Fiji might sell itself as a paradise- and in many ways, it is. After all, much of this nation resembles a dream of tropical paradise: they’ve got the white-sand beaches, the swaying palms, and the kind of sea that looks like it was filtered through memory. But, if you’re planning a trip here, you should know that your time here is going to be more than just hammocks and hibiscus cocktails. From the intricacies of its diverse culture to the curious magic of Fijian Time to why you should think twice before that sip of kava, it’s understanding the subtle nuances of how life unfolds here that will truly help you navigate the real Fiji- and not just the one we see on postcards.
Here’s to knowing Fiji a little better than before.
1. TIPPING IS NOT REQUIRED (but is of course, warmly appreciated)
The concept of tipping is not woven into the fabric of Fijian culture the way it might be in other parts of the world. Service staff do not expect it, and there is no sense of “bad etiquette” if you walk away without leaving a little extra behind. In fact, you’ll likely notice that a service charge has already been included in your bill (this is lieu of standard tipping and practised across almost all establishments here, so don’t ask to “speak to the manager”); although- I’d be remiss not to mention that this charge goes directly to the company, not the staff who served you.
Even if someone went out of their way to make your day and you decide to tip them on top of the service charge (you’re definitely welcome to do that), know that your token of appreciation will still not go directly to that one person. Often, these gratituities are added to a communal pot, later shared equally among the wider team- a practice that reflects Fiji’s collective spirit where hospitality is less about transactions and more about the shared experience.
There are, of course, exceptions. In smaller guesthouses or off-the-beaten-track homestays, tipping might be more personal and more impactful. In these settings, handing a few dollars directly to someone who has made your stay special can go a long way, and will often be received with a gracious smile and a quiet ‘vinaka‘ (thank you).
So while tipping isn’t necessary, it’s never unwelcome- just don’t expect it to follow the rules you’re used to.
Speaking about money…
2. It is okay to be partially cashless in fiji.
Any online advice proclaiming the impossibility of going cashless in Fiji is most likely outdated information, so I’d warn you against taking the rest of anything else there too seriously either.
Fiji (including Nadi) has made significant strides towards becoming a cashless society in recent years; and for most part, digital payments are widely accepted – especially in common tourist hubs and urban centres. A logical extension of that is, of course, if you’re straying off the beaten path into rural areas (this includes villages and less-developed islands!), then you might want to ensure that you have enough cash to last you the day, as most small and remote businesses might not yet be up to speed with these new world changes.
(P.S. That said, yes, the rumour is still true. Cash machines are scarce to non-existent when you venture beyond major towns and cities like Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka.)
3. DO NOT PLAN TO BE TOO PRODUCTIVE ON SUNDAYS.
Chances are, your time in Fiji is going to cross over a Sunday (or two!); and when so, do not overload your itinerary because most shops and services will be shuttered for a day of rest, family, and faith. This includes shopping, supermarket runs and/or mainland sightseeing; there is a stillness here on Sundays that is akin to the hushed calm of a Nuremberg old town on a Sunday morning. The day is not all wasted though, look to major travel operators, beach clubs, and resorts- they will be your best bet for food and activity on this day.
4. UNDERSTANDING FIJIAN TIME IS NOT ENOUGH. YOU ALSO NEED TO ACCEPT IT.
If you’re not familiar with the concept of Fijian Time, let this be your initiation.
In Fiji, timekeeping is more of a suggestion than a rule; schedules are fluid, and punctuality is not a priority. You may think this unhurried pace of life a refreshing dream… until you find yourself in need of a little efficiency and then sometimes, Fijian Time turns out to be quite the nightmare. Service is slow, delays are seen as part of the way of life, and the concept of an urgent request does not exist. If you ask when something will happen, the answer might be a vague ‘siga na siga‘ (which translates to “soon”), and this can be highly frustrating depending on how time-sensitive your inquiry is.
My personal anecdote here is that my second attempt at visiting Fiji turned out to be a slow, meandering process that just could not came to fruition, because it involved a service team that seemed to operate entirely on ‘Fijian Time’. Communuciation with both staff and manager bounced back and forth for three full months, because every reply could take anywhere between three and seven days to arrive. I was no closer to any form of resolution even after all that time- and as one may reasonably understand, I eventually ran out of sanity to solidify a way forward.
Now, this story is not meant to upset you. This story is meant to pre-empt you that, if you are heading to Fiji, Fijian Time will affect you and you should care; otherwise, you risk upsetting yourself for reasons that are completely out of your control. Reset your expectations, factor in buffer time, and be extremely specific in how you phrase your questions* or you will never receive the answer you need. And if all else fails, just take it in and accept that this is the island’s way of life. Do not fight it; you will only end up ruining your own holiday.
*For instance, instead of asking, “When will I get a response?” which risks them replying with a “soon”, ask, “Am I able to get a response by today?”)
(Disclaimer: All that said, Fijian time does not apply to major schedules involving flights as well as tour/ferry schedules run by larger, more established travel operators; so please do not subscribe to Fijian time in those instances or you will miss your arrangements by a mile.)
5. CONSIDER HOMESTAYS OR SMALLER RESORTS OFF THE MAIN ISLAND.
There is a subtle truth to the idea that the larger the resort, the less you’ll feel the pulse of Fiji’s soul.
The bustling international chains on Denarau Island, with their pristine pools and bustlings bars and perfectly manicured coconut palms and mekes, can all seem authentically Fijian at first glance; but simply cast your eyes a little further, and you’ll realise that what you’re usually offered at the former is little more than a maufactured version of paradise.
As a general rule of thumb, the smaller your stay, the deeper the experience. Look for family-run homestays, or even off-grid island resorts; you will find no shortage of options and the only question you’ll probably need to ask is how far you’re willing to stray from convenience, and how close you’d like to get to Fiji’s true soul. My personal regret when it comes to Fiji, is that I really wished I’d given myself the quiet permission to spend a few unhurried days on an island far removed from the mainland, folded myself into its slower rituals and ocean silences; rather than remained tethered to the polished remove of Denarau Island the entire fourteen days that I was there.
I make the mistakes so you don’t have to. So, don’t.
Speaking of islands, here is one other thing you should must know:
6. KNOW YOUR ISLANDS.
When it comes to the islands, Fiji is an exercise in abundance.
Comprising of more than three hundred islands, there are infinite shores from which to snorkel over coral gardens, paddleboard across glassy lagoons, or watch fire-lit dances beneath a bruised evening sky- but, unless you’ve somehow cracked the code on time (or money (or own your own private armada)), you are not going to be able to tick off every single one of the top ten off your list.
One could be forgiven for simply flipping a coin to decide which path to take.
A more poetic strategy, perhaps, would be to tune into the frequencies of each island- their moods, their music, their pace- and follow the ones that hum in harmony with your own. Not every island is for everyone. Some are for dancing, some for drifting, some for doing absolutely nothing at all. The trick is knowing which kind of magic you’re chasing. Whether you’re after seclusion, adventure (or perhaps, a certain manta ray), understanding what makes each island unique from the other will make your choice less about ticking off boxes, and more about syncing your journey with the essence of the place. At the end of the day, your list of islands to visit should not read like a tokenistic tourist checklist, but a reflection of your own person: your preferences, your pace, your own personal must-sees; shaped not by what the internet has told you to chase, but by the moments you actually want to make room for.
And that said…
7. Not all beaches are created equal.
There is a myth that paradise must look a certain way: powdered white sand, glassy blue water, palm trees poised like postcards. But Fiji’s beaches don’t always perform to that brief, and that’s what makes them unforgettable.
Some are rugged, raw, full of coral underfoot and wind in your face. Some are muddy-edged, hugged by mangroves, more echo than Instagram. Others shimmer with stillness, offering something closer to silence than spectacle. The beauty of these beaches isn’t just how they look, but what they ask of you: to show up curious, without a checklist.
So take your time. Do not just head for the ones with the best reviews or drone footage. Ask the guy who runs the corner store. Chat with your dive guide. Locals know the quiet coves where turtles nest, the tides that reveal sandbars at dawn, the patches of reef that come alive at low tide.
Be prepared to walk a little, get muddy, maybe even be underwhelmed at first. Many of the best beaches don’t reveal their magic at a glance.
8. When it comes to outdoor plans, start early and end early.
Fiji, it transpires, has a caustic humour and a knack for timing. Every afternoon around 5pm, without fail, the rain will roll in like clockwork to foreshadow the curtain call for the day. In fact, so prevalent (and notorious) is this weather phenomenon that most tours will have you back on the mainland by 5pm- but, on the off-chance that you are planning an independent hike, or a dive, or even a sailing trip on your own, do not pencil them in too late in the day. Start early, end early, and above all, give yourself the window to enjoy the activity while the weather is still on your side.
9. everyone will tell you that you need to try kava – but think twice before you do.
It’s earthy, it’s numbing, it’s ceremonious- kava is a ritual disguised as a drink, steeped in centuries of Fijian tradition and often passed around with quiet reverence under swaying palms. Everyone (and their mother) will tell you that you absolutely have to try kava when you’re in Fiji, they might even attempt to force one down your throat- but please know what you’re saying yes to before you do.
Turns out, kava is more than just a ceremonial drink; it’s a psychoactive drink made from the crushed root of a plant that possesses natural sedative properties. Simply put, it can affect your nervous system. So if you are already on antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, or even common prescription drugs, it might be worth pausing before taking a sip because mixing the two can lead to unwanted interactions.
10. GIRLS – BE CAREFUL WHICH SIDE OF YOUR FACE YOU PLACE THAT FRANGIPANI ON.
Put it behind your right ear, and you’re taken; put it behind your left, and you’re single and ready to mingle. Accidentally pick the wrong side, and you might just find yourself in a sticky situation you did not sign up for.
11. CULTURAL EXCHANGES ARE NOT PERFORMANCES – DON’T TREAT THEM LIKE ONE.
It is easy to mistake cultural rituals for entertainment when they are presented in settings that feel like a show. You will see meke dances on resort lawns, fire-walking on a schedule, kava ceremonies at welcome dinners. Don’t get me wrong, these are not fake; they are very much authentic Fijian traditions- often shared with pride- and that is precisely why how we consume them matters.
Unless you have made conscious arrangements for an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience, chances are, your encounters with these customs are going to be a curated version of the real thing, shaped just for tourists… and that is okay, as long as you show up with respect. Sit through the whole thing, not just the ‘wow’ moments. Also do not clap like they are a circus act. You are not at a talent show either. Ask your guide why warriors chant before a dance, or how a village decides who leads the yaqona circle. Even better, seek out the settings where these rituals unfold on their own terms- not just as a resort activity, but as part of daily life. That might mean attending a village celebration, or joining a communal kava night that wasn’t made for you.
The point is not to disengage with cultural experiences, but rather, to engage with them more immersively. When you treat them as moments of connection rather than consumption, you open yourself up to a deeper level of understanding; one that allows you to transform your experience from fleeting entertainment to meaningful exchange.
12. THE OCEAN IS NOT OUR PLAYGROUND – DO NOT TREAT IT LIKE ONE.
This final note is a stark reminder that is actually applicable anywhere with a coastline, so commit it to memory and make it your tropical travel mantra: The ocean is not your backdrop, your playground, or your next viral reel.
When you dive into its waters, feel free to admire the coral gardens and observe the fish, but remember that this is not a playground for our curiosity (or content). Do not touch the coral. Do not pick up the starfish. Do not chase the turtles or feed the marine life (unless otherwise allowed), and do not think that it is okay to touch a manta ray or baby shark or whale just because it ‘came up to you’. Every action, no matter how small, ripples out and can cause lasting harm. And sometimes, it is the invisible, unintentional strains we create that wrecks the most damage. For instance, did you know that when you pick up a starfish (for a photo, yikes), you may be killing it- slowly, and sometimes painfully? Starfish breathe through tiny structures on their outer surface, and when you lift them out of the water- even for just a few seconds- you cut off their oxygen supply. Some species can begin to suffocate almost instantly. Others may survive the ordeal, only to die quietly hours or even days later. And we haven’t even explored the possibility that you may have just ripped out their incredibly delicate suction-cup-like ends on the underside of their arms. Starfish use these ends to feed, so imagine being ripped from your spine while trying to digest a meal.
Here’s what we can do: Swim, don’t stomp. Float, don’t flail. Stay aware of your fins and your feet- even an accidental kick can crumble coral that took decades to grow. Also, importantly, if snorkelling is part of the agenda, triple check that your sunscreen is reef-safe. And at the risk of nagging us all to death, keep your hands to yourself and touch nothing- unless a trained marine guide explicitly gives you the go-ahead. Don’t make our curiosity their death sentence. Resist the urge to create that ‘cute ocean moment’ and instead, share stories of what you saw, what you learned, and how it changed you.
The ocean does not owe us magic but it does offer it freely- if , and when, we approach with care.
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