Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travelers visiting Fiji. Depending on your activities, consider Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. Make sure your routine vaccinations (like MMR and Tetanus) are up to date. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Fiji, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for FijiCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in villages—cover shoulders and knees. Remove hats in villages as a sign of respect. Participate in a *sevusevu* ceremony if invited; bring a small gift like kava. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or places.
Fijians are generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, but discretion is wise in rural areas. Women should avoid wearing bikinis away from beaches and respect local dress codes.
Do: Smile and greet with “Bula!”
Don’t: Touch someone’s head or wear shoes indoors.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Fiji.
- Kokoda: This is Fiji’s version of ceviche, made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices and creamy coconut milk. It’s a refreshing dish that captures the essence of island flavors.
- Lovo: A traditional Fijian feast cooked in an underground oven. It typically includes meats like chicken or pork and root vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. It’s not just a meal but a social event that brings people together.
- Rourou: Made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, this dish is similar to spinach in texture and is a staple side dish in many Fijian meals. It’s a great example of the island’s reliance on coconut for flavor.
- Palusami: Taro leaves stuffed with coconut cream and sometimes corned beef. It’s baked until tender and is a must-try for anyone interested in traditional Fijian flavors.
- Fijian Curry: Influenced by Indo-Fijian culture, these curries are rich and spicy, often featuring chicken, lamb, or seafood. It’s a tasty reminder of Fiji’s diverse cultural landscape.
Most locals in Fiji drink tap water, but it’s not always recommended for tourists due to varying water quality, especially in rural areas. Stick to bottled or filtered water to be safe, particularly outside major cities and resorts. If you’re staying in a place for a while, consider investing in a portable water filter.
The main language in Fiji is
Fijian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Fijian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Fiji includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Fiji, making it accessible for travelers. As one of the official languages, it is used in government, education, and business. Most locals, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, have a good command of English, facilitating communication for visitors.
In rural areas, while English is still understood, Fijian or Hindi may be more commonly spoken among the local population. However, basic English phrases will usually suffice for interaction. Many Fijians are friendly and willing to help, often speaking English with a warm and welcoming demeanor.
Tourism is a significant part of Fiji’s economy, so hospitality workers, guides, and shopkeepers typically have strong English skills to cater to international visitors. Overall, travelers can feel comfortable navigating Fiji with English, enjoying the rich culture and beautiful landscapes without significant language barriers.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Fiji is FJD ($).
ATMs in Fiji are easy to find in main towns and popular tourist spots, but if you’re heading to remote areas or islands, grab cash in advance. You’ll want to keep some Fijian dollars on hand for markets and small vendors. Avoid carrying too much cash; it’s safer to withdraw as needed.
Using a card? Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but AmEx can be hit or miss. Remember, some places might add a surcharge for card payments, so check first.
Dollars or euros aren’t directly useful, so exchange them at the airport or in town for the best rates. Banks and authorized exchange offices are your friends here—avoid street exchangers to dodge scams.
Tipping in Fiji is not a traditional practice, and it’s generally not expected. However, leaving a small tip for exceptional service or contributing to a ”staff fund” found in some resorts is appreciated. Always check if a service charge is included in your bill before tipping.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere..jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.v2.webp){kind=logo}
