Renting a car in Nadi is a great option to explore the island and its surroundings at your own leisure. Many of the big name companies offer rental cars at Nadi International airport including Avis, Hertz and Budget and the average cost is around FJD$75 – $100 a day.

Another option to see and get around the islands is by plane. Seaplanes are a popular yet expensive way to soar over the islands and see the beauty below. A helicopter is another great option to get a bird`s eye view of Fiji and its spectacular surroundings.

Buses are the main form of public transportation on the island, local and express buses both offer routes. The main bus station is located 0.31 miles from the Nadi produce market, at the end of Market Road along with bus stops along Queens Road which is the main road in town. Express buses run from town to town with a designated bus stop, there are 18 stops from Nadi to Suva. Local buses run every 15 minutes Monday – Saturday (less frequently on Sundays) with frequent stops along Queens Road, buses run from around 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

WestBus is a small yellow bus that runs from Nadi to Port Denarau, the bus runs every 15 minutes and the cost is around FJD$1.00.

The Bula Bus is an open-air bus the provides transportation around Denarau Island from the port to the hotels, resorts, the marina, the water park and the golf course. The cost is approximately FJD$9.00 for a full day pass, a four-day pass is FJD$26.00 and you can hop-on and hop-off where ever you like, buses runs every 10 minutes.

Taxis on the island can be found at taxi stands, hailed from the street or ordered over the phone. Fares start at FJD$1.50 for a local taxi and the rate goes up FJD$1.60 per mile. Denarau Taxi is the only taxi company found on Denarau Island.

Walking around Nadi town is a great way to explore the area, Queens Street is the main street located in town with lots of side streets and areas filled with shops, restaurants, and markets. Walking around Denarau Island and the beaches is one of the best ways to soak up the island surroundings. Nadi Gardens is a spectacular place to wander around and experience the lush tropical gardens and forests filled with orchids and lily ponds. The idyllic islands in Fiji provide some of the softest sands and spectacular shorelines in the world, which make them the perfect place for a romantic stroll.

Nadi is a safe place to travel to with very little crime, but like any other major city or country, it is advised to use common sense when out and about and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas. Keep your belongings secure at all times, make sure to keep valuables out of sight and secured in parked cars, do not walk around late at night or wander into unpopulated areas, it is best to catch a taxi after dark.

Tap water is filtered and safe to drink, however, after heavy rainfall, it is advised to boil the water before consuming as the water may be murky.

The best places to shop on the island is at the local markets where you can find unique handmade goods and clothing, Nadi handcrafts market is a great place to visit and check out the local stalls selling handmade baskets, mats, wood carvings, sarongs, and jewelry. And the Nadi Produce market is filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and the famous kava-root which the islands are known for. There are a few different stores found in Nadi town such as department stores, malls, local shops, and boutiques.

The currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (F$ or FJD). US dollars are not accepted. You will need to exchange your dollars for Fiji dollars upon arrival, exchange desks can be found in the airport, hotels and the mall in Port Denarau.

Fiji has a 12.5% VAT (Value added tax) which are included on most goods and services and hotels charge an additional 5% which they are not required to include in their rates. The VAT allows tourists to claim a refund upon departure, you are only eligible for the refund if you spend a minimum of FJD$500 in any one approved retailer (ask for the refund form and your receipt). You must have the goods with you in your carry on at the airport and provide a completed refund form and receipt for the purchased items.Click here for information on how to tip in Fiji

Fiji offers a calendar full of vibrant festivals including a week-long Bula Festival held in Nadi at Koroivoli Park and Prince Charles Park in mid-July and features parades, music, dancing, food, entertainment and a beauty pageant where `Miss Bula` is elected.

Hindu Holi is held nationwide in February or March where Fijians squirt each other with colored water in this festival of colors.

Indian fire walking ceremonies are held in Nadi (the first Sunday after a full moon) at the Malolo Temple where spiritual devotees walk across a pit of burning embers.

October 10th is Fiji Day when Fijians celebrate their independence day for a whole week.

Dewali is the festival of lights which is an Indian festival celebrated on the island due to the large Indian population (October 19th).

The cuisine in Fiji is largely fish-based due to the islands location and surrounding waters where fisherman bring in the fresh catch of the day along with seafood such as reef fish, mussels, mud crabs, and lobster. The island has plenty of other options to choose from including Indian, Chinese, and Japanese and Western dishes. Many of the resorts situated on the island offer dishes prepared by internationally acclaimed chefs which can be expensive but delicious. Buffets are also popular at the larger resorts with food that is cooked in an underground oven.

Nadi is a pretty laid back town with a relatively quiet island atmosphere, most of the bars and entertainment might be found right at your hotel or resort. There are a few local spots in the Martintar area, which is the main area for any nightlife in town, where visitors can head for a good night out including Ed`s Bar a popular place with the locals with outdoor seating and cheap beer. The Bounty Bar and Restaurant feature live music on the weekends. Denarau Island features plenty of beachfront venues with cocktails and live music and the area around the port have plenty of places to stop in for a drink and some entertainment.

There are three official languages spoken in Fiji. Fijians speak Fijian, Indians speak Hindi and most everyone speaks English. English is taught to young children in school and most Fijians speak English although with a heavy Fijian or Hindi accent.

English is widely spoken by workers in the tourism industry including hotels, restaurants, transportation and on tours. We suggest you get a good English-Fijian guidebook and learn common phrases like hello, goodbye, please, thank you and the numbers 1-10.

In case of an emergency dial 917 for the police and 911 for fire and ambulance.

Nadi Hospital tel. 679 338 9771.