Essential Preparations: Suva

Structured Planning

A chronological timeline for smooth travel.

Preparation Timeline

Organized steps for a stress-free departure.

+ Months Before

Passport Validity

Confirm valid for six months beyond return. Renew if needed.

Visa & Flights

Determine visa needs; book international and domestic flights for better prices.

Accommodation & Health

Secure lodging; consult doctor for vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid).

Travel Insurance

Purchase robust coverage for medical emergencies and luggage via World Nomads.

Month Before

Itinerary Finalization

Solidify daily plans, including attractions and day trips.

Tour Bookings

Secure specific popular activities (shark diving, rafting).

Document & Finance

Get an IDP (if driving); make document copies; notify bank of travel.

Week Before

Packing & Confirmations

Begin packing; double-check flight times, accommodation, and tour bookings.

Digital Downloads

Download offline maps and translation apps; charge all electronics.

Final Logistics

Reconfirm travel dates with credit card providers; arrange airport transfers.

Required Bookings

Secure essential travel elements.

Reservations

International and domestic flights (if connecting from Nadi to Nausori).
Secure your lodging for your entire stay.
Popular day tours, especially those with limited capacity.
These steps support smooth travel.

Pre-Trip Research

Gain insights before your journey.

Insights

Fijian Culture and Etiquette: Learn local customs, greetings, and taboos.
Current Weather Patterns and Forecasts: Check Suva weather for your travel dates.
Local Events or Festivals: Research coinciding events, as these affect business hours.
Unique cultural experiences present themselves during these times.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Prepare your home for your absence.

Notify Contacts

Notify family/friends of your itinerary.
Share emergency contacts with someone trustworthy.
This supports peace of mind during your trip.
Information sharing is a protective measure.

Secure Home

Arrange for mail collection.
Organize plant care.
Arrange for pet sitting, if necessary.
Ensure windows and doors are secured.

Financial Arrangements

Set up automatic payments for bills.
Arrange for someone to handle any bills due while you are away.
This approach prevents overdue payments.
Financial matters stay managed.

Travel Note: Smooth Departure

Pre-departure steps pave the way for a seamless travel experience.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Suva support a smooth transition into your trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Clear Immigration and Customs:
Have all required documents ready (passport, onward ticket, accommodation details) to expedite the process.
2
Collect Luggage:
Retrieve your checked bags from the carousel.
3
Currency Exchange or ATM Withdrawal:
Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate expenses, then seek ATMs or banks in Suva for better exchange rates.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Local SIM Card:
Consider purchasing a local SIM card (Vodafone or Digicel) at the airport for communication.
Immediate Vicinity:
Once at your accommodation, familiarize yourself with the immediate neighborhood.
Essential Services:
Locate the nearest ATM, supermarket, and pharmacy.

Transportation & Card Acquisition

Airport Transfers Nausori

From Nausori Airport (SUV): Taxis are readily available and metered.

Pre-arranged hotel transfers also present a convenient option.

Airport Transfers Nadi

From Nadi Airport (NAN): The fastest choice is a domestic flight to Nausori (SUV).

Alternatively, express buses offer an affordable choice, or a private transfer/taxi for convenience.

ETransport Card

If you plan to use local buses, purchase and top up an eTransport card as soon as possible.

This card is essential for using the local bus system efficiently.

Seamless Transition: Smooth Entry

The first few hours in Suva establish a comfortable foundation for your journey.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure from Suva, tying up all loose ends.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well in advance of your departure.
Inquire about shipping costs and procedures at the time of purchase for larger items.
Be aware of customs restrictions for your home country (agricultural products, wooden items, or animal products).
Eagle Creek offers products for packing organization.

VAT Refund & Timing

Fiji operates a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) for claiming VAT on eligible goods.
Present goods, original tax invoice, passport, and boarding pass at the TRS counter at Nadi (NAN) or Nausori (SUV) airports before departure.
Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights from Nadi.
Allow extra time for potential traffic in Suva when traveling to Nausori Airport.

Return Trip Essentials

Ensure all belongings are accounted for.

Final Checks

Confirm return flight details and any connections.
Verify all personal belongings are packed.
Ensure all travel documents are secure.
This supports a stress-free departure.

Local Currency Management

Spend any remaining local currency before departing.
Exchange any unspent funds before leaving Fiji.
Fijian currency becomes difficult to exchange outside Fiji.
Plan your spending to minimize leftover cash.

Farewell Facilitation: Departure Essentials

Meticulous pre-departure arrangements contribute to a stress-free conclusion of your travel.

This organized approach supports a seamless journey home.

Essential Preparations