Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Car rental
The following major
car rental
companies have offices at Nadi Airport, where you can ar-
range a rental before your trip. Independent local companies are listed throughout the Guide.
CAR RENTAL AGENCIES
Avis
US and Canada 1-800 331-1212, UK 0870 606 0100, Republic of Ireland 021
428 1111, Australia 13 63 33 or 02 9353 9000, New Zealand 09 526 2847 or 0800
655 111;
avis.com
.
Budget
US 1-800 527-0700, Canada 1-800 268-8900, UK 0870 156 5656, Australia
1300 362 848, New Zealand 0800 283 438;
budget.com
.
Hertz
US & Canada 1-800 654-3131, UK 020 7026 0077, Republic of Ireland 01
Thrifty
US and Canada 1-800 847-4389, UK 01494 751 500, Republic of Ireland 01
844 1950, Australia 1300 367 227, New Zealand 09 256 1405;
thrifty.com
.
Taxis
Getting about
by taxi
in Nadi and Suva is cheap and practical, regulated by the government
with flag fall set at F$1.50 between 6am and 10pm (F$2 outside these hours), plus 10 cents
for every 100m travelled, all calculated by meter. Competition is fierce, with unlicensed
minivans scouring the streets and picking up passengers along the way, charging 50 cents for
an inter-urban journey.
Hiring a taxi for rural
sightseeing
or travel between towns is a good option if you don't
want to drive yourself, and works out as a cheap alternative if travelling with three or more
people. Negotiate a rate beforehand and expect to pay around F$30 per hour depending on
how far you want to travel.
By bicycle and motor scooter
There are few
cyclists
to be found on Fiji's shoulder-less, potholed roads, and good reason for
it - cyclists are shown little courtesy from motorists. However, exploring rural Viti Levu or
Vanua Levu by bicycle will certainly draw attention and conversation when passing through
villages and should be a great adventure for those confident enough to try. Unless you bring
your own bike though, you'll have to buy one in Nadi, Suva or Labasa, but don't expect qual-
ity. The only place you're able to rent
bicycles
is at a few large resorts, with Denarau Island
off Nadi and Malolo Lailai in the Mamanucas being the main contenders.
Motor scooters
are extremely rare except in Nadi, where they are something of a novelty.
Travelling along the busy town roads is practical, though not particularly safe and you should
certainly expect the unexpected with motorists who seem to be blind to anything on two
wheels. Travel beyond the town area is not recommended.
