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Essential Etiquette for Travelers to Fiji

Anytime you visit an international destination, its important to know the essential greetings, customs, and pleasantries. Being informed on what’s polite can earn a smile and gratitude of the locals, while exhibiting rude behavior leads to frustration and irritation.

For example, in Thailand its important to learn Thai greetings and recognize the significance of the Thai wai, a bow and gesture of greeting used throughout the country. Meanwhile in Greece, raising your hand, palm out, as if to say, “stop,” is considered incredibly offensive and confrontational. The gesture is likely to result in a few disgruntled Greeks, or possibly, far worse.

Fiji is no different. A rich history and set of traditions has created several ingrained and important cultural norms. And despite the laidback atmosphere in this island country, there are some essential etiquette tips travelers to Fiji should know.

Bathing Suits, Bare Shoulders & Wearing Hats

Let’s start with what to pack and when to wear it. Fiji is a popular international destination and people come to Fjii from all over the world, wearing all types of clothing. Today, most local Fijians are unsurprised and unfazed by foreigners on the beach in bikinis or wearing their shoes into a restaurant. Yet, some respect for local dress codes and customs goes a long way.

Fijian women dress more modestly than most western women. On the beach and in your resort, this isn’t an issue or rude, but when catching transport across the island or visiting a village, you’ll want to cover up a little bit. It might simply be throwing on a sarong or wearing a longer dress that will make locals and yourself feel more comfortable.

When stopping in a local village, men should also be cognizant of what they wear. Opt for a tee shirt over sleeveless shirt and avoid flashy watches, shoes or belts. While you might consider it extremely rude to ask for the clothes off someone’s back, the concept of shared property in Fiji leads to the constant exchange of admired and desired items.

One article of clothing to avoid when visiting a Fijian village is a hat. The head is sacred in Fiji and covering it during these social, communal experiences is considered rude. It’s also best to remove your sunglasses during your visit.

Shoes Should Stay Outside

While on the topic of clothing, it’s important to know that Fijians never wear shoes inside the home. Fijian homes are sparsely furnished. Meals and other activities often take place on the floor. But shoes track dirt and debris into the home, and it became disrespectful to bring those dirty shoes into the house.

Even when Fijians visit friends, relatives or the next village over they will politely leave their shoes outside the door. Even at your resort of accommodation, you’ll find many people leave their shoes outside the room or on a rack at the front entrance. You’re encouraged to do the same here at Raiwasa. In fact, our policy is shoes optional for the duration of your time at the private resort.

Drink, Drank, Drunk Outside the Resort

Back home, public drunkenness is probably considered irresponsible, but in Fiji it’s viewed as downright rude. For many Fijian bar and restaurant owners=, an over-served tourists are an embarrassment, both for themselves and the establishment. Don’t be surprised if your seven cocktails results in being asked to leave a bar, particularly if the alcohol is accompanied by loud or lewd behavior.

This doesn’t mean you need to skip the second cocktail at sunset, we wholeheartedly believe a brilliant sunset deserves two drinks! But know your limit and be cautious when taking part in a kava ceremony in a village or public place. If a companion does tip back too many beverages, try to get them discretely back to the resort.

Question Master with a Fijian

In some cultures asking personal or poignant questions is rude and invasive, but in Fiji it’s part of polite conversation. Questions show an interest in the other person, and you’ll note that Fijians play close attention to your answers. They are genuinely trying to know more about you, your country, and even your thoughts and ideas.

The key to in-depth and polite conversation with locals in Fiji is to reciprocate. You should also ask questions of tour guides, local hosts, and other locals. Also, listen intently to the answers. You’ll quickly learn about the person’s family, daily life, and beliefs.

Want to Learn More About Fiji Etiquette?

Of course the best way to learn about local dress, conversations, customs, and polite behavior is on a trip to Fiji. You’ll have the opportunity to experience several aspects of Fijian life and become familiar with locals when you plan an experiential trip with Raiwasa Private Resort. Visit us, visit Fiji!