Fiji, Dry
A curated packing list for your trip between Nadi resort beaches, Yasawa island-hopping, and Suva's easy capital. Built for tropical heat, dry-season trade winds, and the deeply unhurried Fijian "bula" pace.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free, 4 months
US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, and most other passports enter visa-free for up to 4 months. Onward ticket, accommodation proof, and sufficient funds occasionally requested. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond your stay.
Severe equatorial UV
Fiji sits 17° south of the equator. UV regularly hits 11-12 (extreme). SPF 50+, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses. Reef-safe sunscreen is required in many marine areas. Reapply often; humidity makes it feel less hot than it is.
Cards in resorts, cash for villages and tips
Fijian Dollar (FJD). Cards work at all major resorts, hotels, and dive operators. Villages, market stalls, taxis, and many small shops are cash-only. ATMs at Nadi and Suva airports; limited on smaller islands. Withdraw plenty before flying out.
Tipping is light
Traditional Fijian culture does not include tipping; service workers earn fair wages. Resorts often have a "Christmas Fund" tip box that pools across staff. FJD $5-10 per day for great service is generous; FJD $5-20 for guides on day tours.
Dress modestly outside resorts
Fijian villages are conservative. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting any village (sulu sarong helps), remove hats, no hats inside village buildings. Beachwear stays at the beach. Sevusevu (kava root gift) is the traditional offering when visiting.
Type I plug at 240V
Same as Australia and New Zealand. US, UK, EU travelers need an adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle 240V; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Light, modest, beach-ready. Sulu (sarong) is the local universal wrap; buy one on arrival.
Shoes
Sandals do almost everything. Reef shoes if snorkeling on rough coral.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Reef-safe sunscreen is a must. Limited availability and expensive on smaller islands.
Health & Medications
Tropical conditions, mosquito-borne diseases, sunburn are the everyday risks.
Documents & Money
Cards in resorts; cash for villages, taxis, market stalls.
Tech & Electronics
Type I at 240V. Same plug as Australia and New Zealand.
Luggage & Organization
Small inter-island flights have weight limits as low as 15kg. Pack light.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long-haul to Nadi (10-15 hours from US/Asia). Inter-island ferries can be choppy.
Weather & Climate Gear
Severe UV is the everyday challenge. Trade winds keep heat manageable.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Snorkeling, village visits, kava ceremonies each have their own protocol.
Safety & Precautions
Fiji is very safe at resorts. Suva at night requires city smarts; villages are completely safe.