Fiji Tourist Traps

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Beware friendly, helpfull people in Nadi

by aenright

I see there are already similar tips already posted but, this one had a little twist. We were strolling along in downtown Nadi and had just walked out of Jacks souvenirs. Jacks seems to be the best and safest place to shop, although you do get sick of the salespeople hovering over you all the time (seems browsing is not allowed).A friendly Fijian man suggested we head further down the road to the Fijian area of town as it was cheaper shopping than the Indian part. We thanked him and kept heading in the direction he pointed, and he went away. Some distance on we bumped into him again. He told us we were nearly at the market but on the wrong side of the road and he helped us cross the busy street.Once in the store we were introduced to a man in the shop who was very friendly and made us very welcome. To cut a long story short, within about 15 minutes we were now feeling very pressured to...

That cheap resort that will save you a few $$....

by mashed_NZ

When I book my holidays, I am always quite happy with myself that I've done my research and have come to a logical conclusion that I've chosen a good resort and paying a fair price. I have now come to realise that the pictures on some of the cheap resorts are really glamour shots of the place...most likely when it was first built still. I've seen photos of expensive resorts and when I get there...it actually really does look just like the photos. So I've now been suckered in twice like this. When you book your holidya in Fiji, base your choice on the amenties you require or wish to have and the PRICE will tell you at what end of the scale the resort is in. I always believe you can make the best of a poor situation. In both circumstances of mine in Fiji, we went to Denarau and hung out there. The place is so big that staff do not always know whether you're a guest or not so you can get...

Mana Island bookings - take care

by inpr55

Be careful when making your own bookings for Mana-Island Fiji Take care by booking flights/SSC-Cruise by yourself (which can not be cancelled), as the Mana Island Resort will not welcom you for one day.I first asked by e-mail whether they can organize transportation from the airstrip and lunch, everything was fine. Right after I received a message that I need to pay a supplementary fee as a day guest.At last they suggest to make the booking by SCC Cruise for a day, which I do not want.So what; I can not cancel my bookings there&back by AirPacific and SSC-Cruises. Do not visit the island, there are better places to visit.

The agents at the airport

by Rusket

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...

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Enjoy the kava, but prepare to buy something

by pporto

Many of the shops in Nadi that are run by villagers from the mountains who will invite you in for kava. We had a welcome ceremony especially for us and spent an hour joking and drinking kava on a mat in a store in Nadi. But of course, after much hospitality, you SHOULD buy something from the store to help support the village. Just realize that some of the prices and items are much more expensive than the souvenires you can get at "Jack's" down the street (however, they are more rare and usually better quality).

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The sword sellers again!!!

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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Beachcomber 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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Blue Lagoon Beach

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

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

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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