Fiji (or known as the Republic of Fiji) is an archipelago, consisting of over 330 islands and islets scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, with the two largest being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, tropical forests, and warm climate, alongside having a rich cultural heritage influenced by Indigenous iTaukei traditions, Indian culture, and European history. Fiji's economy relies on tourism, agriculture (especially sugarcane) and fishing, and its friendly communities, traditional music and dance, and colourful festivals make up the daily life in Fiji.
Its capital, Suva, is situated on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, the largest island of Fiji. It is the country's political, economic, and educational centre — a busy port city with government buildings, universities, museums, and markets. Unlike Fiji’s resort towns, Suva has a more urban feel and is known for its multicultural population, colonial-era architecture, and lively atmosphere.
Cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunamis.
For traffic and driving violations, the recent updated ones are:
Other traffic offences (such as: running a red light, not wearing a seatbelt, DUI, using a mobile phone, and reckless driving) don't have specific fines available, but traffic can result in demerit points as well as fines. If a standard driver gains 9 points or more within 3 years, their licence gets disqualified for 6 months, but for provisional drivers, they gey a 6-month ban by gaining at least 4 points.
Other offences to keep in mind are:
The official languages of Fiji are Fijian, English and Fiji Hindi, but Rotuman is also spoken.
Driving is done on the left side in Fiji. The minimum driving age is 18, but the minimum age to rent is typically 21, with many companies adding fees for drivers under 25 and often requiring at least one or two years of driving experience. UK drivers can drive in Fiji with their valid licence for short visits (up to 6 months), but it is recommended to have a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) for clarity and rental companies.
Major highways in Fiji are usually paved, but rural roads may be narrow, pot-holed, gravel or poorly lit. Avoid driving at night outside urban areas, and watch out for speed bumps, stray animals and pedestrians on many routes — use defensive driving.
Unleaded Petrol (91 and 95 octane) and diesel are the most common fuel types in Fijian stations. Many stations are full-service, so stay in your vehicle unless asked. Cash is widely accepted and is the safest/only method in rural areas, while card is mainly accepted at most stations in cities and tourist areas.
Fuel stations are more frequent around major routes, but may be rare or non-existent on remote/rural areas (especially, smaller islands). Many stations open between 6 – 7am and close between 7 - 9pm, while some urban stations operate 24/7. However, rural stations may close early or unexpectedly. Therefore, it is best to top-up before long trips and whenever you have the chance. In addition, most rental companies in Fiji have a full-to-full policy. So return the rental with the same fuel level as you picked it up to save yourself from extra fees.
The general BAC limit is 0.08%, but a zero-tolerance policy (0.00%) is enforced on professional drivers and learners.
Mandatory for driver and front passenger, but backseat belts aren't always enforced.
Child seats are not required by law in Fiji, but it is required to keep children in the back seat. For your own piece of mind, you can pre-arrange or bring your own child seat, especially for younger children.
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