Business Hours & Schedules: Nadi

Typical Operating Hours

Business hours vary. Shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and markets have different schedules.

General Schedules

Shops: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-5 PM/9 AM-6 PM. Sat 8:30 AM-1 PM. Tourist areas may extend hours.
Supermarkets: Daily, often 8 AM-8 PM or later in major towns.
Restaurants: Lunch (11 AM-2 PM), Dinner (6 PM-10 PM). Resort restaurants have broader hours.

Banking & ATMs

Access to financial services is common in Nadi.

Financial Access

Banks: ANZ, Westpac, BSP typically Mon-Fri, 9:30 AM-4 PM. Closed weekends/holidays.
ATMs: Widely available 24/7 at banks, shopping centers, and Nadi International Airport.
Cash is frequently useful for local markets and small vendors.

Public Holidays

Fiji observes several public holidays that can influence business operations.

Holiday Impact

New Year's Day, Easter (Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday), Prophet Mohammed's Birthday.
Fiji Day (National Day, October 10), Diwali, Christmas.
Many businesses may have reduced hours or close entirely. Transport might be affected.

Seasonal Closures

Low season travel may see some schedule variations.

Low Season Considerations

Low season (wet season, Feb-Apr) may lead to reduced schedules for smaller tours or accommodations.
Some outer island properties may close temporarily for maintenance.
Larger resorts and mainstream attractions generally stay open with fewer offerings. Confirm operating hours directly.

Nadi Municipal Market

Market Activity

Busiest in the mornings, especially on Saturdays.
Typically closes by mid-afternoon.
Arrive early for the freshest produce and best selection.
Bargaining may be possible, but often not customary for produce.

Dining Out Notes

Restaurant opening times can vary significantly.
Confirm specific restaurant hours, especially for unique dining experiences.
Resort dining often extends later than local establishments.
Port Denarau Marina has many dining options with consistent hours.

Planning Ahead

Verify specific hours for tours and attractions, especially during public holidays or the wet season, to avoid disappointment.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Fiji's rich culture welcomes visitors. Observing local customs deepens your experience.

Greeting Customs

A warm "Bula!" (boo-lah) universal greeting. It hello, welcome, health, life. Use it often! A genuine smile and eye contact appreciated. Handshakes common, especially for formal meetings. Pause to exchange pleasantries.

Appropriate Attire

Casual clothing and swimwear fine by pools/beaches. Cover-up customary in common areas, dining, or shopping. Modest dress shoulders and knees covered required for villages/religious sites. A Sulu for women and shorts below knee for men are suitable. Remove hats and sunglasses during formal village visits.

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, notably children, and especially in villages. Respect privacy. Photography inside some religious sites may have restrictions; look for signs or ask for clarification.

Dining & Tipping

Mealtime Manner

Eating traditional Fijian meals without cutlery? Use your right hand.
Tipping is not traditionally expected. A service charge is often included in resort prices.
For exceptional service, a small tip appreciated. Many resorts have a "Staff Fund" for pooled contributions.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Awareness of these aspects ensures respectful interactions.

Reminders

Do not touch a Fijian's head; it is sacred.
Avoid hats in a Fijian village or sacred area.
Remove shoes before entering a traditional Fijian home or temple.

More on Etiquette

General Conduct

Avoid overt public displays of affection; Fiji is generally conservative.
Do not speak loudly or shout in a village; maintain a respectful tone.
Do not point with your finger; use an open hand instead.

Social Awareness

Gender considerations: Fiji is generally a conservative society.
Public displays for LGBTQ+ couples may not be widely accepted outside private resort settings.
If invited to a kava ceremony, participate respectfully. Follow the protocol of clapping, saying "Bula!", drinking, and clapping again.

Cultural Sensitivity Note

A little cultural awareness goes a long way. Your efforts to show respect will be genuinely appreciated by locals.

Accessibility Information

Nadi's infrastructure for travelers with accessibility needs is growing, with greater provisions in newer, larger resorts.

Mobility Challenges

Accessibility infrastructure is limited outside of major luxury resorts, specifically on Denarau Island.

Resort Facilities

Major resorts may feature accessible rooms with wider doorways, roll-in showers, ramps, and sometimes pool lifts.
Older buildings and many local establishments often lack these features.
Research accessible features directly with accommodation providers.

Attractions & Transportation

Accessibility varies significantly across different sites and transport options.

Access Levels

Nadi International Airport has accessible facilities, including ramps and accessible restrooms.
Many natural attractions or village visits may involve uneven terrain, steps, or unpaved paths, presenting challenges.
Public buses and mini-buses are generally not wheelchair accessible due to steps and narrow spaces. Taxis may need assistance.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are few.

Assistance Needed

Travel with a companion.
Pre-arrange specific assistance directly with your accommodation and any tour operators.
Communication with service providers in advance helps address needs.

Resources & Organizations

Finding detailed accessibility information.

Where to Check

Consult major hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott on Denarau) for specific accessible features.
Specialized travel agencies focusing on accessible travel provide valuable insights.
Research specific attractions or tour operators for their accessibility provisions before you book.

Important Considerations

Pre-Trip Planning

Thorough research on specific needs.
Direct communication with providers.
Confirm specific accessibility details before booking flights, hotels, or tours.

On-Site Adjustments

Expect some limitations in older or rural areas.
Local assistance can often be friendly and helpful, but may not be professional.
A positive attitude and flexibility aid in any trip.

General Tips

Planning for Success

Book accessible accommodations well in advance.
Consider private transfers for smoother transport.
Focus on resort-based activities where accessibility features are more common.

Communication

Direct communication with all service providers.
Ask specific questions regarding ramps, elevators, and room features.
Be prepared for varying terrain outside major tourist hubs.

Final Advice

While accessibility may not match global standards everywhere, advance planning and direct communication with providers can significantly aid in a comfortable Fiji experience.

Business Hours & Schedules