Fiji
Viti
There is no Uber or Bolt in Fiji — you flag metered taxis (look for the LT plates, not the cheaper-but-grey LH ones) or have your resort call one, and you agree the fare or confirm the meter before getting in. English is universal, so you don't need a translator, but data signal vanishes the moment you leave the main island, so download offline maps before you island-hop. Cards work at resorts and bigger towns; carry Fijian dollars in cash for buses, markets, and small villages.
Power & Plug
Same three-flat-pin plug as Australia and New Zealand; US/UK/EU travelers need a Type I adapter and check that hair tools are dual-voltage.
Tipping
Tipping isn't expected and many resorts run a shared 'Christmas fund' staff tip box instead of individual tips. A small extra for a guide or driver who went out of their way is appreciated but never demanded.
🗺️Navigation & Maps
See all →Google Maps
Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.
📱Messaging
See all →✈️Travel Planning
See all →Booking.com
Largest hotel inventory globally with free-cancellation default filter.
Airbnb
Apartment, room, and unique stays — strong in residential neighborhoods.
Tripadvisor
Largest reviews database for attractions, restaurants, and tours.
What to know before you go
✓ Do
- Say 'Bula!' loudly and often — it's hello, welcome, and goodwill all in one.
- When visiting a village, bring a bundle of kava root (yaqona) as a sevusevu gift for the chief.
- Dress modestly off the beach — cover shoulders and knees in villages, and women should wear a sulu (sarong).
- Remove your hat and sunglasses in a village; hats are seen as disrespectful to the chief.
- Take your shoes off before entering a home or bure.
- Accept kava when offered: clap once, drink in one go, clap three times.
✕Don't
- Don't touch anyone's head — it's considered sacred in Fijian culture.
- Don't wear a hat or raise your voice inside a village.
- Don't show too much skin or sunbathe topless away from resort beaches.
- Don't refuse a sevusevu or kava ceremony rudely — it's a serious cultural offense.
⚠️ Common scams to know
- 'Sword sellers' in Nadi who carve your name into a wooden sword or mask then demand payment — don't let anyone start.
- Taxis without a working meter quoting inflated fares; agree the price or insist on the meter first.
- Overpriced 'village visit' touts; arrange village tours through your hotel.
- Aggressive market vendors pushing kava or carvings at marked-up tourist prices.