What I’ve learned, while holidaying in Fiji..
By Jeff Spires:
1st, when you arrive, you’ll most likely be looking for a money exchange. The unimoni in Nadi is on the Main Street (queens rd) not down the side street where google maps says (pic in comments).
2nd, the Fijian markets in Nadi that sell weapons, karva bowls, and all other wooden souvenirs WILL take full advantage of you and rip you off blindly (especially the one across from unimoni and about 4-5 doors down, (Bula bullshit they call it) I was offered a karva set for $800 that I later found for $30 (not a typo).
These guys will bring you into their shop and have a karva ceremony with you then push you to buy at marked up prices! They are also owned by foreigners and hire native Fijians to make you think the money goes to local villagers! It’s kind of sad that some Fijians are so desperate for work that they will sell out their culture like this. I found that if you simply go to any of the road side shacks selling corn, coconuts, bbq, papaya (paw paw), etc and y’all to the locals, get to know them by asking about where they live, family, how they get by day to day, they’ll be a friend for life. They will be able to tell you the best places to buy things.
3rd, there’s plenty of stray dogs who will consider you their family if you feed them. Be careful, this means they will protect you by attacking any threat (other dogs in our experience).
Don’t write tips on resort bills when ordering drinks, instead, give your favourite cleaner, server, or activities staff, a cash tip. And do it discretely or their manager will stuff them for half. I personally found, if you get to know them, they will look after you well. I also gave a $5-$10 tip on the first day, and a $20-$50 tip on the last. They all loved it.
Just know, everyone you meet, is a sales man. 😉
I hope some of this helps, it’s sad that the tourism industry there makes us look like millionaires to the locals, and they earn so little.
Ps. The staff at the resorts earn around $2.30 Fijian per hour. 😔
P.S : Below the two conmen who tried to rip me off to buy karva set for $800fj that I found out cost $30fj .
This is from a facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/koilomo/posts/689911574814698
To have a real Fiji experience, I suggest you visit the local villages (not the semi-urban villages). You will definitely get the authentic Fijian experience with little to no cost at all. Indigenous believe that its a blessing to have visitors to their homes and next thing you know, you get lifetime friends and family. As usual, the whole village will be excited to host you in to their respective homes! There is less care for money, everything is done in a communal way with so much love and passion.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that actions by some people potrays and paints a bad image of our beloved country.