Fiji travel guide
Fiji is an archipelago of more than three hundred islands in the South Pacific, known for coral reefs, white-sand islands, warm hospitality and the greeting 'Bula'. Most visitors stay on the main island of Viti Levu or the small islands of the Mamanucas and Yasawas, while Taveuni and Kadavu offer rainforest and some of the best diving in the region. It suits beach and island holidays, families, divers and honeymooners.
Places worth the trip
Mamanuca Islands
A group of small, sandy islands a short boat ride from Nadi and Port Denarau, with calm lagoons, snorkelling reefs and island resorts. Day trips, sandbanks and surf breaks such as Cloudbreak are nearby.
Yasawa Islands
A chain of volcanic islands stretching north-west from the Mamanucas, served by a daily catamaran. They are known for rugged hills, quiet beaches, village visits and the Sawa-i-Lau caves, where you can swim in a limestone chamber.
Taveuni
The 'Garden Island' is covered in rainforest, with Bouma National Heritage Park's waterfalls and hiking trails. Offshore, the Rainbow Reef and its Great White Wall are famous for colourful soft corals.
Beqa Lagoon
Off the south coast of Viti Levu, Beqa Lagoon is known for shark dives with bull sharks and other species. The island of Beqa is also home to the tradition of firewalking.
The Coral Coast and Sigatoka Sand Dunes
The southern coast of Viti Levu has reefs and resorts along the Queens Road, and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park protects tall coastal dunes where ancient pottery and burial sites have been found.
Village visits and kava ceremonies
Visiting a village, such as Navala in the highlands with its traditional thatched bure houses, usually involves a sevusevu ceremony, presenting kava root to the chief and sharing a bowl of the drink.
Levuka
Fiji's first capital, on the island of Ovalau, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with wooden colonial buildings along the waterfront that date from the nineteenth century.
Kadavu and the Great Astrolabe Reef
A remote, undeveloped island south of Viti Levu, with rainforest, birdlife and one of the world's largest barrier reefs, where manta rays are often seen.
Interesting facts about Fiji
- Fiji has more than 330 islands, of which around a third are inhabited.
- The 180th meridian runs through the island of Taveuni, where a sign marks the line, although the international date line bends around Fiji so the whole country shares one date.
- Levuka, Fiji's former capital, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
- Kava, a drink made from the root of a pepper plant, is central to Fijian ceremonies and social life.
- Fiji has three official languages: English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi.
Best time to visit Fiji
The drier, cooler season from roughly May to October is the most popular time to visit, with sunny days, lower humidity and good diving visibility. The wetter, hotter season from November to April brings heavy showers and the risk of cyclones, particularly from December to March, but also quieter resorts. School holidays in Australia and New Zealand make some periods busier. Water temperatures are warm year-round.
Getting around
Most international flights arrive at Nadi on Viti Levu. The Queens Road and Kings Road run around the main island, served by buses, taxis and rental cars. Catamarans, ferries and water taxis connect Port Denarau with the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, and small planes and seaplanes fly to the outer islands, including Taveuni and Kadavu. Ferries also link Viti Levu with Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Island schedules can change with the weather.
Practical details
- Capital
- Suva
- Currency
- Fijian dollar (FJD)
- Languages
- English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi
- Plug types
- I
- Voltage
- 240 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 911 for all emergencies
- Driving side
- left
- Tipping
- Not customary. Many resorts have a staff Christmas fund where guests can leave a contribution if they wish.
Staying online in Fiji
Mobile coverage is good in Nadi, Suva, Lautoka and other towns on Viti Levu and along the main roads, and available on many populated islands. Coverage weakens or disappears on remote islands, in the interior highlands and out at sea. Many resorts offer Wi-Fi, though on outer islands it can be slow or limited to public areas. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land so you have data for transfers and bookings.
Fiji eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Fiji, V2
Unbegrenzt
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Fiji, V2
Unbegrenzt
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Fiji, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Fiji, V2
Useful apps
- Fiji Airways: Book and manage international and domestic flights with the national airline.
- Google Maps: Driving directions on Viti Levu; download offline maps for the islands.
- WhatsApp: Widely used by resorts, transfer operators and dive shops.
- XE Currency: Convert Fijian dollar prices to your home currency.
Fiji travel FAQs
The Mamanucas are easiest to reach and good for families and short stays; the Yasawas are quieter and more rugged. Taveuni and Kadavu suit divers and nature lovers but need domestic flights.
Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear a sulu (sarong) if asked. Remove hats and sunglasses in the village, and take off your shoes before entering a home.
Yes, coverage is good on Viti Levu and in towns, but patchy on remote islands and at sea. A travel eSIM gives you local data while your home number stays active for calls and texts.
Roughly November to April, with the highest risk between December and March. Cyclones are not guaranteed, but check forecasts and travel insurance when travelling in those months.