3 minute read
Blue Lagoon Cruise
Know Before You Go
Getting to Fiji
Fiji Airways is the country’s national airline, operating regular flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, as well as Australia and New Zealand, to Fiji’s gateway airport, Nadi. The journey time is approximately 25 hours from the UK. Ask your consultant about upgrading to Premium Economy or Business Class, and consider a stopover enroute to break the journey.
Time Zone
GMT+12 hours (except November to February when Fiji moves into daylight saving: GMT+13 hours).
Weather
Fiji enjoys a tropical climate year-round. May to November tend to be the drier, milder months. December to April, Fiji’s lush season, generally brings more rainfall and higher humidity.
Language
English is the official language, with Fijian and Hindustani widely spoken.
Passport, Visa & Health
British citizens require a full 10-year passport with at least 6 months validity remaining following your departure from Fiji. If you are not a British citizen or do not hold a British passport, please check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy. No visa required for British passport holders staying less than 4 months, but you must have an onward or return ticket. Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases. No vaccinations are required, except if you are travelling from an infected area.
Currency
The Fijian Dollar (FJD) is the local currency. Make use of the ATM machine when you arrive at Nadi airport as it’s a good idea to keep a little local currency handy. Hotel bills can be settled using a credit card.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Fijian culture and is generally not expected. However, tipping is welcomed for exemplary service.
Luggage Allowance on Seaplanes, Helicopters & Light Aircraft
Seaplanes and light aircraft generally allow up to 20kg luggage per adult passenger, whilst helicopters allow 15kg. Please do pack accordingly to avoid paying excess baggage fees at check-in, as your international allowance will not be permitted on small aircraft.
Electricity
The voltage is 240 volts and you will mostly find three-pin power outlets, identical to those found in Australia and New Zealand.
Respecting Fijian Culture
It is important to dress modestly when you are outside your resort, particularly when visiting a Fijian village. This is a highlight not to be missed, but please respect the Fijian culture and keep shoulders and knees covered. It is customary to present a gift of yaqona (kava) to the village chief. Please avoid wearing a hat when you visit a traditional village as it is considered disrespectful to the village chief. Please also bear in mind that it is an insult in Fijian culture to touch a person’s head, and it is polite to remove your shoes when you are a guest in someone’s house.
What to pack
Light clothing suitable for the warm, tropical climate is recommended. For the evenings, casual trousers and shirts are recommended for men and summer dresses are appropriate for women, with a light jumper for cooler evenings. Sunhats, sunglasses, sun cream and mosquito repellent are essential. The island locations are remote, so take necessities with you. We also highly recommend taking reef shoes with you to avoid injury to bare feet from coral, shells, rocks and fish.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a very important part of every booking and we strongly recommend that you have adequate cover for all elements of your trip. We offer special rates through our carefully selected partner, Campbell Irvine. Please speak to your consultant for more details and to request a travel insurance quotation.
ContaCt us
Come and see our team of experts in London and Beaconsfield!
the turquoise Holiday Company
The Stables, 4 Bakery Court, London End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2HW Telephone: 01494 678 400
the turquoise Holiday Company
147 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6QB Telephone: 0207 147 7087
enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk