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Fiji Tourist Traps


Tips and photos of Fiji tourist attractions and tourist traps, posted by real travelers and Fiji locals.
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The sword sellers again!!!
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  • Dodo22
  • By Dodo22 on September 27, 2003
  • Fiji Page by Dodo22
  • Main St Lautoko - Fiji
    Main St Lautoko
    by Dodo22
    This one seems to be a favourite but its still going on. Wandering around Lautoka we were approached by a friendly local (they mostly are) who started chatting to us and telling us about his brother who lives in Auckland etc etc. In no time he not only has your names, but in your hand is a newspaper wrapped set of small wooden swords which he snatches back and starts to engrave your name on and then asks for money.

    We politely declined and walked away, but friends were caught. Whilst its disappointing that this happens (we were keen to talk to locals) it seems to be a fact of life.

    The only ways around it are either (a) give yourself a really foreign sounding name so they don't know how to spell it, or (b) just don't talk to anyone (not a great solution).

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    Blue Lagoon Beach
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  • bjmd22
  • By bjmd22 on August 24, 2003
  • Fiji Page by bjmd22
  • Fiji Tourist Traps
    by bjmd22
    If your in the Yasawas, the trip tp the blue lagoon will be a day trip offered to you. It is not very impressive, and most of the time has several cruise ships and yahts parked in front. It kinda looses its appeal when its not secluded. You will probably have the lagoon pointed out to you from the boat that takes you to your resort anyway. So save your money and go for the cave trip instead.

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    The 10 Minute Handshake
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  • bjmd22
  • By bjmd22 on August 8, 2003
  • Fiji Page by bjmd22
  • Fiji Tourist Traps
    by bjmd22
    Watch out for those shopkeepers who extend their arm to shake your hand, if you do they will hold on and lead you into the shop. To avoid this, without being rude, I found that I could grab the tips of thier fingers for a shallow shake and say bulaand keep walking.
    The lip trembling eye bulging serial killer stare also works to thwart these shopkeepers, they usually pull their arm back real fast!

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    NADI SHOP KEEPERS
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  • bjmd22
  • By bjmd22 on August 8, 2003
  • Fiji Page by bjmd22
  • Fiji Tourist Traps
    by bjmd22
    While in the shopping areas in Nadi, beware extra nice shopkeepers. Dont let them hand you anything, and if they do put it down. Dont drink Kava with them. They will expect you to pay for everything. This is not the same in the villages, generally if someone wants to give you something it is genuine kindness.

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    Carving - Yes i have fallen for this.
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  • IcemanNZL
  • Updated By IcemanNZL on May 5, 2003
  • Fiji Page by IcemanNZL
  • Suva Streets - Fiji
    Suva Streets
    by IcemanNZL
    One thing to be aware of in Fiji. While your wandering down the street looking for bargins, beware of the odd Fijian who stops and asks your name, before you know it he has pulled out a set of wooden carved knives or boats and etched your name in it and insists you buy them. This will usually only cost you $5-10 Fijian dollars.

    If you have this happen to you, i suppose there isnt much to do apart from pay the man and smile as you walk off with your newly acquired knives or boats as the case may be.

    I suppose you can say you have a piece of Fiji and a good story to tell your mates when you get home.

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    Beachcomber island
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  • galy
  • Updated By galy on September 13, 2003
  • Fiji Page by galy
  • Beachcombers island - Fiji
    Beachcombers island
    by galy
    The island of Beachcomber attracts young people. There is accommodation on the island but it's not pleasant for a day tour. We found it very crowded, not cheap at all, and if you are there only for the day, you feel like an intruder.

    Much better: go to one of those uninhabited islands, used only for day trips

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    The agents at the airport
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  • Rusket
  • Updated By Rusket on September 17, 2005
  • Fiji Page by Rusket
  • Office desk - Fiji
    Office desk
    by Rusket, 2 more photos
    The agents can be of a great help, but take evereything they say with a pinch of salt! Our agent Fili promised us that our room at Mereani's shared a bathroom with only one other room, and that the rate was 60 Fiji dollars for the two of us. What we paid was 70 + tax, and we shared two showers and two toilets with 20 other people. She also gave us the impression that transport to / from airport and harbour was included, but we had to pay taxi drivers all the time. Upon our return from Mana we had to spend a night at the "hotel" where Fili had her "office". We paid 10 FJD extra to have an air conditioned room, but all we got was an old fan. And Fili was nowhere to be seen, thus we never got back the change she owed us from our arrival.

    All in all it was OK to have someone fixing everything for us, we were brought here and there, and deals were made for us. But she cheated us, and I am sure she cheated the people running both Mount View and Mereani's too, the two places she had arranged for us to stay. Make sure to have all agreements written down and signed, with all prices including taxes. But be prepared for surprises anyway!

    Make your reservations by internet before you get there.

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    Fijian handicrafts for purchase
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  • galy
  • By galy on April 26, 2003
  • Fiji Page by galy
  • do you realy want it? - Fiji
    do you realy want it?
    by galy
    They try to sell you staf everywhere, but in this village they present it as display presenting their culture. After you are sourounded with all the goods, they start pricing them.

    be prepared :-))

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    you want to buy carvings?...
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  • babeteaser
  • By babeteaser on September 7, 2002
  • Fiji Page by babeteaser
  • Fiji Tourist Traps
    by babeteaser
    you want to buy carvings? don't hurry, take your time to look around, compare models offered and prices asked; this will avoid surprises!

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    Overpriced tour buses from...
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  • Jez79
  • By Jez79 on August 26, 2002
  • Fiji Page by Jez79
  • Fiji Tourist Traps
    by Jez79
    Overpriced tour buses from resorts and hotels. Many resorts have buses that take people into town for a much higher price that you pay catching the local bus. If you pick the right local transport (eg and express bus) it's usually cheaper and more fun because you get to travel with the locals. Ask around before deciding how to get somewhere.

    This picture has no relevance, I just wanted to put it up!

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