Local culture in Fiji

The local culture in Fiji will likely be very different to most expats’ cultures. Be that as it may, you can count on receiving a warm and friendly welcome from the locals. You may attract some unwanted attention from curious locals in rural areas, but this is mostly harmless, and it’s best to respond with grace.

As a new arrival in Fiji, you’ll have to come to grips with hearing a new language and being exposed to local traditions and culinary delicacies. That said, the most significant elements of culture shock in Fiji will likely stem from religion and politics.

Religion in Fiji

Fiji has a highly religious culture, with churches of various denominations spread throughout the archipelago. More than half of Fiji’s population is Christian, with the Methodist Church commanding the largest congregation, followed by the Catholic Church.

Expats who do not hold strong religious beliefs will need to be careful not to offend the locals. It’s also important to dress modestly, keeping the shoulders and knees covered, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional villages.

Politics in Fiji

Fiji has a history of military coups, beginning in 1987. The most recent Fijian coup was in 2006. In 2013, the country introduced a new constitution and held general elections the following year, in 2014.

While the country’s political climate is currently stable, we recommend expats stay away from any political protests or demonstrations that may occur.

Time in Fiji

If you’re new to the archipelago, you may notice there’s little urgency for anything in Fiji – Fijians will regularly turn up late for both meetings and social events. In Fiji, this is not considered rude but is simply a part of the culture. The best way to handle this is to learn to enjoy ‘Pacific time’ and become a bit more flexible.