Time Zones / Business Hours
Fiji time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Customary
office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
with an hour lunch usually between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Getting Around
From Nadi, a variety of Fijian domestic air carriers provide
service to smaller islands. A current driver's license from
your country of residence or an international driving permit
is all that is needed to drive in Fiji. Fijians drive on the
left side of the road. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty and locally-owned
rental car companies are represented at hotels, Nadi International
Airport, Suva, Lautoka and other centers. Taxis are plentiful.
Travel is cheap and enjoyable aboard open-air buses on Viti
Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Ferries operate from
Viti Levu to many of the outer islands.
Electricity / Water
Throughout Fiji, the electrical current is 240 volts/50 cycles.
Most hotels have a 110 volt converter for razors and hair
dryers. Drinking water in Fiji is treated, however we would
advise boiling the water first or preferably drinking bottled
water.
Medical Facilities
Hospitals are located in Fiji's main centers. There is a minimal
hospital charge for patients who are not citizens of Fiji.
Private medical practitioners, dentists and opticians are
listed in the telephone directory. Most pharmacies are open
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Emergency Contacts
Dial 000 in all main towns and cities for emergency fire,
police or ambulance calls. Aqua-Trek Dive Travel Services
in Fiji: Phone (679) 702-413, Fax (679) 702-412. The American
Embassy in Suva: Phone(679) 314-466, Fax (679) 300-081.
Currency
Fiji is serviced by major commercial banks such as ANZ Bank,
Bank of Baroda, Bank of Hawaii, National Bank of Fiji and
Westpac Banking Corporation. Note: National Bank of Fiji is
the only bank in Taveuni and credit card cash advances are
not available on the island. Normal banking hours are from
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with late
closing on Friday at 4:00 p.m. ANZ Bank operates a 24-hour
service at Nadi International Airport. Legal tender is the
Fijian dollar. Other main world currencies and most major
credit cards are accepted. Tipping is not encouraged but you
can leave a gratuity for excellent service if you wish.
Shopping
Most stores, food markets and handicraft shops are open from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 1:00
p.m. on Saturday. There is no trading on Sunday. Bargaining
is quite acceptable among shopkeepers and stallholders, but
not in major department stores, grocery stores, hotels or
resorts where prices are set.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji but, if you want to, you
may do so at your own discretion.
Credit Cards
You can use the following credit cards. Visa, Mastercards,
JCB(Japanese Credit Bureau) Cards, American Express and Diners
Club are widely accepted.
Communications
Telecom fiji limited provides local telephone services while
Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd(FINTEL)provides
international services.The IDD code for Fiji is 679.
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