Living in Suva, Fiji

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kiwi_expat New member

Member since 31 August 2008

kiwi_expatNew member11 December 2012 04:21:28

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聮ll just write a few examples for your perusal in FJ dollar聟

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 聳 (an almost endless list) 聳 and there聮s a huge variety of tropical fruits, all the above is sold in bundles from $1. 聳 $4.00 We聮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. 聳 $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. 聳 $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聟 When you feel like a break from town, almost all resorts in Fiji offer a 聭local rate聮 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

Harmonie ViP

Member since 13 June 2011

HarmonieViP11 December 2012 06:32:14

19273

kiwi_expat!

PattyA Member

Member since 30 April 2013

PattyAMember02 May 2013 21:43:11

Hi

I found the blog about life in Suva really interesting and useful. We are hoping to be making the move to Suva mid August and had/have tons of questions about daily life there.

My husband and I are coming from NZ and are looking at medical insurance for our stay in Suva (3 years in the first instance). Do you have any recommendations as to a healthcare provider?聽 We have no private health cover in NZ but are currently searching throng the options, although my husband has cover through his workplace.

Many thanks Patty

nsadraz Member

Member since 26 July 2013

nsadrazMember30 July 2013 19:42:12

Hi Kiwi expat, are you still living in Fiji? I found your comments helpful and would love to touch base with you to learn more about 'updated' experiences. my wife and I may be moving in Oct (2013). thank you.

Maximilien ViP

Member since 20 June 2013

MaximilienViP31 July 2013 10:04:43

12633

Hi nsadraz,

Please note that this discussion is dated.. 2012

You can start a new topic with all you questions or even for the sharing of informations on the Fiji Forum as it might be interesting

Again I hope you get some feedback soon

Best wishes to you and your wife

Thank you

Maximilien
Expat-blog Team

kiwi_expat New member

Member since 31 August 2008

kiwi_expatNew member01 August 2013 02:37:20

Bula vinaka Patty, sorry I can't help with info on health insurance as I have never bothered with it, although like you my husband is covered by his work-place...

kiwi_expat New member

Member since 31 August 2008

kiwi_expatNew member01 August 2013 02:43:55

Bula vinaka nsadraz, Yes we are still living in Suva and LOVE it聟 Prehaps you would like to ask moi more questions through my mail box?

nsadraz Member

Member since 26 July 2013

nsadrazMember01 August 2013 13:32:42

thank you very much for your message. I am not sure what a mailbox is, but my email address is nsadraz@hotmail.com. I would appreciate if you kindly email me so that I can pick your brain a bit. many thanks.

kiwi_expat New member

Member since 31 August 2008

kiwi_expatNew member06 August 2013 02:01:25

Bula vinaka nsadraz, if you click on my name (kiwi-expat) my profile page will open, then click on 聭send a message聮 box and your message will be sent to my mailbox聟 Vinaka vakalevu

7obra.. Guest

7obra..Guest04 February 2014 00:58:19

#10

214245

Do you think it's possible to move to Fiji a $1600 a month budget? That's for rent, food, electric and everything else?

jcaldeira Active member

Member since 17 March 2010

jcaldeiraActive member10 February 2014 18:16:48

#11

Cobra7 wrote:
Do you think it's possible to move to Fiji a $1600 a month budget? That's for rent, food, electric and everything else?

If you mean $1600 FJ currency, you can do it but it wouldn't be a very flexible lifestyle.聽 Expats who retire in Fiji (permit reads 'assured income') are required to bring in $30,000 FJ per year ($17,000 USD) per person/couple.

drashwinpai Member

Member since 02 March 2014

drashwinpaiMember02 March 2014 06:51:05

#12

Hi ,

I am a surgeon planning to move to suva . I have a contract with FNU . Kindly let me know the cost of living etc. and also regarding the housing聽 and transportation.

stumpy Laos Expert

Member since 27 November 2009

stumpyLaos Expert02 March 2014 22:18:32

#13

17991

Try this website for cost of living and other information.

Chrisbo57 Member

Member since 09 June 2014

Chrisbo57Member15 June 2014 10:04:40

#14

Hello stumpy my name is chris we had the pleasure of being in fiji 4years ago have not stopped thinking about our time there we have talking about living there I I was wondering if you could聽 tell me a bit about a person would go with work and living it would help out working out if it would be good for the family

stumpy Laos Expert

Member since 27 November 2009

stumpyLaos Expert15 June 2014 23:55:31

#15

17991

Chrisbo57 wrote:
Hello stumpy my name is chris we had the pleasure of being in fiji 4years ago have not stopped thinking about our time there we have talking about living there I I was wondering if you could聽 tell me a bit about a person would go with work and living it would help out working out if it would be good for the family

Hi and welcome to 禁漫天堂.

I suggest you read through all the posts on the Fiji forum for information. To get a work there you have to find a company who is seeking an expat and apply. All depends on what type of work you are looking for.

You could try a Google search for work.