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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Viti Levu, Fiji

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Suva’s tropical marine climate dictates the type of clothing that offers the most comfort. Prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics for daily wear.

Seasonal & Layering Tips

  • General: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen; they dry quickly.
  • Wet Season (Nov-Apr): Pack a lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella.
  • Dry Season (May-Oct): A light sweater or long-sleeved shirt for cooler evenings.

Cultural Dress Code

Fijians are generally conservative, especially outside major tourist resorts or when visiting villages and religious sites. Showing respect through your attire gains appreciation.

Modesty & Village Etiquette

  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered for churches, mosques, temples.
  • Village Visits: Conservative clothing (shoulders, knees covered). Avoid hats inside.
  • Remove shoes before entering homes or traditional meeting houses (bure).

Footwear Recommendations

General City Wear

Comfortable walking sandals or breathable sneakers are ideal for daily city wear. Suva's sidewalks can be uneven, so supportive footwear helps.

Wet Weather / Hiking

Water-resistant shoes or sturdy sandals handle wet conditions, especially during the wet season or for visits to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.

Beach / Pool

Flip-flops or water shoes are practical for hotel pool areas or any brief beach visits outside the city.

Water Shoes or Flip-flops

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Documents

Keeping your documents organized and accessible goes a long way to a problem-free travel experience.

  • Original Passport: Valid 6 months beyond departure, sufficient blank pages.
  • Visa Approvals: Printed copies of pre-arranged visas.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow fever certificate (if applicable), other health docs.
  • Prescription Meds: Original containers, doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy number, emergency contacts (physical & digital).
  • International Driving Permit: For driving a rental car.
  • Reservations: Printed & digital copies (flights, accommodation, tours, car rentals).
  • Emergency Contacts: Family, friends, embassy/consulate details.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Fiji operates on a 240V electricity supply at 50Hz, using Plug Type I (three flat pins in a triangular pattern). An Universal travel adapter with Type I compatibility is required to charge your electronic devices. Check devices for dual-voltage (100-240V) compatibility.

Mobile & SIM Options

  • Most modern smartphones are compatible; ensure phone is unlocked.
  • Local providers (Vodafone Fiji, Digicel Fiji) offer tourist SIM cards at airports or city stores.
  • A small SIM card ejector tool is useful.

Cameras & Power Banks

Consider a Waterproof camera or a good quality Waterproof phone pouch if water activities are planned. Pack spare batteries and extra memory cards. A Lightweight tripod assists night photography.

Portable Power & Apps

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Regularly back up photos and documents to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Physical Backup

Consider an External hard drive or USB drive for local data storage.

Data Protection

Secure your memories and information in case devices are lost or damaged.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit Contents

A well-stocked health and wellness kit accompanies any trip. Given Suva’s tropical climate, some specific items are recommended.

Essential Kit Additions

Sun & Insect Protection

Fiji’s sun is powerful. A High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen protects your skin without harming the marine environment. A wide-brimmed hat and good quality sunglasses also aid sun protection.

Essential Protection

Personal Care & Hygiene

Medications & Hygiene

  • Pack prescription medications in original, labeled containers with a doctor's note.
  • Bring over-the-counter medications for pain relief, allergies, stomach remedies.
  • Specific brands of personal hygiene items might be limited or more expensive locally.

Travel Comfort

  • If prone to motion sickness on boats or winding roads, bring appropriate remedies.
  • A Quick-dry travel towel is useful for less space and faster drying.
  • Reusable water bottle with a filter for safe hydration and waste reduction.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For significant hiking, notably in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, sturdy, Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are needed. Lightweight, breathable activewear works well in tropical warmth.

  • Sturdy hiking shoes.
  • Lightweight, breathable activewear.
  • Collapsible hiking pole (for challenging hikes).
  • Water bottle.

Snorkeling Essentials

If you intend to snorkel outside Suva (e.g., during a day trip to a nearby island), bringing a compact Snorkel set provides a good fit and hygiene, rather than relying on rented equipment.

  • Personal snorkel set.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Swimwear.
  • Waterproof camera or phone pouch.

General Gear

A durable, Waterproof dry bag is an excellent investment. Use it to protect your electronics, documents, and other valuables from sudden rain showers or splashes during boat trips or visits to waterfalls.

  • Waterproof dry bag.
  • Sarong/Sulu (versatile cloth).
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Small backpack.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Consider Bringing

  • Personal snorkel set (good fit, hygiene).
  • Specialized Camping gear (if planning outside Suva).
  • Camera and lenses (for photography enthusiasts).
  • Comfortable hiking shoes (if extensive walking planned).

Consider Renting

  • Snorkel gear for one short session (available from tour operators).
  • General water sports equipment (kayaks, paddleboards at resorts).
  • Specialized equipment for brief, casual use.
  • Camping gear: Research local rental options for specialized gear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few miscellaneous items can make your trip more comfortable and secure. For long flights or inter-island travel, comfort items make a difference.

Personal Items

Eco-Friendly & Unique Items

Embrace sustainable travel practices with reusable items and consider a traditional gift for cultural visits. Some items might be harder to find locally.

Sustainable & Local Tips

Affiliate Resources: Packing Aids

Amazon

Main consumer retail platform for general supplies.

Nordace

Modern travel bag and accessory store.

Pacsafe

Anti-theft bags and travel security products.

B&H Photo

Camera and electronics retailer.

Tech & Connectivity Resources

VPN Services

  • NordVPN - A popular consumer VPN service.
  • ExpressVPN - Another widely used VPN service for travelers.
  • VPNs secure your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi.

ESIM & SIM Cards

  • Airalo - Provides eSIMs for easy international data access.
  • An eSIM avoids the need for physical SIM card swaps.
  • Offers convenient mobile data on the go.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack for versatility and tropical conditions. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is ideal. Layering can adapt to day and evening temperatures, though it is mainly warm.

For electronics, consider local power adapters and portable chargers. Local SIM cards can offer cost-effective connectivity. A well-stocked first aid kit with tropical considerations and effective insect repellent are items for a smooth trip. Lastly, reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags support sustainable travel in Fiji.