Islands, reefs, beaches and warm South Pacific hospitality
Fiji Islands Travel Guide
Fiji is a spectacular South Pacific archipelago of more than 300 islands and islets, known for tropical landscapes, coral reefs, clear blue water and warm hospitality. Explore Viti Levu, island resorts, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, local culture, diving, snorkeling and relaxing beach escapes.
- More than 300 islands and islets
- Coral reefs and tropical fish
- Beaches and private island resorts
- Fijian culture and outdoor adventure
Essential travel information
All About Fiji Islands
Learn about Fiji’s islands, transportation, weather, currency, language and tipping customs before planning your South Pacific vacation.
Fiji Islands FAQ
Learn what Fiji is known for, which islands to visit,
how long to stay, how to get around and which currency
and languages are used.
What are the Fiji Islands known for?
Fiji is known for friendly local communities, sandy beaches, clear blue water and private-island resorts. The islands have an extensive coral reef system and more than 1,500 types of tropical fish.
Popular outdoor activities include diving, snorkeling, hiking and all-terrain vehicle excursions. Fiji is also closely associated with fresh seafood, Fijian arts and culture and island traditions.
What are the best places to visit in Fiji?
Fiji’s two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Most international visitors arrive on Viti Levu, where Nadi and the capital, Suva, are located.
- Nadi on Viti Levu
- Coral Coast along southwestern Viti Levu
- Pacific Harbour
- Mamanuca Islands
- Yasawa Islands
- Vanua Levu
How many days should I spend in Fiji?
The existing Fiji guide recommends approximately 7-10 days depending on what travelers want to see and do, with a minimum of about three nights in Nadi.
Tripmasters vacation packages are flexible, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, accommodations and activities included.
What is the best way to get around Fiji?
The existing guide recommends traveling between Fiji’s islands primarily by ferry or air. Taxis and rental cars are available on the major islands for local transportation.
What currency is used in Fiji?
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar, commonly abbreviated FJ$ or FJD. U.S. dollars are not the official currency. Some businesses may accept them, but exchange rates may be less favorable than paying in Fijian dollars.
Currency exchange facilities are available at locations including airports, hotels and other visitor-oriented areas.
Do people speak English in Fiji?
Fiji has three official languages: English, Fijian and Hindi. English is widely spoken, making communication straightforward for most English-speaking travelers.
Best Time to Visit Fiji Islands
Compare Fiji’s dry season with its warmer,
wetter months before choosing your vacation dates.
When is the best time to visit Fiji?
The existing Fiji guide recommends visiting during the dry season, which corresponds with winter in the Southern Hemisphere and generally runs from June through September.
Although this is Fiji’s winter, temperatures remain warm and skies are often sunny, making this period well suited to beaches and outdoor activities.
June – September
Dry Season
This is the period specifically recommended by the existing Fiji guide. Conditions are generally sunnier and less humid.
Best for: Beaches, snorkeling, diving and island activities.
December – April
Warmer and Wetter Season
Temperatures and humidity are higher and afternoon rain is more common. The existing guide also identifies this as Fiji’s cyclone season.
Keep in mind: Weather conditions may be less predictable.
December – January
Holiday Travel
The current guide notes increased visitor numbers from Australia and New Zealand during the December and January holiday period.
Keep in mind: Popular resorts can be busier.
Regional Differences
Island Conditions
Weather varies within Fiji. The existing guide notes that Nadi and the Mamanuca Islands tend to be drier than the Coral Coast and Suva.
Planning tip: Consider the specific island or region, not only the national forecast.
Tipping in Fiji Islands
Understand Fiji’s tipping customs for restaurants,
hotels, taxis, tour guides and spa services.
Is tipping customary in Fiji?
Tipping is uncommon in Fiji and generally not expected. The existing guide notes that some resorts and other service establishments use shared staff funds where guests can leave a contribution that is distributed among employees.
Should I use U.S. dollars or Fijian dollars?
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar. Some tourism businesses may accept U.S. dollars, but travelers should generally use local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
Tipping is uncommon. Travelers who are particularly pleased with service may leave a small voluntary gratuity or contribute to a shared staff fund.
Hotel Staff
Individual hotel employees generally do not expect tips. Some resorts instead provide a shared staff gratuity or Christmas fund.
Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers do not normally expect gratuities. Travelers may leave change or a small amount when they wish to recognize good service.
Tour Guides
Tipping tour guides is not customary, although the existing guide notes that a gratuity may be given when a guide goes above and beyond.
Spa Services
Spa staff do not generally expect tips, but a voluntary gratuity may be offered for particularly good service.
It is perfectly acceptable not to tip in Fiji. Gratuities should be considered optional rather than an expected part of the service.
Islands, beaches and resort destinations
Top Cities in Fiji Islands
Explore Fiji’s main gateways, coastal regions and island groups. Each offers a different combination of resorts, beaches, coral reefs, local culture and outdoor experiences.
Fiji’s main international gateway
Nadi (Viti Levu)
Nadi is one of Fiji’s principal visitor gateways and a convenient base for exploring western Viti Levu, Port Denarau and the nearby Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
- Port Denarau
- Island connections
- Markets and local culture
- Tropical landscapes
Viti Levu
Coral Coast
The Coral Coast stretches along southern Viti Levu with beaches, bays, coral reefs, tropical scenery and resort areas.
Explore Coral Coast
Island group
Mamanuca Islands
Just offshore from western Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands offer tropical resorts, sandy beaches, snorkeling, diving and island-hopping opportunities.
Explore Mamanuca Islands
Northwestern Fiji
Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands are known for white-sand beaches, tropical blue water, coral and marine life, snorkeling, diving and relaxed island resorts.
Explore Yasawa IslandsMore Destinations in Fiji Islands
Continue exploring Fiji with additional Mamanuca island resorts and destinations around Viti Levu.
Prepare for your vacation
What to Expect While Traveling
Review Tripmasters travel resources covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can better understand each component of your Fiji vacation.
01
Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, schedules, connections and other preparations for air travel.
02
Accommodations
Hotels
Understand hotel categories, room arrangements, check-in procedures and common accommodation services.
03
Independent travel
Rental Cars
Review rental requirements, vehicle collection and practical considerations for exploring Fiji.
04
Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport, hotel and transportation transfers work and what to verify before meeting your provider.
05
Rail transportation
Train Travel
Review Tripmasters’ general rail travel information, including stations, schedules, tickets and luggage.
06
Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical information for booked excursions and activities.
Continue exploring islands, countries and practical travel information throughout the South Pacific.
Back to South Pacific Travel Guide