Travel Information Suva, Fiji`s capital, is on the south-eastern coast of the big island of Viti Levu. While Nadi in the west of this island, is the tourism centre of the country, Suva is interesting as the country´s political and administrative centre as well as the major port. Suva and its urban surrounds are home to half of Fiji´s urban population, and it is one of the South Pacific´s largest and most sophisicated cities, housing the University of the South Pacific, the fascinating Fiji Museum and many interesting colonial-area buildings. It`s a multicultural city with many mosques, temples, churches and cultural centres. The Roman Catholic Cathedral (1902) is one of the city´s most prominent landmarks. The waterfront area is very interesting, and the Suva Minicipal Market is a must-see for visitors for its exotic fruits and vegetables, kave, fish and seafood, and spices. It has an exiting multicultural flavour, with vendors selling brightly coloured Indian sweets and savouries.  WHEN TO GO: Its mild tropical climate means that Fiji can be enjoyed all year round and it is a popular escape from the winters in both the northern and southern hemisphere. Perhaps the best time to go, however, is in the dry season or ´Fiji winter`, from May to October. This time of year has cooler temperatures, less rainfall and humidity, and less risk of tropical cyclones. Over 300 islands make the Fiji group of islands. Only a 100 or so islands are inhabited by humans and the rest are left as nature reserves. Fiji is ideally located in the tropics of the southern hemisphere. It lies on the 180 Meridian where the dawning of each new day occurs. The two major islands in the group are known as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. For more information on our customs visit the Fiji Customs website.  CURRENCY The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. There is no limit to the amount of money to be brought in. Visitors are allowed to take out currency up to the amount imported. Use the Currency Converter to check exchange rate corresponds to your local currency.  TRANSPORT Buses and Public Transportation There are numerous modern, air-conditioned coaches serving Resorts and major towns. However many visitors like the adventure of using the local open-windowed buses so they can take in the sights and sounds of the passing scene. Local Buses also allow the visitor a chance to mingle with the people of Fiji, who by choice and tradition, treat strangers with gracious hospitality. Every town and village has a bus stop. You can also hail any public bus from the roadside merely by waving to the driver.  CARRIERS are usually mult-passenger vans and small trucks which service remote villages and less traveled areas. Rates are lower then those of taxis, in many areas matching bus fares, but this form of travel is only for those who don´t mind roughing it. Taxi Most people in Fiji do not own a car, so taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable. Urban taxis have meters, with a flag at $1 and $1,50 after 10pm. But you will find smaller towns and rural area taxis use a fixed price system and almost everyone can tell you the price to local destination. For long trips, bargain with the driver. Often he´ll reduce the fare if you allow him to pick up other passengers going the same way. Some taxis can also be hired for a day or half day for a fixed pice, often the equivalent of a rental car.  FERRIES There are regular ferry services scheduled between the major island. Road Traffic drives on the left. There are about 5000km (3100 miles) of roads, 1500km (930 miles) of which are paved and useable all year round. The approximate driving time from Nadi to Suva is 3 hours (on tar-sealed road). The main roads on Viti Levu follow the coast, linking the main centres.   HOME