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Climate
Throughout the Pacific Islands, the best time to visit is
winter. This is somewhere between May and October depending
on the region. During this time it’s cooler and less
humid than the summers. Tropical cyclones may occur between
November to April.
Dress
Dress codes can be quite strict especially in the less touristy
islands. Casual light summer clothes such as shorts and T-shirts
are ideal, although very short shorts and halter necks for
example are seen as inappropriate. Women should wear a skirt
long enough to cover their legs when they’re seated.
Food
Staple foods of the Pacific Islands include root crops such
as Cassava, Taro and Yams. Coconuts are plentiful
and, in season, so are guava, pineapples, mangoes and other
fresh fruits. Kava, a drink made from crushed pepper
roots, is made throughout all the islands, and plays an important
part in traditional ceremonies.
Language
Fiji
The official language is English although Fijian
dialects are spoken by the indigenous population and Fiji-Hindi
is spoken by the Indian population.
Solomon Islands
English is the official language although Pijin English
is probably more widely spoken. There are also 67 official
indigenous languages in the solomon islands, although around
10 of these have less than 200 speakers.
Vanuatu
Pijin English called ‘Bislama’ is most widely
spoken but there are also more than 100 indigenous languages.
French and English are also spoken. Vanuatu has the highest
concentration of different languages per head of population
than any other country in the world.
Cash
Fiji
Currency is the Fijian dollar
$1 US = 2.4 Fijian dollar
1 Euro = 2 Fijian dollars
Check with your local currency exchange bureau for up to
date information.For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Fiji is one of the least expensive countries in the south
pacific. If you are on a tight budget, you can probably get
by on US$ 30-40 a day, although the island caters well for
tourists and there’s lots to spend your money on if you
want.
Solomon Islands
Currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar although banks call
it the SBD from when it used to be called the Solomons British
Dollar. In the capital, Honiara, you can get by on as little
as US$15 a day if you stay in self-catering accommodation.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu isn’t cheap. Even on a tight budget, staying
in hostels, eating in markets and walking rather than taking
taxis, you will need around US$60 a day. To live comfortably,
you will need US$ 100 - 120.
Visas
Fiji
Most nationalities will be given a four week tourist visa
on arrival although it is necessary to have either a return
on onward ticket.
Vanuatu
Nationals of commonwealth countries, European Union, Fiji,
Norway, Philippines, South Korea Switzerland and USA do not
need visas, but all other nationalities do.
Solomon Islands
Most nationalities do not need a visa and will be granted
the right to stay for 3 months on arrival.
Transport
Fiji
If you’re very hard up for time but not for cash, you
can fly between the islands. Otherwise, regular and reliable
ferries travel between the islands offering a great way to
meet the locals. The larger islands also have good bus networks.
Solomon Islands
By air is by far the best way to get around. Prices vary between
US$ 10 to US$100 depending on distance. Ferries can be unpredictable
and fares can vary so shop around.
Vanuatu
Island hopping is perhaps best done by flying as the passenger
boats tend to be irregular. On the islands, mini buses are
frequent but do not follow a time table, you simple have to
flag them down. Cars, 4WDs and jeeps can be hired relatively
easily. |
