Frequently Asked Questions

As temperatures only vary by about 10ºC between winter and summer, New Zealand is well worth visiting any time of the year. New Zealand is home to a temperate climate with high sunshine hours and moderate rainfall. Much of the country lies near the coast, which means mild temperatures. The average temperature decreases as you travel south; January and February are the warmest months with July being the coldest month of the year.

New Zealand's average rainfall is high and evenly spread throughout the year. Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rain falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall. Snow typically appears during the months of June through October.  Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountainous areas, like the Central Plateau in the north, and the Southern Alps in the south.

Weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly. Be prepared and understand what you can expect from different seasons.  You can check on New Zealand weather conditions on the Met Service website.

New Zealand has three official languages: English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.  English is the most widely spoken language; however there are other multicultural ethnicities and hearing a range of languages in the cities and towns is not uncommon.

You will require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past the date of your return.  Currently U.S. and Canadian citizens are not required to hold a visa to enter New Zealand for up to a three month stay.  This requirement is changing and for anyone traveling into New Zealand from October 1, 2019 onward, from visa-waiver countries  an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required to enter New Zealand.  You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.

In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

To avoid penalties it is best to familiarize yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit Ministry for Primary Industries (biosecurity agency).

As a visitor to New Zealand you are entitled to various concessions and duty free entries on some of your goods. If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to allowances for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. For detailed information on allowances and duty free concessions, please visit New Zealand Customs. 

There are no immunizations or vaccinations required to visit New Zealand unless you have visited a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs.

The national currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).  There are denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins come in 10, 20 and 50 cents and one and two dollar denominations.  Due to the discontinuation of 1c, 2c and 5c pieces, purchases made in New Zealand are subject to "rounding" of amounts either up or down.  Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. New Zealand banks are generally open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some are also open on weekends. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they are PIN enabled.  Ensure you know your PIN and check with your bank before leaving home.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.

All major credit cards such as American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, and JCB are widely accepted in New Zealand. A good tip is to carry multiple credit cards and a little cash. Please be aware that some merchants in New Zealand impose credit card surcharges on the total purchase.   It is also very good practice to ensure you know your PIN for any PIN enabled credit cards.  

The electrical current in New Zealand is 230 - 240 volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin plugs.   The plugs have two flat metal pins, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape, and occasionally a third pin in the center.   If your applications are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter. Many hotels offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.

There is no separate departure tax above what would be included with your transportation arrangements/tickets.

New Zealand has a tax on consumption called Goods and Services Tax (GST). It is a flat rate tax - currently 15% - that is added to almost all purchases.

There is no provision for travelers to obtain a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their purchases when they leave New Zealand.  In order to purchase goods without payment of GST, travelers are required to purchase from a duty free shop or arrange for the retailer/supplier to export the goods.

Purchasing travel insurance that covers you for theft, loss, accidents and medical problems before you leave home is highly recommended. Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. If you plan on doing any adventure activities such as scuba diving, bushwalking or traveling in remote areas, check that you are fully covered under your policy. Remember to bring your insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers with you.  Ask your All-Travel advisor for details.

You can legally drive in New Zealand for 12 months if you have either a current driver’s license from your home country in the English language or an International Driving Permit.  You must carry your license or permit at all times when driving and you are only able to drive the same type(s) of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.

In New Zealand you drive on the left hand side of the road.  If you’re used to driving on the right hand side of the road, this can be a challenge to remember especially when pulling out into traffic. Take plenty of breaks so that you stay alert.  Even if you’re used to driving in other places, you need to be well aware of things like weather extremes, narrow, windy roads and different road rules before you begin on your journey.

Tipping in New Zealand is not standard practice, even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

The most popular time to visit Fiji is between late March and early December.  Humidity drops during the Fiji winter months so outside activities are more pleasant. Fiji's tourist season usually peaks in June and July.  Winter temperatures range from 72-84°F.

Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate and while it can get hot in the summer, November to April, it rarely goes above 96°F. Trade winds from the east southeast bring year round cooling breezes in the late afternoon and early evening. Tropical rains fall December to March, coinciding with the hot summer months

Smaller islands typically receive less rainfall than the main Islands.

English is the official language and almost everyone in Fiji is fluent in English.  In addition, the Fijian language is preserved and widely spoken in many different dialects. Almost everyone is bilingual and many Fijian terms are included in everyday English that is spoken.

You will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is also required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of up to 4 months for US and Canadian citizens.  If you are not holding one of these two passports, please check with your All-Travel adviser.

Purchasing travel insurance that covers you for theft, loss, accidents and medical problems before you leave home is highly recommended.  Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home.  If you plan on doing any adventure activities such as scuba diving, bushwalking or traveling in remote areas, check that you are fully covered under your policy. Remember to bring your insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers with you.  Ask your All-Travel advisor for details.

There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of vegetable matter, seeds, animal products, drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

A passenger arriving in Fiji is entitled to the following duty and VAT free concessions:

• Dutiable goods accompanying passengers (other than alcohol and tobacco products) not exceeding F$1,000.00 in value.  Any goods brought in for personal use and not intended as gifts or for resale.

If you are 17 years or older you are permitted the following goods into Fiji, duty and VAT free.  These goods must be on your person and not offered for sale after entry:

1. Cigarettes, not exceeding 250 sticks or
2. Cigars, not exceeding 250grams net weight or
3. Tobacco not exceeding 250grams net weight or
4. Any combination of (1) to (3) above, provided the total net weight does not exceed 250grams
5. Spirituous liquors not exceeding 2.25 litres or
6. Wines, not exceeding 4.5 litres or
7. Beer, not exceeding 4.5 litres or
8. Any combination of the goods in paragraph (5) to (7) above, provided that the combination does not exceed the equivalent quantity under any one paragraph
9. Other dutiable goods, not exceeding F$1,000.00 in value.

Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases. Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited an infected country or zone within six days of arriving into Fiji. No other health certificate is required to enter Fiji.  There is an effective medical system in place with government and privately run hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, dental service and pharmacies.

The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. There is no limit to the amount of money to be brought in. Visitors are allowed to take out currency up to the amount imported.

Most airports, banks and large hotels have facilities for changing foreign currency and travelers’ checks (commissions and fees may be charged) A passport is usually adequate for identification.

Normal banking hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm, Monday – Friday and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays in selected areas. There is a 24 hour currency exchange service available at the arrivals concourse at Nadi Airport. ATMs are located around the country and at larger resorts and hotels.

Major credit cards are welcomed by most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, tours, cruises and travel agents. If your credit card is encoded with a pin, you may be able to withdraw cash from ATMs situated at banks and shopping centers. Ensure you know your pin if your card is pin enabled. Check with your bank for details of where your cards will be accepted.

Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is left to the individual to determine whether to leave a gratuity. In lieu of daily tipping, some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund where "tips" are shared.

240 volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin plugs. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. If your applications are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.

A 9% Government Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable to all goods and services in Fiji. Visitors staying in hotels and resorts are subject to 6% Service Turnover Tax (STT) and an Environment & Climate Adaptation Levy of 10%.

The Fiji VAT refund scheme allows tourists to claim a refund (subject to certain conditions) of VAT paid on goods purchased in Fiji and taken out of Fiji via Nadi International Airport or Suva Wharf as the final port of departure to a foreign destination.

To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must satisfy all the following conditions:

1. Spend a minimum of F$500 (VAT Inclusive) at any of the approved licensed retail outlets during your stay in Fiji and take the goods out of Fiji within 2 months from the date of purchase.
2. Carry the goods with you either in your checked baggage or hand luggage.
3. Purchase the goods from an approved licensed retailer. You must ask the retailer for a refund form and a tax invoice(s) for the goods purchased. The licensed retailer must complete the form and attach receipts.