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History There are over 3500 years of native history on the more than 300 islands that make up the Pacific island nation. The history of Fiji, as we know it, starts in the late 17th century and the early 18th century. Beginning in the 1640s, sailors began to pass by and briefly land on these islands. As far as history is concerned, it is accepted that Fiji was "discovered" by the world in 1789 by Captain William Bligh.  The beginning... The first Europeans to credited with landing on Fiji were runaway convicts from the Australian penal colonies as well as sailors from around the world. In the mid-19th century, missionaries began traveling to the island to bring Christianity to the native people. One of the issues that visitors found on Fiji was plenty of tribal fighting for power on the islands. The first Europeans to credited with landing on Fiji were runaway convicts from the Australian penal colonies as well as sailors from around the world. In the mid-19th century, missionaries began traveling to the island to bring Christianity to the native people. One of the issues that visitors found on Fiji was plenty of tribal fighting for power on the islands. Fiji's Independence That tribal fighting finally gave way to Fiji yielding to rule by the United Kingdom in 1874. Governor Sir Arthur Gordon was the first British governor on the island. He implemented the plantation system to grow sugar cane on the island as a way to create an economy on the islands of Fiji. With this system, he also brought in the Australian Sugar Refining Company to export and sell the sugar they grew. After 100 years of British rule, Fiji gained its' independence on October 10, 1974. One of the essential parts of the Fijian economy is tourism. Currency of Fiji The Fijian dollar is the currency of the island nation of Fiji. It is nice that the U.S. dollar is also accepted at many places on the islands as well. There are ATMs available all over the island. Climate  Fiji is located within what is considered to be the heart of the South Pacific. Fiji is characterized by the stunning sites, from the white sand beaches and luscious lagoons to the rainforests in the interior of the islands. There are two seasons; the wet and the dry seasons. Fiji experiences warm weather that averages around 86 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.Late March to early December is the most popular times for tourists, but in all actuality, there is no wrong time to visit. Afternoon rains during the wet season can be a nice break from the heat. It all depends on what you are looking to do and the type of weather you are looking to encounter. Technology & Communication Technology has not escaped the islands of Fiji. Internet, email, and phone service is available in most areas on the islands of Fiji. As with anywhere, you are going to have dead spots, but you are not going to be cut off. There are local mobile networks that provide excellent service. Travelers can set up roaming status before they land and after they land as well. Large hotels can provide internet service for travelers. There are also plenty of internet cafes for travelers to take advantage of as well Transportation There is plenty of access to public transportation on the main islands. There are buses, trucks, taxis, and ferries for travelers to take advantage of. You will be able to rent a car as well. 90% of the roads on the islands of Fiji are located on the two main islands, so that needs to be taken into account. For island hopping between the islands, charter planes and boats will be the best options. There are two domestic airlines that provide services to Fiji. In all honesty, when you are looking to travel between the islands and to the smaller outlying islands, boating and yachting are the best ways to do that.  ...getting thereThe Nadi International Airport, located on the island of Viti Levu, is the main airport servicing Fiji. There are a few other smaller airports that service the country on some of the smaller islands. Flights to Fiji can be boarded in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the United States from multiple cities.
 This Pacific Island nation has become a melting pot. The cultural makeup of Fijians includes the native Fijians, Chinese, Europeans, and IndoFijians. This melting pot was created during its time under the rule of the United Kingdom. During this time, slave labor was brought in from India and other areas to work on the sugar cane plantations. On the islands of Fiji, English is the official language, but many speak Hindustani as well. The people of Fiji are modest, and visitors should be mindful of dressing modestly when not at the resorts or hotels. There are also certain customs that visitors should be aware of if they plan to visit local villages. For example, they will want to avoid wearing hats as it can be seen as an insult to the head of the village. Also, shaking hands, answering personal questions, and presenting specific gifts to the head of the village can be expected as well. The multicultural nature of Fiji is represented in the variety of different faiths present. There are followers of Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam, as well as those of the Wesleyan denomination and other protestant denominations. Here's your bucket list!
 Family travel highlights
foods to try
drinks to try
souvennier ideas to buy
electricity
The electrical system on the islands, is set up just as they are in New Zealand and Australia. They have the 3-pin outlets. Major hotels and resorts will be able to provide universal outlets for their guests. tourism authority
Tourism Authority Fiji Islands Suite 107 Challenge Plaza Namaka, Nadi PO Box 9217 Nadi Airport(679) 672-2433 [email protected] in case of emergency
In the case of an emergency, here are numbers for fire, police, and ambulance services. Police: 917 Ambulance: 910/911 Fire: 910/911 When you've had enough and you're done dreaming about where you will go when the pandemic is over, let's talk! The world is your oyster... and Fiji awaits!!! 
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Debbie PalmerOwner and Travel Expert at Palmer Preferred Travel Archives
November 2022
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