Nadi, Fiji

• Nadi is where most people fly into Fiji - it's on the western coast of Viti Levu with the main international airport. It's not really a city in the traditional sense, more like several villages clustered together with sugarcane fields in between. The vibe is small-town tropical rather than urban.
• Most travelers use Nadi as a jumping-off point to reach other Fiji islands and resorts, but the town itself has some things worth checking out if you have time. The municipal market is where local families do their shopping - lots of tropical fruit, vegetables, and vendors calling out greetings. The touristy area near the airport is pretty standard airport-town stuff.
• Nadi has a Tourist Police Team (4502639 / 8307557) specifically for visitors. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, though you'll hear more Fijian and Hindi in the markets and residential areas.
• Denarau Island is 5km northwest, connected by a causeway. It's where the international resort chains are - Hilton, Sheraton, Westin - and it feels nothing like the rest of Nadi. Budget travelers tend to stay at Wailoaloa Beach hostels, while people with more money go to Denarau. The price difference between the two is significant.

English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. The Tourist Police team (4502639 / 8307557) opened in late 2025 for international visitors. Emergency services (911) have English-speaking operators 24/7.

• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages. Women typically wear long skirts or a sulu (sarong), men wear trousers or a sulu. Take off hats, sunglasses, and shoes before entering villages or homes.
• For temples and religious sites, wear trousers or long dresses with covered shoulders. You can tie a sarong over your clothes if needed. Shoes come off before you enter.
• In town, shorts and sleeveless tops are okay but Fiji is more conservative than some other Pacific islands. You might get more attention dressed that way. Bikinis are for pools and beaches only, not for walking around town.
• People greet with 'Bula!' and often want to shake hands and talk. Usually this is just friendliness, but watch out for overly persistent strangers in downtown Nadi - some are running scams.
• Don't touch people's heads - it's seriously rude here. Take off shoes before entering homes. Ask before taking photos of people. If you're eating a traditional meal, use your right hand.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Buses are cheap (under FJ$2 within Nadi) but they stopped taking cash - you need an e-Transport card from Vodafone shops first. Main bus station is behind Nadi Market. Buses stop frequently along Queens Road, including at the airport.
• LT taxis are metered and common. Base rate starts at FJ$2.50. Make sure the meter's running for short trips. For longer distances, agree on a price before you start. At night, take a taxi even for short distances.
• Express buses to other towns have air conditioning and are more comfortable than local buses. Takes under six hours to Suva. Worth paying extra for longer trips.
• Walking during the day is fine in busy areas - downtown, Denarau. Don't walk around at night though, especially alone. If you have to, stick to main roads with street lights.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Nadi with local guides and curated experiences.