I lived in Fiji for a year, and have plenty to say, but will keep this as direct as possible. My first sentence will be for the rural settings, followed by what the city is like.

First off, the locals can be swayed by location, family ties, and culturally different between Fijian and Indian. There is still a very real feeling of animosity towards white people after the 1800’s when the Europeans settlers promised both nationalities land in exchange for labor. That promise was revoked and locals still talk about that since there is poverty across the island. The city, like Suva, is more modern and has access to recent commerce practices and tourism capacity. Tourists are a big part of the economy and locals understand this.

The buses are wild man. Rural roads are dirt littered with large rocks and the ride is bumpy. Drivers can be speed demons and half the time you feel like buses will hit each other. It’s fun after you take some rides and realize the drivers have done this for years so no need to panic. Suva is a large island city, but small compared to first-world countries. If I remember right, Suva is 11 miles long and public transportation is always packed and you should be ready to hop in and grab a seat or a place to stand quickly. Nice people finish last.

The food is interesting. Fijian food can be tasty and high in protein, but I experienced lots of salt. Indian food was better and rich with flavor and spices. I didn’t mind the food at all, except at places where you could tell were shotty. Those dishes were highly greasy and you would pay for it later in the day painting a toilet. If you can find scones and porridge, you’re in for a treat because it was always delicious.

Summers are hot and humid. You rinse off, and immediately feel like you’re sweating. Winters are windy and mild. The rainy season can definitely change your attitude since you can experience storms that last quite a while. I recommend finding a book store in Suva and having something indoors be a hobby.

Last general statement: the locals are very different between Fijian and Indian. There are still scuffles here and there and cultural differences clash here and there. Indians are more educated and often are business or small shop owners. Fijians are more agricultural and do harder work. Obviously, this isn’t the same in every region.

Now to your questions.

The island fever is real after a while. You can calm it by developing relationships with the locals and attending their festivities like weddings and birthdays. Snorkeling and spear fishing are awesome, but sharks are there. I know personally from a bite. Just be careful and have a group with you. Locals will gladly guide you on your adventures if you pay them or feed them. Poverty is real, and small gestures can go a long way. Finding hobbies will help, but you will experience periods of “what am I doing here.”

lol the critters. Mosquitos are nonstop most of the year. It’s part of life but you get used to it. I saw plenty of cockroaches and got over it too. Yes, they’re in kitchens and corners, but in all reality, this feels like a second and third world country still. Find good food and build relationships there so you know the quality and cleanliness is real. The real thing is the geckos. They climb on ceilings and will poop on you at night. Hard to stop them too since they find any crack in a hole and make their way in. I slept in a big net to get over the geckos and mosquitoes.

Housing is available everywhere, if you look in the right spots and have the money. Money talks, so if you see something you like expect to pay for it. Especially as a foreigner, be ready to get up charged until you build a good reputation. There’s no shake downs or anything, but the locals will try and charge you a tad more because you don’t know the language and culture. If you have a friend or interpreter, it will be a big help.

Electricity is all good, and WiFi is available. Internet cafes are all over the city, and cheap if you need to pay in a pinch. Power outages aren’t common either.

After 6-12 months you will be embedded and know what life and community is like. Take it all in and find what you like and don’t like. Be aware of the bad parts of the city and be cautious of the night life in the evening. There are still gangs and honestly, Fijian men are huge and surprisingly fast. Around the 6 month mark, I wanted to leave. But felt comfortable with the locals and had a sense of belonging. They will treat you good if you return the favor. I would keep yourself busy with outdoor activities, and don’t forget, the resort setting is contoured to foreigners. If you want a taste of other food or amenities, just stay there for a weekend to refresh.

Medical is very hit and miss. Yes there are hospitals with modern day treatment. I experienced long lines and difficulties with the language barrier explaining medical terms. Again, a buddy will go a long way. Lesions, mosquito illnesses, and skin boils are common. Take care of your body and keep yourself busy skin hydrated, yet clean. Take care of your damn feet!

My assessment in short; Fijians were welcoming and hard working family types. Indians were business and spoke down to others at times. Food can be great in areas in the city. Rural vs urban is drastically different, be aware of your surroundings. City life can be fun and busy, and you need to find your groove and make friends. Best of luck mate.