Practical A–Z

Germans, Austrians & Swiss

Citizens from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland do not need a visa for stays up to 4 months. You need:

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon entry
• A return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of sufficient financial means (rarely checked, but theoretically required)

Upon entry, you receive a stamp for 4 months. An extension is possible at the Immigration Department in Suva.

Customs

Fiji has strict biosecurity rules (similar to Australia/New Zealand). Declare all food, plants, wood products, and outdoor equipment upon entry (hiking boots are sometimes checked). Prohibited: fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products. Duty-free: 2 liters of alcohol, 250 cigarettes, or 250g of tobacco.

Health

Fiji is a health-wise uncomplicated travel destination. No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Europe. Recommended:

• Refresh standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for longer stays
• Typhoid: For travel off the beaten tourist paths

Malaria: There is no malaria in Fiji. Dengue fever is also rare but can occur sporadically during the rainy season. Mosquito protection (repellent with DEET, long clothing in the evening) is still advisable.

Sun Protection

The tropical sun in Fiji is brutally intense — the UV index regularly reaches values of 12+ (extreme). Sunscreen SPF 50+ is mandatory, even on cloudy days. Especially on the water (boat, snorkeling, kayaking), you can get sunburned in minutes. Use reef-friendly sunscreen — conventional sunscreens damage the corals.

Medical Care

In Suva and Nadi, there are hospitals and doctors. On the small islands: only first aid stations in the resorts. A foreign travel health insurance with repatriation is highly recommended — in case of emergency, you must be evacuated to Australia or New Zealand. Bring enough medication, as pharmacies on the islands are scarce.

Safety

Fiji is a safe travel destination. The crime rate against tourists is low. Basic precautions:

Emergency call: 917 (police), 911 (fire/ambulance)

Money

The currency is the Fiji Dollar (FJD). Current rate: approx. 1 EUR ≈ 2.40 FJD.

• ATMs: Available in Nadi, Suva, and Savusavu (ANZ, BSP, Westpac). On the islands (Mamanucas, Yasawas, Taveuni): no ATMs. Withdraw enough cash in Nadi!
• Credit cards: Accepted in larger resorts and hotels (Visa, Mastercard). In local restaurants, buses, and small accommodations: cash only.
• Tipping: Not customary and not expected in Fiji. In upscale resorts, 5–10% is appreciated but voluntary. Instead of tipping: A sincere "Vinaka vakalevu!" (Thank you very much!) means more than money.
• Currency exchange: At Nadi airport or at exchange offices in the city. The airport rate is often better than expected.

Internet & Communication

Attention: EU roaming does not apply in Fiji! Your German mobile contract will be expensive. Instead:

• Local SIM card: Vodafone Fiji or Digicel offer prepaid SIM cards at Nadi airport. For about 20–30 FJD, you get a SIM with 5–10 GB of data. Vodafone has better coverage on the islands.
• Wi-Fi: Available in most resorts, but often slow and sometimes chargeable (especially on the small islands). On the remote Yasawas: very limited or not available at all — enjoy the digital detox!
• Mobile reception: Good on Viti Levu, the Mamanucas, and the southern Yasawas. On the northern Yasawas, Taveuni, and remote islands: patchy.

Electricity

Fiji uses 240V with the Australian plug type I (three slanted pins). You need an adapter — preferably a universal travel adapter. Many resorts offer USB charging stations. In budget accommodations in the Yasawas: electricity often only available for a few hours via generator. Bring a power bank!

Clothing & Beach

• Light, airy clothing: Shorts, T-shirts, summer dress, flip-flops. In Fiji, people live barefoot.
• Sulu (wrap skirt): Essential for village visits and churches. Available at the market in Nadi for 10–20 FJD. Also usable as a beach towel, blanket, and sarong.
• Swimwear: Several sets — in the tropical climate, nothing dries quickly during the rainy season.
• Light rain jacket: For the short but intense tropical showers.
• Long-sleeved clothing: For evenings (mosquito protection) and village visits.

Water & Diving

• Reef shoes / water shoes: Essential! Corals, sea urchins, and sharp stones make walking barefoot in the water dangerous.
• Snorkel mask: Most resorts provide snorkeling equipment, but your own mask fits better. Investment: from €30.
• Rash guard / Lycra shirt: Sun protection in the water. Better than any sunscreen — and reef-friendly.
• Underwater camera / GoPro: The underwater world screams for photos.

Health & Practicalities

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-friendly!): Conventional sunscreens with oxybenzone damage corals. Buy brands like Reef-Safe, Stream2Sea, or Suntribe.
• Mosquito repellent with DEET: Especially for the evening hours.
• After-sun / Aloe Vera: For the inevitable first sunburn.
• Antibiotic ointment: For coral cuts — wounds in the tropics become infected quickly.
• Travel pharmacy: Ibuprofen, diarrhea medication, band-aids, electrolytes.
• Universal adapter (Type I): Australian plug — available at Nadi airport, but better to bring from home.
• Power bank: On the small islands, electricity is sometimes only available for a few hours.
• Dry bag: Waterproof bag for boat trips and beach days. Protects phone, passport, and money.
• Kava as a gift: 500g–1kg Waka (kava root) from the market in Nadi for village visits.