Rules to behave in Fiji

• Dress modestly. You will rarely see adult Fijians swimmimg and when they do they cover up with a t-shirt
• Wear slip-on shoes. They're easier to take off when entering houses or temples
• Take off your hat & sunglasses and carry bags on your hands (not over your shoulder). It is considered rude to do otherwise
• Do not display affection between men & women in public. That is embarrasing or offensive for the locals
• Stoop when entering a bure (thatched dwelling) and quietly sit cross-legged on the pandanus mat. It is polite to keep your head at lower level than your host's. Fijians regard the head as sacred - never ever touch a person's head
• Avoid visiting Fijians on Sunday. It's the day for church & family
• Bring kava (alcohol) with you. This is for your sevusevu, i.e. requesting permission to visit the village from the turaga-ni-koro (hereditary chief) and, in effect, the ancestral gods. He will welcome you in a small ceremony likely to develop in a talanoa (gossip session) around the tanoa (kava bowl) so be prepared to recount your life story.