Living in Suva, Fiji

Bula Vinaka All, I recently sent this message in reply to a query about moving to Suva and then thought maybe it would be a good idea to post it for everyone...
We've been here for nearly 7yrs and still love it. The locals are the friendliest people in the world, they are full of smiles, kind, caring and although most do not own or earn much they are generous. The coupe has had a very positive influence on life here and Fiji is possibly the safest place on earth to live. Barring rainy season, they say it rains every-day here, probably true, though the reality is it rains for 30-60mins which is why Suva is so beautifully green and lush. Fortunately because of the tropical climate, in approximately 15mins all is dry again. The cost of living can vary depending on your tastes so I’ll just write a few examples for your perusal in FJ dollar…

The food available in Suva is wonderful. Everything is grown organically and arrives fresh each day at the markets.  Most produce eg; lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, chilies, garlic, egg-plant – (an almost endless list) – and there’s a huge variety of tropical fruits, all the above is sold in bundles from $1. – $4.00 We’ve found the local beef, lamb, goat and poultry not only better tasting but cheaper than it would cost in NZ. The seafood available is amazing and even cheaper than other meats.  Basic needs like sugar, rice, flour etc average around $2. per kilo. Because of its wonderful sugar Fiji produces some very good spirits at very reasonable prices ie; 750ml bottle $39. and beers about $3.00 All wines are imported and range from $12. – $120.00 per bottle and are good value because of a low tax duty. Housing rentals are charged by a per month basis. 3brm houses are available from $1200. – $4k. A friend of ours recently leased a brand new 2brm executive apartment, fully furnished, air conditioned, 24hr security, swimming pool and in a great area for $2k. An electric bill averages $100 per month. Water costs about $100. per year. A Fiji Telecom home-line is $11.50 per month + your calls @ .12cents per min. Fiji also has Vodafone mobile and others eg; Digicel and Ink who undercut Vodafone. There are plenty of activities, excellent shopping, markets, shows, art-galleries and lots of sporting clubs… When you feel like a break from town, almost all resorts in Fiji offer a ‘local rate’ which makes them affordable to enjoy. Public transport is very cheap eg; a seat on the best coach-bus from Suva to Nadi costs $22. Taxis are $1.50 to flag + $1. per km. Cars are a luxury item and pricing them is like guessing the length of a piece of string but you could probably find something decent (2nd-hand) for 8k.

Best Regards, 

kiwi_expat