Fiji A-Z Visitors Guide - Small Guide to a tropical paradise
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 Fiji A-Z - The Small Guide to a Tropical Paradise

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DENGUE FEVER

A 1998 outbreak of dengue fever in Fiji resulted in an estimated 25,000 cases and 14 deaths. Since then the disease has been controlled through public education and a clean-up campaign, which reduced the number of vector mosquitoes. Although it's mostly locals who are affected (and most of the deceased were infants), tourists are obviously not immune. The symptoms of "breakbone fever" are nausea, headaches, sore throat, pain in the joints, chills, and a rash. There's no vaccine and all you can do is try to avoid being bitten (the dengue fever mosquito bites only during the day). If you're unfortunate enough to be stricken, all you can do is rest in bed and wait for the fever to subside after five to 15 days. Drink lots of water but don't take aspirin (which can cause complications). Dengue fever outbreaks are infrequent, but ask your travel agent to check if you're concerned.
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DENTIST

A number of Indo-Fijian dentists have offices in Nadi, Lautoka, and Suva - any shopkeeper will be able to tell you where to find one. The charges will probably be much lower than what you'd pay at home, although the equipment may be older than you expect. The public hospitals also have dental clinics, but these are usually very crowded and you'll wait a lot longer than you would at a private dental office.
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DEPARTURE TAX

Visitors to Fiji are required to pay $30.00 departure tax in Fijian currency following check-in. Children under 12 are exempt as are people in transit (in Fiji for less than 12 hours). This tax is included in most holiday packages. There's no tax departure tax on domestic flights.
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DINING

(see Eating Out)
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DISABLED FACILITIES

Unfortunately, Fiji is still a developing country when it comes to providing special facilities for physically challenged persons. Before booking a resort holiday, you should verify their accessibility. The Outrigger Reef Resort and The Naviti Resort, for example, have wheelchair friendly rooms, but many others do not.
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DIVING

(see Scuba Diving)
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DOCTORS

Although many doctors have emigrated from Fiji to places like Australia and Canada in recent years, it's still relatively easy to find a private doctor. A number of doctors have offices in Nadi, Lautoka, and Labasa, and there are several private clinics in Suva. You'll be seen at any of these for an initial consultation fee of around $20 Fijian, about the same as you'd pay to see a doctor at one of the crowded public hospitals. (also see Medical Services)
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DRESS

Think two ‘c’s - casual and cotton. Take t-shirts, short sleeved shirts (although a long-sleeved shirt can be handy for a cooler evening or if you are out boating), shorts, light dresses and swimwear. Jeans are a no-no. I’ll own up to a bit of tropical stupidity. In day two of my first visit there I had a meeting and a radio interview in Suva. Looking in the mirror in my air-conditioned room in Nadi, I thought I looked pretty sharp in a new pair of black jeans but knew I’d made a mistake before I reached Nadi airport… after the flight, walking up hills between meetings, taking in the markets etc I was simply wet from the waist down and pretty uncomfortable. I’ll say nothing more than I also purchased some baby powder.

Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen and pack some reef shoes to avoid coral cuts. Do cover up when outside the resort as skimpy dress is offensive to the locals. The sulu (pareau, lavalava, sarong) is a versatile bit of clothing for men and women. Take one or buy one as a souvenir (you will also find it handy in summer at home). Apart from being easy to put on and take off it can double as something to separate you from the sand, to carry wet swimwear in or to provide instant shade for a little one. The simple wrap-around style is the most common way to wear one but there are around ten different ways for women to tie them, even as an elegant evening dress.

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DRINKING

Consuming alcohol on the street is prohibited but you don't have to look far to find a bar in Fiji. These fall into several categories. Fiji has many private clubs with large "Members Only" signs on the door which are generally open to visitors. You'll usually find the local menfolk playing billiards at these. Look for the Farmers Club in Nadi, the South Seas Club in Lautoka, or the Merchants Club in Suva. They're generally male domains, although overseas women are admitted. There are local nightclubs in all the towns, some of them rather rough. In Suva, you better know what you're doing if you visit any of the clubs north of the center of town. The clubs along Victoria Parade south of the centre are a better place to start, especially Traps, Suva's yuppie, groupie pub. In Nadi, Ed's Bar at Martintar is the place to be. Of course, all upscale resorts and hotels also have bars.
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DRUGS

To most visitors Fiji will appear pretty much ‘drug-free’. There may be a few expatriates who are part-time agriculturalists and, if you look the part, you could well be offered marijuana on the street in Fiji. Weed is a major cash crop in central Viti Levu where the roads don't go. Be aware that the penalties can be severe, and you should never under any circumstances attempt to import drugs or take any Fiji marijuana home with you on the flight. The sniffer dog detachment at Nadi Airport is around back on the road to the heleport, if you're interested. Alcohol and kava should provide enough legal stimulation and/or relaxation.
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DUTY FREE

Visitors aged 17 have an allowance of 2 litres of alcoholic spirits, or 4 litres of wine or 4 litres of beer and 500 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco product. Other items like personal effects and household effects for residents or intending residents should not exceed $400.
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