Fiji Mosaic Paradiso

The exquisite island nation of Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean comprising approximately 330 islands famously endowed with towering volcanic mountains, warm, crystal-clear tropical waters, spectacular coral reefs, tropical rainforests, coconut plantations, breathtaking waterfalls and, ofcourse, some of the world’s most pristine beaches. With its abundance of fascinating attractions, jaw-dropping scenery, warm and welcoming locals and cultural and sporting activities aplenty, Fiji is a paradise for nature lovers, culture vultures and sports enthusiasts alike. With over three hundred islands to choose from, Fiji is an amazingly versatile destination. Whether you are seeking a secluded romantic honeymoon retreat, a vibrant and boisterous backpacker island or a family-friendly resort, Fiji never disappoints.

Currency

Fijian Dollar (FJD; symbol F$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of F$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of F$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

There are no restrictions on the import of local currency and the import or export of foreign currency, provided it is declared upon arrival. The export of local currency is limited to F$500.

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, at trading banks, at private exchange offices and at most hotels.

Banking

Banking hours: Generally Mon-Thurs 09h30-15h00, Fri 09h30-16h00. Foreign Exchange Dealers: Mon-Fri 08h30-17h00, Sat 08h30-13h00.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted at a number of establishments and can be used in resorts on most islands.

Major international cards are accepted at ATMs, which can be found in Nadi, Suva and Savusavu, and although they are cropping up throughout the rest of the islands, these cannot always be relied upon.

Traveller's cheques attract a rate slightly higher than cash and are easily changed at banks (for a commission) and private exchange offices (often without commission).

While most international flights to Fiji are focused on Nadi, many domestic air services to eastern Fiji fly into Suva's Nausori Airport. Fiji Link (www.fijiairways.com) operate shuttle services around the islands. The flight time from Nadi to Suva is approximately 30 minutes. Turtle Airways (www.turtleairways.com) operates a seaplane service to numerous resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups from Nadi. Booking isn’t essential and flying is an easy – and relatively inexpensive – method of getting around all year.

Discover Fiji: available with Air Fiji (tel: 331 3666/5055; www.airfiji.com.fj). Gives four flights within 30 days. The usual routing is Nadi-Taveuni-Savusavu-Suva-Nadi. It is only sold outside of Fiji in conjunction with an international flight ticket. Children over two and under 12 years of age pay 75% of the fare.

Car hire in Fiji is available through several international companies. Car hire can be relatively expensive; 4-wheel drive is recommended for islands other than Viti Levu. Limousines and chauffeurs are also available.The speed limit in built-up areas is 50kph (31mph) and 80kph (50mph) on highways. Valid national or international driving licence required. Third party insurance is included in car hire rates but collision insurance with rather high deductible amounts is extra. The minimum age for car hire is 21 or sometimes 25. Front seat passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. When driving past villages, drivers are advised to slow down as locals use the roads as footpaths. Beware of livestock on the roads as they wander freely during the night, although it is best to avoid driving during the night altogether.

You will find taxis on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. The bus stations in the main towns usually have taxi depots and there is often an oversupply of taxis vying for business. Unlike in Suva, the taxi drivers in Nadi, Lautoka and most rural areas don't use their meters. Ask locals what is the acceptable rate for a particular trip and agree with your driver the fee in advance. If the taxi does have a meter, ask the driver to switch it on – it will likely be significantly cheaper than a negotiated price.

Road travel tends to be more dangerous than many people are used to: potholes, washouts and dilapidated bridges are commonplace. And, while there is rarely much traffic present, most vehicles run on diesel, which means pollution can be severe. Buses are the best, unless you are truly comfortable and capable of renting and driving a car on your own. Avoid travel at night, especially outside of urban areas. Many locals drive small trucks (known as carriers) with a tarpaulin-covered frame on the back. These often have passenger seating and some run trips between Nadi and Suva. Minivans are also an increasingly common sight on the road. Popular with locals, they're also quicker and more expensive than a bus but much cheaper than a taxi - though your ride will be far from comfortable.

Most resorts have their own boat transport, some have catamaran services. Government and local shipping companies operate passenger services linking the outer islands. Yachts and cabin cruisers are available for charter; enquire at the shipping agents, being sure to confirm all arrangements with the captain once the vessel is in port. A number of ferries operate between the major islands, including South Sea Cruises (tel: 675 0500; www.ssc.com.fj), Awesome Adventures (tel: 675 0499;www.awesomefiji.com), Patterson Brothers, and Consort Shipping.

Tap water is safe to drink in hotels, resorts and main towns, but precautions should be taken in rural areas. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Local cooking is Fijian, Chinese and Indian. International cuisine is also available. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non residents. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol on Sunday.

Fiji has a warm tropical climate perfect for beachside holidays. Maximum temperatures rarely move out of the 31°C (88°F) to 26°C (79°F) range all year round. Southeast trade winds from March to November bring dry weather and the rainy season runs from December to April. On average there are 15 cyclones per decade, and two to four actually cause severe damage. They occur from November to April and with greatest frequency in January and February. There is more risk in the outlying northwest island groups.

Fiji does have a wet season, which is characterised by heavy, brief local showers and contributes most of the country’s annual rainfall. The wet season is normally from November to April and results from the southerly movements of the South Pacific Convergence Zone. Typically the smaller islands in Fiji receive less rainfall than the main Island with various amounts according to their location and size. Cyclones do occur in Fiji and are normally confined to wet season.

The best months for holidaying in regards to Fiji weather is late March through to early December.

Electrical sockets (outlets) on the Fiji Islands are the "Type I" Australian AS-3112 type. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) on the Fiji Islands usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.