25.00′ E
Nationality: (noun) Fijian(s), (adjective) Fijian.
Population: 935,974 (July 2020).
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 679.
Number of Internal Airports: 28 (2013).
Major Languages Spoken: English (official), Fijian (official) and Hindustani.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Fiji Dollar (FJD) of 100 Cents.
Exchange Rates:
(as of November 2020)
USD 1.00 = FJD 2.13
FJD 1.00 = USD 0.47
Exchange rates under licence from
XE.com
Main Industries: Tourism, sugar processing, clothing, copra, gold, silver and lumber.
Agricultural Products: Sugarcane, copra, ginger, tropical fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, chicken and fish.
Imports: Manufactured goods, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, food, beverages,
chemicals and tobacco.
Exports: Fuel, oil, fish, beverages, gems, sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut
oil and mineral water.
Commodities: Products: Imports 17,460 bbl/d.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Continental Shelf: Contiguous Zone: 24 n.m. Continental Shelf: 200 m. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 1,129 km.
Climate: Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation.
Natural Resources: Timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential and hydropower.
Natural Hazards: Cyclonic storms can occur from November to January.
Terrain: Mostly mountains of volcanic origin.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 30° C | 18° C |
| June | 26° C | 21° C |
| September | 28° C | 22° C |
MEDICAL:
Healthcare facilities are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited
in range and availability. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment
for health services. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation could be a likely
option for treatment.
In May 2011, the Fiji Ministry of Health reported that typhoid in Fiji is generally
declining, however from January to May 2011, 149 cases were reported and typhoid hotspots
are monitored by public health officials.
Following the heavy flooding in the Nadi, Lautoka, Naudroga, Raki Raki and Ba Districts
of Viti Levu in January and February 2012, suspected cases of typhoid and dengue fever
were reported in the flood-affected areas. In the longer term, according to the Fiji
Ministry of Health, typhoid is in decline, but a significant number of cases still
occur each year. While there is no vaccination for dengue fever, there are preventative
measures you can take, and you should also exercise precautions to avoid exposure
to typhoid.
There have also been cases of rubella in Fiji, with the most recent outbreak in July
2011.
Also see "
General".
HOLIDAYS:
Public Holidays:
1 January (New Year's Day); 2 April (Prophet Mohammed's Birthday); Good Friday; Easter
Saturday; Easter Monday; 4 May (National Youth Day); 28 May (Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna
Day); 18 June (Queen's Birthday); 8 October (Fiji Day); 9 November (Diwali); 24 December
(Christmas Eve); 25 December (Christmas Day); 26 December (Boxing Day).
WEATHER/TIDES:
The tropical cyclone season in Fiji normally runs from November to April. Throughout
this period there is a high risk of strong winds and heavy rains with associated flooding,
landslides and road closures.
Natural Disasters:
Fiji is in an earthquake zone and suffers from tremors from time to time. These can
trigger tsunami alerts. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of
an earthquake, and take note of earthquake and tsunami related instructions.
Also see "
General".
TELEPHONES:
The mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns, but coverage
in some rural areas and outlying islands can be limited or non-existent. Use of foreign
mobile telephones is subject to global roaming agreements with telephone providers.
Many visitors prefer to buy a Fiji SIM card on arrival. These are relatively cheap
to buy and calls, both local and international are cheaper than using a foreign SIM
card. Fijian SIM cards are available at Nadi International Airport and at convenience
stores and supermarkets. Registration of a SIM card purchased locally is mandatory.
In the outer islands the mobile phone network coverage is patchy.
Also see "
General".
BANKS:
Most tourist hotels and many restaurants accept credit cards, but not all ATMs accept
the full range of credit cards issued overseas. The Australian and New Zealand Bank
(ANZ) and Westpac ATMs accept UK Visa and MasterCard, and UK debit cards with Maestro
and/or Cirrus symbols.
Also see "
General".
SHORE LEAVE:
The level of serious crime is generally low, but incidents of petty theft are fairly
common.
When taking a taxi you should use a licensed taxi, denoted by a yellow registration
plate. You should be aware not all minibuses currently operating in Fiji are licensed
by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). As with taxis, those with yellow number plates
have been approved by the LTA. Unlicensed minibuses will probably not be insured.
Also see "
General".
REPATRIATION:
Fiji Customs enforce strict quarantine regulations and x-ray all inbound luggage at
Nadi airport. Most perishable foodstuffs will be confiscated on arrival, unless arriving
from a country with quarantine agreements with Fiji.
Visitors and residents are required to declare currency amounts in excess of FJD5,000.
Also see "
General".
GENERAL:
Information obtained from UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (April 2012). Consult
www.fco.gov.uk/ for updates.
