Becky Mankel
American expat in Fiji
Forum posts
32
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Taveuni
Registration: 20 August 2014
Free and low-cost leisure activities in Fiji
Hello, Depending on where in Fiji you are staying; there are many things to do - stroll on the beach, hike in the hills, walk along a river, ride horseback, hunt for shells, swim seaside or in a river, Kayaking is not expensive, stroll through ... Read More
Traffic in Fiji
Hi, I live on Taveuni north of Somosomo and south of Matei. The traffic here is generally light EXCEPT for in Nagara - the main shopping area. There, the traffic is heavy with little parking and cars double parked or stopped to "talk" ... Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in Fiji
I retired from my profession before coming to live in Fiji. I used my interational driver's license for the first 6 months and then got my Fiji Driver's license. I think most degrees and certifications are recognized here but may need ... Read More
How has your life changed in Fiji by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Fiji? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
:) After living here nearly 5 years there a many changes in our life style. While we were used to being able to flip a switch and have power for anything and everything; it is not the case here. Even with solar there are limitations and ... Read More
Speaking English in Fiji
Hello, We have resided in Fiji for 4 1/2 years. I do think it is essential to speak English. That is the language taught in school to fijians. Also, if you are with 2 or 3 fijians, it is important to ask them to speak in English when around you. Read More
Property prices in Fiji by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Finding affordable housing in Fiji is number one priority for newcomers. Tell us more about the estate market in your district/city/region. What are the most desired places to live? What are the most affordable ones? What is ...
We live on the island of Taveuni which is in the northern division of Fiji Islands. It is the third largest island. It is still somewhat remote; with the ferry or plane to bring in goods or for travel to the main island. We chose Taveuni because ... Read More
Pets in Fiji by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Many of us in Fiji have four-legged friends. What about you? Do you have one or more pets? Share your experience with us! What are the formalities to import pets in Fiji? What about pet adoption procedures in the country? Did ...
I don't have one. Read More
Pets in Fiji by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Many of us in Fiji have four-legged friends. What about you? Do you have one or more pets? Share your experience with us! What are the formalities to import pets in Fiji? What about pet adoption procedures in the country? Did ...
Hi expats, We have 2 dogs; one is a Pharoah Hound and the other is a "Fijian" dog. That means she is a mixed breed as are most of the dogs in Fiji. The fijian dog is about 1 year old and has been spayed. Her name is Maggie. The ... Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Fiji
Hi, Homesickness can be a problem; especially for the young. I manage to go back to my family twice a year for about a month to get my fill of kids and grandkids. That usually does it. Keeping busy helps too and of course, the internet and Skype ... Read More
New members of the Fiji forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Fiji forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hi , Life in Fiji is always an adventure; sometimes surprising. I live here since 2012 and it is a beautiful country. The people are friendly but also opportunistic due to the poverty. The weather is mostly fine. We do get cyclones ... Read More
Keeping up with the news in Fiji
For keeping up with the news, I use the internet news services. No TV or radio here. Read More
Adapting to the climate in Fiji
Hello Priscilla, Over the past 2 years we have noticed that the weather in June July and August is much cooler; requiring a blanket at night. During the rainy/cyclone season we can have 3-4 days of gray and heavy rain at a time. Mostly though, ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Fiji
I was only speaking of Fiji in general. This disaster will pass and people will rebuild as will we. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Fiji
Hello Priscilla, It does take some time to get used to living in a third world country. If you expect the same kind of responses one might get in England or the USA; you will be disappointed over and over again. The fijian culture is very ... Read More
Dogg Needs a new home or a Foster parent
Hello, What kind of Dog id "Dogg"? We live on Taveuni. We retired here from the states and are thinking about getting a dog. Let us know your time frame as well, Please. Thank you. Rebecca Mankel xxx Read More
Volunteering in Fiji by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Fiji? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes have ...
Hi, I have volunteered at veternarian free clinic. and there are always rotary projects to help with both financially and hands on. The fijians really appreciate learning and assistance from others. Areas of need also include agriculture and ... Read More
Driving in Fiji by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Fiji? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving style in ...
Hi, I have had a driver's license for 54 years and have driven only in the USA and here in Fiji. I think there are rude driver's in both places. I hear that driving in New York City is difficult with lots of taxis trying to get people ... Read More
New members of the Fiji forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Fiji forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
I would just bring a copy of that license with you. Read More
New members of the Fiji forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Fiji forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hi If you have never had a license and don't have a current one you will have to apply and take a driving test. Other than that, they are fairly inexpensive. Just go to a LTA office. That's Land Transit Authority. Read More
Safety in Fiji
Hi, I have been going to Fiji since 1980. I have lived there since 2012. I feel quite safe on the island I live on but still would not walk around at night by myself. In Suva I don't feel safe from some who would try to get me to buy things ... Read More
Healthcare in Fiji by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Fiji ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Fiji? Thanks in advance for sharing your ...
Hello, We have had to use the healthcare system in Fiji on several occasions; from minor to major issues. The 3 largest islands have hospitals for minor and triage. Some physician groups come throughout the year giving free care. We use the ... Read More
Cost of living in Fiji 2015
We have lived in Fiji nearly three years now. Eating well with occasional eating out is fairly inexpensive due to plenty of fruits and vegetables that grow here, Bananas (several varieties), Pineapples, Guava, Passion fruit, Papayas, sweet potatoes, ... Read More
New members of the Fiji forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Fiji forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
What hotel or Resort are you working for? We live on Taveuni. Rebecca Read More
New members of the Fiji forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Fiji forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hello, We have been living in Fiji for 2 years now; having come from the USA. We retired here after building a house, buying a vehicle and shipping a container here. We like the slow pace; except when needing repairs etc. So many things are ... Read More