Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands scattered across 200,000 square miles of ocean. The islands are primarily volcanic in origin with high rugged terrain. Other smaller islands are of coral or limestone formation. The largest island and population center is Viti Levu, where Fiji's international airport is located in the north-west town of Nadi. Fiji is blue lagoons, stunning white beaches, colorful fish-filled coral reefs, lush forests and is home to around 900,000 people. The population consists of approximately 50% Fijians, 46% Indians with the remainder being European, Rotuman, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders.

Climate
Fiji enjoys a warm and pleasant temperature throughout the year - average 72°F/ 23°C in the mild, dry season of May through October, and 78.5°F/ 27°C in the warm, wetter season of November through April. Dress for Fiji is cool and casual, although swimsuits and brief attire should be confined to beaches and hotel swimming pools. Fiji Weather.

Immigrations / Customs
A current passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required to enter Fiji. Visas are not normally required if you are an EEC, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, Japanese or US citizen. You must however, possess an onward ticket out of the country. Permits are granted at the airport on arrival for a stay of up to four months and may be extended for a further two months. Fiji is a healthy country, free from most tropical diseases. Inoculations are not required unless a traveler is entering from a designated infected area.

Money
Fiji is serviced by a number of major commercial banks. In the towns 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 the Nadi International Airport. Legal tender is the Fijian dollar. Convert Your Currency to Fijian Dollars at the Currency Converter

Note: There are no banks on Mana Island. Most services and activities (including diving) can be charged to your room and paid upon departure. Aqua Trek also accepts cash payments in Fiji, US, NZ and Australian Dollars, English Pounds and Japanese Yen. We also accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards

Time Zones / Business Hours
Fiji time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Customary office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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 little 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.

Restaurants/Nightlife
Fiji's multi-cultural population is mirrored in its cuisine. Restaurants, clubs and hotels throughout Fiji offer a wide range of food including traditional Fijian, Indian, European, Thai, Japanese and Chinese. Fiji's larger towns and cities have cinemas and nightclubs.

Transportation

From Nadi a variety of Fijian domestic air carriers and ferry companies provide services 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. Fiji drives on the left side of the road. A number of rental car companies are available at hotels, Nadi International Airport, Suva, Lautoka and other centers. Taxis are plentiful. Travel is cheap and enjoyable aboard open-air buses.

Mana Island is serviced three times per day by South Sea Cruises: info@ssc.com.fj
Flights are also available through Sun Air: reservations@sunairfiji.com
Pacific Island Seaplanes: reservations@pacisair.com.fj
Pacific Crown Aviation: islandhoppers@connect.com.fj

Electricity/Water
Throughout Fiji the electrical current is 240 volts/50 cycles. Most hotels have a 110 volt converter for razors and hair dryers. Water in Fiji is generally safe to drink, although a wide selection of bottled waters are available if you wish to exercise caution.

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 911 in all main towns and cities for emergency fire, police or ambulance calls. A full list of Embassies and High Commissions is listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory.