How long does it take to ship belongings to Fiji?

Sea freight from the US West Coast takes 6–10 weeks, costing $3,000–$6,000 for a 20ft container. From Australia or New Zealand, it's 2–4 weeks at $1,500–$3,000. Air freight is faster (3–7 days) but much more expensive at $5–$15/kg. Many expats choose to sell large furniture at home and buy locally in Fiji to avoid the cost and hassle of shipping.

What should I bring when moving to Fiji?

Essential items to bring: 3–6 months of prescription medications with doctor's letters, important documents (passport, certificates), electronics with Australian-style adapters (Type I, 240V), quality sunscreen and insect repellent, and any specialty items not easily found in Fiji. Most daily essentials, furniture, and clothing are available locally. Ship personal effects within 6 months of arrival for potential customs duty exemption.

What power plugs does Fiji use?

Fiji uses Type I plugs (Australian-style, 3-pin angled) at 240V, 50Hz. If you're coming from the US (Type A/B, 120V), you'll need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage electronics. Most modern laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V), but always check the label. Adapters are available at Nadi airport shops and electronics stores.

How do I get a local phone and internet set up?

Buy a prepaid SIM card from Vodafone or Digicel at Nadi airport or any phone shop — just bring your passport for ID verification. Data plans start from FJD 20/month. For home internet, Vodafone offers fiber broadband in urban areas (application takes 1–2 weeks for installation). Digicel provides 4G home broadband as a faster-to-set-up alternative. Average speeds are 25–35 Mbps.

Can I drive in Fiji with my foreign license?

Yes, your home country driving license is valid for 6 months after arrival. An international driving permit is also accepted. After 6 months, you must obtain a Fijian driving license from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) — the process involves an eye test and paperwork. Fiji drives on the LEFT side (British-style). Roads in Suva and Nadi are paved but often narrow; rural roads can be unpaved.

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🇫🇯 Fiji

Moving Guide

Moving to Fiji requires planning for shipping logistics across the Pacific, understanding customs regulations, finding housing (often through local agents and expat networks), and adapting to island infrastructure. The process is smoother than many Pacific destinations thanks to English-speaking bureaucracy, established shipping routes from Australia/NZ/US, and a welcoming expat community ready to share advice..

6–10 weeks

Shipping Time (US)

Sea freight from US West Coast to Suva/Lautoka port

2–4 weeks

Shipping Time (Aus/NZ)

Sea freight from Sydney or Auckland

0–32%

Customs Duty

Varies by item; personal effects often exempt with proper documentation

$3,000–$6,000

Container (20ft)

From US; $1,500–$3,000 from Australia/NZ

2–3 months

Settling-In Time

For housing, banking, and lifestyle adjustment

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Suva ✈️Nadi

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Key Takeaways

Visa/permit: confirm your entry status — tourist (4 months), work permit (employer-sponsored), or investor permit (FJD 50,000+)
Sea freight from US West Coast: 6–10 weeks to Suva or Lautoka; 20ft container costs $3,000–$6,000
Accommodation: stay in short-term rental or hotel while house-hunting — budget FJD 100–250/night for comfortable options

Before You Move — Preparation Checklist

Thorough preparation before departure makes the transition to Fiji much smoother. Start planning 3–6 months before your move date.

Visa/permit: confirm your entry status — tourist (4 months), work permit (employer-sponsored), or investor permit (FJD 50,000+)
Health insurance: arrange international coverage before departure — must include medical evacuation to Australia/NZ
Medications: bring a 3–6 month supply of any essential prescriptions with a doctor's letter; specialized meds may not be available locally
Important documents: passport (6+ months validity), birth certificates, marriage certificate, driving license — bring originals and certified copies
Finances: inform your home bank of the move; set up Wise or Remitly for international transfers; bring enough USD or AUD for initial expenses
Housing: connect with local agents (Bayshore, Harcourts) and Fiji Expats Facebook group before arrival; short-term accommodation (Airbnb, hotel) for the first 2–4 weeks while house-hunting
Electrical: Fiji uses Type I plugs (Australian-style, 3-pin) at 240V — bring adapters or plan to buy locally
Climate prep: pack for tropical weather — lightweight clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent; formal business attire for professional settings

Shipping Your Belongings

Sea freight is the standard method for shipping household goods to Fiji. The main ports are Suva (east) and Lautoka (west, near Nadi). Plan for 2–10 weeks transit depending on origin.

Sea freight from US West Coast: 6–10 weeks to Suva or Lautoka; 20ft container costs $3,000–$6,000
Sea freight from Australia/NZ: 2–4 weeks; 20ft container costs $1,500–$3,000
Personal effects shipped within 6 months of arrival may be exempt from customs duty — keep receipts and inventory list
Restricted items: alcohol, tobacco, and new goods in commercial quantities attract full duty (0–32%)
Prohibited items: drugs, firearms, fresh food, and certain animal products — check Fiji Customs website before packing
International movers: Crown Relocations, Conroy Removals, and Grace Removals all serve Fiji routes
Air freight for essentials: faster (3–7 days) but significantly more expensive — $5–$15/kg from US or Australia
Many expats sell furniture at home and buy locally — furniture in Fiji is affordable and avoids shipping hassle

Your First Weeks in Fiji

The first 2–4 weeks in Fiji involve practical setup tasks and cultural adjustment. Suva and Nadi have all the services you need, and the English-speaking environment makes the process straightforward.

Accommodation: stay in short-term rental or hotel while house-hunting — budget FJD 100–250/night for comfortable options
SIM card: buy a Vodafone or Digicel prepaid SIM at Nadi airport or any phone shop — ID required; data plans from FJD 20/month
Bank account: visit ANZ, BSP, or Westpac with passport, visa, and proof of address — account opening takes 1–3 business days
Tax registration: visit Fiji Revenue & Customs Service if working locally — TIN (Tax Identification Number) required for employment
Driving: your home country license is valid for 6 months; international driving permit accepted; apply for Fijian license at LTA within 6 months
Healthcare: register with a private GP in your area; obtain international insurance before or immediately upon arrival
Groceries: visit Suva Municipal Market or Nadi Market for affordable fresh produce; supermarkets (New World, MH) for imported goods
Social connections: join Fiji Expats Facebook group, attend expat meetups, and introduce yourself to neighbors — Fijians are incredibly welcoming