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Tips to stay safe while travelling in Fiji

Fiji is a beautiful tropical paradise, a cross between a place where you can laze by the beach all day and an adventure destination with many exciting water sport activities on offer.

Overall, Fiji is a safe destination and very welcoming to tourists. However, be aware that the tropical climate breeds mosquitoes that carry diseases and the water activities may not have the same safety standards that you are used to. Thefts, scams and begging can also occur in some of the larger cities.

Crime

Petty crime, such as theft from hotel rooms and purse snatching is common, especially at night. Do not show signs of affluence, and be cautious when exchanging money at hotels or withdrawing money from ATMs or banks. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
If you are the victim of a crime, lodge a police report right away as you may need this information to make a claim on your travel insurance.

Mosquitos

As with most tropical destinations, there’s a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria and Zika virus.. Avoid bites by covering up thoroughly or using repellents while outdoors at dawn or dusk. Try to avoid bodies of stagnant water, as this is where the mosquitoes that carry illnesses.

Safe driving

Driving in Fiji — especially at night — can be dangerous due to the insufficient street lighting, stray animals (some as big as horses) and poor quality roads around rural areas. Potholes are common, which means that driving can be slow as you need to pick your way safely around. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Avoid driving outside of major cities after dark. 
Consider travel insurance that helps cover the rental vehicle insurance excess that you may have to pay in the event of accidental damage to a hire car.

Eating and drinking

In Fiji there are two kinds of ‘Fiji Water’. One is the popular exported bottled brand, which is safe to drink. The other choice is the local tap water, which isn’t considered safe. Drink only bottled or boiled water and make sure you request no ice in your drink, even when you are at resorts or hotels. You should also avoid foods that may have been washed in unsafe tap water. Think twice about purchasing fish or meat from roadside markets as the storage temperatures can be quite warm, encouraging bacteria to grow. Choose fully cooked meat options to reduce your risk of food poisoning.

Hospitals and facilities

Still a developing country, the medical facilities in Fiji are not as well equipped as in Canada, especially when you start to head out to outlying islands or remote villages. If you do become seriously ill in Fiji you may need to be treated at a private hospital or medically evacuated back to Canada for treatment.
Consider travel insurance that provides cover for overseas emergency medical treatment.

Water safety

Fiji is surrounded by water and at some point in your holiday you will most likely be swimming in the beautiful oceans. Be careful — drownings are common and injuries such as cuts and grazes from the coral can lead to infections. If you do get a coral cut, clean it immediately and apply an anti-bacterial cream.

If you participate in water-based activities, use a reputable company and ensure that its equipment meets safety requirements.

Choose a travel insurance policy that suits your needs. For example, you may want to confirm if you are covered for a pre-existing health condition or sports like scuba diving.

NOTICE: While the Information is considered to be true and accurate at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. We strongly recommend verifying the travel advisory of your destination prior to departure.

DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information as at the date of publishing, Allianz Global Assistance does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. Allianz Global Assistance strongly recommends seeking the guidance of a professional travel agent/agency for further information on a specific destination. On your next trip, whether to another province or country, ensure you have travel insurance as it may assist you in cases of unforeseen medical emergencies and other types of mishaps that can happen while you travel. Travel insurance does not cover everything, please always refer to the policy document for full terms and conditions, including limitations and exclusions. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.


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