Fiji Local Custom Tips by Ela_S

Cities and tourist destinations are not that strict about the rules of behaviour. But when you enter Fijian village, remember that you should stick to the protocole. First of all, don't enter the village without the invitation. Ask someone living there if you can take a walk around or stay. The chief may come to welcome you and you're expected to have a gift. If you stay overnight you should also have a gift for your hosts. Kava powder is always a good idea in such cases. You should dress modestly, avoiding shorts or bare shoulders. Ladies should wear a sulu (traditional "skirt"). Actually, Fijian men also tend to wear it. When you walk through the village, avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses, as it shows disrespect. Always take your shoes off when you enter someone's house.
If you break one of those rules, you'll obviously not be kicked out. Fijians are very polite and carry a lot of understanding. However, by following the etiquette you'll show respect to their culture and you can expect warmer welcome. If you're not sure how to behave, ask questions. Everyone will be very glad to help.

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You'll get to drink lots of it in Fiji! This mixture of water and powdered root of some plant (Piper methysicum) makes a national drink for the locals. Kava drinking can rise to a ceremonial act (organized in significant moment of village life) but also plays important role in everyday life. Families or friends get together, sit in a circle with a big bowl of kava in the middle and talk, sing, laugh. Usually one person fills in a little bowl, which circulates around the participants. You need to drink it in one go, and clap your hands afterwards (sign of respect).

Kava ceremonies are often organized to welcome guests and to create a bond of friendships with them. This is why you taste it so frequently on different occasions. It tastes like some kind of muddy medicine, looks like mud, makes your tongue numb but after a couple of bowls you sleep very well:) Refusing it means refusing of friendship, so don't do it!

When you visit villages, you should take a kava root or powder as a gift for a chief or for a host family.

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On our second day in Fiji we decided to catch the bus to go for a day trip. We rushed to the bus stop but found no timetables. So we asked a lady standing next to us, what time is the bus coming. She said: "maybe 11 o'clock, maybe 1 o'clock...."
Friends of ours made many Fijieans laugh just because they ran to a bus which was about to leave. Normal thing , but not in places like Fiji, where they have totally different attitude.
What's the point? You'll not make it to this bus, you'll take the next one. You'll not do something today, you'll do it tomorrow. You may be late somewhere but why should you worry?
There's absolutely no rush, no timetables, no deadlines. Full relax. I recommend:)

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