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Living in Fiji: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Fiji | Expat Exchange
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Drawaqa Island in Fiji

Living in Fiji

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 08, 2024

Summary: People describe life in Fiji as relaxed, laid-back, and beautiful. Expats love the warm climate, friendly locals, and stunning beaches. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The population of Fiji is approximately 890,000 people, and the largest cities are Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi. The cons of living in Fiji include the lack of infrastructure and public transportation, limited job opportunities, and the high cost of living. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.

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What do I need to know about living in Fiji?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Fiji, they said:

"Before retiring in Fiji, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and the type of housing available. It is also important to research the visa requirements and the process for obtaining residency. Finally, expats should consider the availability of recreational activities and the proximity to other countries for travel," said one expat in Fiji.

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How do I meet people in Fiji?

When we asked people living in Fiji about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Fiji often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and diving. Expats can also join local sports teams, attend cultural events, or join a church or other religious organization. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local festivals, visiting local markets, or simply striking up conversations with people they meet in their day-to-day lives," commented one expat who made the move to Fiji.

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What is life like in Fiji?

When we asked people living in Fiji what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Fiji is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal clear waters. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the culture is diverse and vibrant. With reliable internet access and a growing number of coworking spaces, Fiji is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to work remotely," wrote one member in Fiji.

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Is there a lot of crime in Fiji?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Fiji is generally considered to be a safe and secure destination for travelers. While there is some crime in Fiji, it is generally limited to petty theft and non-violent crimes. The Fijian government has taken steps to reduce crime, such as increasing police presence in tourist areas and introducing tougher penalties for certain offenses. In general, visitors to Fiji should take the same precautions they would in any other country and be aware of their surroundings," said one expat in Fiji.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Fiji accepting of differences?

"Fiji is a culturally diverse nation, with a population made up of many different ethnicities, including Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and European. People in Fiji are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between its various ethnic groups. The Fijian government has also taken steps to promote diversity and inclusion, such as introducing anti-discrimination legislation and creating a Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation," wrote one member in Fiji.

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What are the schools in Fiji like?

"The International School Suva (ISS) is one of the best international schools in Fiji. Located in the capital city of Suva, ISS offers a comprehensive education program for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISS also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama. The International School Nadi (ISN) is another excellent international school in Fiji. Located in the city of Nadi, ISN offers a comprehensive education program for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISN also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama. The International School of Lautoka (ISL) is a bilingual school in Fiji. Located in the city of Lautoka, ISL offers a comprehensive education program for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISL also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama. In addition, ISL offers a bilingual program, which allows students to learn both English and Fijian," commented one expat when asked about in Fiji.

Is the cost of living in Fiji high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Fiji, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Fiji is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be more expensive. Prices for goods and services can vary depending on the location, but overall, Fiji is a great place to live for those on a budget," commented one expat who made the move to Fiji.

"The cost of living in Fiji is generally considered to be quite affordable. The cost of living is lower in rural areas than in the cities, where prices tend to be higher. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Fiji is around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Fiji will cost around $20 USD per person," wrote one expat living in Fiji.

What type of recreational facilities are in Fiji?

When we asked people living in Fiji about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Fiji offers a variety of recreational facilities for its residents to enjoy. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the crystal clear waters of the South Pacific. There are also numerous beaches and lagoons for sunbathing and relaxing. For those looking for a more active experience, there are plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking, and kayaking opportunities. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf at one of the many championship courses. Other recreational activities include horseback riding, tennis, and squash. For a unique experience, visitors can take a guided tour of the local villages and explore the culture and history of the area," commented one expat living in Fiji.

What is the weather like in Fiji?

"The weather in Fiji is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The rainy season runs from November to April, with the majority of the rainfall occurring in January and February. The dry season runs from May to October, with the driest months being July and August. The islands of Fiji are also known for their tropical storms and cyclones, which can occur from November to April," mentioned an expat living in Fiji.

Are there good restaurants in Fiji?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Fiji is the Beach House Restaurant at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji. Located on the beachfront of the Coral Coast, the restaurant offers a variety of international and local cuisine, as well as a selection of fresh seafood. The restaurant also offers a range of cocktails and wines, and a stunning view of the ocean. Another popular restaurant in Fiji is the Navo Restaurant at the Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa. The restaurant offers a range of international and local dishes, as well as a selection of fresh seafood. The restaurant also offers a range of cocktails and wines, and a stunning view of the ocean. The Tanoa Skylounge at the Tanoa International Hotel is also a popular restaurant in Fiji. The restaurant offers a range of international and local dishes, as well as a selection of fresh seafood. The restaurant also offers a range of cocktails and wines, and a stunning view of the city. The Vuda Marina Restaurant at the Vuda Marina is also a popular restaurant in Fiji. The restaurant offers a range of international and local dishes, as well as a selection of fresh seafood. The restaurant also offers a range of cocktails and wines, and a stunning view of the marina," mentioned an expat living in Fiji.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Fiji?

"People living in Fiji typically buy groceries from local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty shops. Additionally, many people in Fiji shop online for items such as clothing, electronics, and home goods," said one expat living in Fiji.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Fiji?

"In order to visit Fiji, travelers must obtain a valid visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, providing a valid passport, and paying the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, travelers may be required to provide additional documents such as proof of financial means, a letter of invitation, or a return ticket. In order to obtain residency in Fiji, applicants must submit an application form and provide a valid passport, proof of financial means, and a police clearance certificate. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. The application process may take several months to complete," mentioned one expat inFiji.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Fiji?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Fiji can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's free healthcare system. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many medical services are not covered by insurance, and patients must pay out of pocket for these services. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Fiji can be expensive, and it is important to research the costs and coverage of any health insurance plan before signing up," wrote one expat living in Fiji.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Drawaqa Island in Fiji

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