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Shopping in Fiji
Viti Levu Travel Tip
Although Fiji has duty-free shopping for small appliances, jewelry, porcelain, cameras, perfumes
and cosmetics, they are probably not cheaper then at discount stores in United States.
The price of the crafts in Fiji are reasonable. Bargaining is expected in the markets. Most shops are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. and on Saturday until 1 p.m. There is no trading on Sunday.
Traditional crafts in Fiji include products made from masi cloth, a fine paper product made from
the inner bark of the mulburry tree. Historically, masi was used for dresses, turbans and
loincloth. Today, it is used as a canvas for beautiful wall hangings and for place mats. A good
place to shop for masi crafts is the government handicraft center in Suva.
Pottery is another product beautifully handcrafted by Fijians for thousands of years. The designs
on the clay pots are simple and strong and still molded by Fijian women without a wheel.
Visitors can see the entire process (from kneading the clay, to forming it, to drying it on hot
coals) at the Fiji's cultural center and at Orchid Island.
Several resorts offer cultural demonstrations. We watched Fijian women weave hats with wide
blades of green grass. When they were through, the handsome hats were sold to the audience.
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops and by car rental agencies and
tour operators. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card and JCB have representative
offices.
Business and government offices are open five days a week: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are customary.
Post offices are open every week day from 8-4.
Tipping is not expected in Fiji. However, money dropped in jars labeled 'Christmas fund.' are
appreciated. These funds are distributed among the entire staff of the establishment keeping
alive the tradition that sharing is the way of life.
Calling home from anywhere in the South Pacific is not cheap. The most expensive phone call I
ever made was from Tahiti via satellite from a hotel. It was $170 US for 20 minutes. A call
from Suva to North America is $7.80 for the first three minutes and $2.70 per-minute thereafter.
Remember that hotels add a surcharge, so ask before you call. Something I neglected to do.
The Fijian dollar was roughly .51 US August 2000
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| Maui |
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| The Big Island |
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| Waikiki |
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