Fast facts

VISA - Europeans do not need a visa to enter Fiji. They will be granted at the airport with a 4-months tourist permit free of charge.

VACCINATION - You do not need any vaccination to go to Fiji

LANGUAGE - English is an official language of Fiji and everyone speaks it (together with their local languages: Fijian & Hindo-Fijian). Everything is written in English.

INSECTS - Fiji has no dangerous insects and mosquitoes do not carry malaria. Mosquitoes are just "annoying" so, take an anti-mosquitoes with you or buy it in Fiji (wide variety of models available in the market). Tip: 2-3 weeks before coming to Fiji, eat a vitamin-B pill. That will protect you against mosquitoes.

ELECTRICITY - Electric current in Fiji is 240 volts, 50 cycles. Many hotels have converters for 110-volt shavers, but these are not suitable for hair dryers. The plugs are the angled two-prong types DIFFERENT TO THE EU ONES. Outlets have on/off switches mounted next to them.

TIME - Local time in Fiji is 10 hours ahead Brussels' time: when it's 8 am on Tuesday in Fiji, it's 9 pm on Monday in Brussels

CURRENCY - 1Euro = 2 Fijian Dollar

CUSTOMS - Fiji's Customs allowances are 200 cigarettes; 2 liters of liquor, beer, or wine; and F$400 worth of other goods in addition to personal belongings. Any fresh fruits and vegetables must be declared. Customs will X-ray all of your luggage upon arrival. You will need advance permission to bring any animal into Fiji; if not, your pet will be quarantined. They are quite strict on that in order not to bring illness to the island.

LIQUOR LAWS - Most grocery stores sell beer, spirits, and wines from Australia and New Zealand. Both beer and spirits are produced locally and are considerably less expensive than imported brands (extremely expensive). While local Bounty rum is okay, the other stuff is rotgut. The locally brewed Fiji beer is good. Fiji Gold is a lighter lager than Fiji Bitter. Most bars also sell Australian and New Zealand beers.

SAFETY - Fiji is not a dangerous country but caution is advised at all times, especially in Suva. Stick to the main streets everywhere after dark, and take a taxi back to your hotel if you're out late at night. Taxis are extremely cheap so do not risk! Do not leave valuables in your hotel room or unattended elsewhere.

HITCHHIKING - Local residents seldom hitchhike, so the custom is not widespread, nor do we recommend it.

EMERGENCIES - The police emergency number is 917 throughout Fiji. The firemen and ambulance nr is 911. There is an special service of the police called "Tourist police" and it is efficient. Call them if you have any problem during your stay. The best hospital in Fiji is the Suva Private Hospital and it has European standards. Fiji has well-stocked pharmacies or "chemists." Their medicines are likely to be from Australia or New Zealand.

NEWSPAPERS - Two national newspapers are published in English: the Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun. Both appear daily and carry a few major stories from overseas.