John C
@jcaldeira
American expat in Fiji
Forum posts
47
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Rakiraki, Fiji
Speaks English
Registration: 17 March 2010
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
You must be joking. Try Googling again. How many Fijians have died from tsunamis and earthquakes? Read More
Standard fijian
The Fijian language is quite different than Fiji Hindi. The Fijian language is similar to other South Pacific languages (Tongan, Hawaiian) whereas Hindi is the language from India. Fijian is relatively easy to learn, and borrows many words from ... Read More
Housing near University of the South Pacific
See also the Fiji Times classified ads, especially the Saturday editions, the "To Let" section. classifieds.fijitimes.com/ Read More
Bringing all your worldly goods with you!! by Lynne27
Hi everyone or should I say Bula, Can any one give me information on, how and what belongings we can bring with us? Surprisingly we keep getting contradictive information, and we feel we need rock solid information before financially committing to ...
Lynne27, I don't have all your answers, but. . . 3) Port Customs is reasonably professional and organized. If you believe you have duty concessions, have all that documentation before the goods arrive so you won't incur port storage ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Fiji by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Fiji. What recommendations would you give ...
1. Don't buy property in Fiji until you've lived in Fiji for at least a few months. A year or more is even better. The best property deals are NOT on the internet. 2. Visit Fiji and talk with expats who were in a similar to yours five ... Read More
Buying a farm in Fiji. by dramawriter33
Hi there, My plan is to buy a farm in Fiji to plant cash crop like tobacco and permanent trees like coconuts and fruit trees like Longan, rambutan and lanzones. Also papaya and pineapple, etc. for cash. I need a good cash outflow to form a Dramatics ...
I have a fruit farm in Fiji, near Rakiraki town. I highly recommend that newcomers to Fiji rent for a while before buying property. You'll learn so much from local people, and get the best deals. Land prices vary greatly depending on soil ... Read More
purchase a piece of property by zahiriah
Hi, I need to connect with anyone currently living on koro island, I would like to purchase a piece of property there and want to know has the experience been like.
I know someone who bought on Koro island and is building there now. I can't post her contact information here, but if you send me a private email with your question(s) I will forward it to her. Email me at john at ... Read More
English Teacher
Not much demand for English teachers. As a former British colony, most people here speak English. Plenty of local people can teach English, so it would be difficult for a foreigner to obtain a work permit for this work. Read More
want to meet other expats who made the move to fiji for advice by jonelyns
HI, My name is Lynette and I am married to a fijian (Jone) currently living in Melbourne Australia. We are planning on making the move to Fiji, preferably to live in Pacific Harbour later this year. I would love to make contact with others who have ...
Bula Lynette, I moved to Fiji in 2008. If you have any questions I will try to help. John Read More
Pet Friendly Accommodation In Suva
In general, dogs are outside pets in Fiji. Rarely will a dog be inside unless there's a cyclone or fireworks scaring them. Sorry I can't answer your question directly, but if you rent a house normally there wouldn't be a problem having ... Read More
Permanent residency in Fiji by dayna and dave
Hi all, I have been looking at residency requirements for living in Fiji but am a little confused at the moment could someone please clarify? Do you need to be 45 years and over to be able to buy a property for 100k FJD? And to provide an income of ...
arshad106, read the earlier replies in this thread and let us know what you don't understand. Read More
Buying furniture, tools, quad, boat & trees in Fiji by KoroBound
Hello, We are interested in the best places to purchase items for our home on an outer island in Fiji. Also any restrictions in transporting via Ferry from Natovi (near Suva)? Thanks!
The Fiji Times newspaper classified section has a lot of things for sale, especially on Saturdays: http://classifieds.fijitimes.com/ Also, on Facebook, a few pages: Suva Expats Market: https://www.facebook.com/groups/756386121055047/ Buy & Sell ... Read More
Buying furniture, tools, quad, boat & trees in Fiji by KoroBound
Hello, We are interested in the best places to purchase items for our home on an outer island in Fiji. Also any restrictions in transporting via Ferry from Natovi (near Suva)? Thanks!
It's probably best to not buy a lot of stuff before moving to your new home. Especially capital equipment that you only use once in a while. Once you are there, you will likely find that your needs are different, and there will be neighbors ... Read More
Buying furniture, tools, quad, boat & trees in Fiji by KoroBound
Hello, We are interested in the best places to purchase items for our home on an outer island in Fiji. Also any restrictions in transporting via Ferry from Natovi (near Suva)? Thanks!
Depends on your budget and taste. Courts and Subrails have decent 'commercial grade' furniture. Pacific Green and a few hardwood joineries have more upscale furniture. The ferry from Natovi takes vehicles, so I'm sure they can take ... Read More
immigration attorney
Hi Maximilien. Please note that the information is still correct. Most people do not need to waste money on an attorney for Fiji immigration purposes. Simply follow the directions on the government website. I did it myself and it was not a ... Read More
Permanent residency in Fiji by dayna and dave
Hi all, I have been looking at residency requirements for living in Fiji but am a little confused at the moment could someone please clarify? Do you need to be 45 years and over to be able to buy a property for 100k FJD? And to provide an income of ...
> Do you need to be 45 years and over to be able to buy a property for 100k FJD? > And to provide an income of 40k FJD per year? Generally, no. It depends on the type of residency permit you have. There is a short-term work permit, ... Read More
Accounting Job
Probably not. You will not be able to receive a Fiji work permit without a Fiji company sponsoring you, and Fijian accountants would be eligible to have the jobs first. Read More
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
Hi Lakshani, A good furnished apartment can be rented for between $1000 and $2000 FJ per month. Luxury will cost more. Cheaper is available, but you would be compromising on quality, neighborhood, etc. (1 FJ$ = $1.75 USD) Rental housing is ... Read More
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
Hello Lakshani, There are a lot of expats teaching at USP and doing fine on their salary. Medical care in Suva is good, and there are good schools specifically for international students (children of expats). Living standards for professionals ... Read More
Opening a bank account in Suva by yogagypsys
:) Hi there, Bula I'm going to be relocating to live on Koro Island soon! its exciting! Anyone know best bank to open an account with there on Suva? Internet banking, and can I open one online? from the UK? Thanks in advance Kindest Catherine
Westpac and ANZ are both large, reputable banks. I would choose the one that also has at least an ATM presence on Koro Island. I'm a little shocked that anyone would be seriously planning to move to Koro island without knowing more about Fiji. ... Read More
Fiji the move! by bobreddog
In looking for honeymoon destinations a few years back I discovered Fiji; fell in love with the place right way just in photos alone. The honeymoon idea faded with bride but I am considering a permanent move and possibly becoming a citizen. They do ...
You do NOT need to give up your foreign citizenship to become a citizen of Fiji. Fiji recognizes dual citizenship. However, the country one is coming from may not recognize dual citizenship. For instance, you can be a dual U.S. & Fiji citizen, but ... Read More
Living in Suva, Fiji by kiwi_expat
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 ...
If you mean $1600 FJ currency, you can do it but it wouldn't be a very flexible lifestyle. 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. Read More
New to forum. Hey y'all by 7obra..
I am from the USA and my wife and I are thinking about moving to Fiji this year. Any advise on islands and crime rates would be great. Thanks
Violent crime in Fiji is low. Petty theft is problematic as in any poor country. Much of it depends where you live, as criminals don't like a long commute to work. In Suva, there are good neighborhoods and bad. Most homes have burglar bars in ... Read More
Looking Forward to work in Fiji
There are a lot of road infrastructure projects being worked now in Fiji. You might contact the companies doing that work. Three of the main ones are mentioned in this article: Fiji Road Projects: Fulton Hogan, Blacktop Construction Limited and ... Read More
Furniture by nsadraz
hello members, we may be moving to Suva from the US in Oct (2013) for at least 3 years. Would really appreciate your advice on whether or not we should bring all, some or none of our furniture items and household supplies? We would be putting and ...
Flights to Auckland NZ and Brisbane Australia are typically $600-$800 USD round trip. It's probably best to use both a real estate agent and newspapers/social media as approaches when looking for a rental home. Real Estate agents will probably be ... Read More
Furniture by nsadraz
hello members, we may be moving to Suva from the US in Oct (2013) for at least 3 years. Would really appreciate your advice on whether or not we should bring all, some or none of our furniture items and household supplies? We would be putting and ...
Quality of household items available in Fiji often suffers, so consider bringing high quality sheets, kitchen knives, towels, and similar non-electronic things where quality really matters to you. Ant-proof plastic storage containers and zip-lock ... Read More
Furniture by nsadraz
hello members, we may be moving to Suva from the US in Oct (2013) for at least 3 years. Would really appreciate your advice on whether or not we should bring all, some or none of our furniture items and household supplies? We would be putting and ...
I advise not to move furniture to Fiji. There is a lot of expat housing that rents fully furnished houses and apartments. The average expat tour here is only a couple of years, so many have similar situation to yours. See the 'Suva Expats' ... Read More
Places to visit in Fiji
It really depends on your interests. Many visitors enjoy the diving and snorkeling. There is a lot of natural beauty in Fiji, and most people find the indigenous culture interesting. If you can be more specific about your interests and hobbies ... Read More
Looking for dance a partner
Your best chance of finding dancers and dance activities is probably to visit the Facebook page titled "Suva Expats". John Read More
Moving to Suva by BGFiji
Bula! My husband and I will be moving to Suva in October for a work contract. I have many questions and have found information on the internet varies a lot. Any help would be fabulous! What are average housing costs? We would want 2-3 bedrooms, ...
EscapeFromTheRatRace, The age and investment requirements depend on the type of residency visa you are applying for. If you are starting a business, there is no age requirement. The investment amount is not a firm requirement either. However, ... Read More
Moving to Suva by BGFiji
Bula! My husband and I will be moving to Suva in October for a work contract. I have many questions and have found information on the internet varies a lot. Any help would be fabulous! What are average housing costs? We would want 2-3 bedrooms, ...
Hello Larissa, If you are looking for volunteer work you will not have much trouble finding suitable work, especially with your credentials in Natural Resources Management. Mostly marine protected areas, but also forest projects with government ... Read More
work permit and business permit
Start here: Fiji Government's Investment Fiji.Org Read More
Dog Sitter - end of February
Kirsti, you might find someone on the Facebook group called "Suva Expats". John Read More
Mattresses
Courts, Subrails and probably MH Homemaker has good spring mattresses, but they're expensive. I bought some nice used ones at an embassy auction. The U.S. and Australian embassies hold several auctions each year to dispose of expat housing and ... Read More
Moving to Suva by BGFiji
Bula! My husband and I will be moving to Suva in October for a work contract. I have many questions and have found information on the internet varies a lot. Any help would be fabulous! What are average housing costs? We would want 2-3 bedrooms, ...
I'm not BGFiji, and live in Rakiraki, not Suva, but please allow me to respond. There is an active expat community in Suva, and several shops that cater to our wants to the best of there ability (Cost-U-Less, Best Buys, Yee's, MHCC, the 'Chinese ... Read More
Moving to Suva by BGFiji
Bula! My husband and I will be moving to Suva in October for a work contract. I have many questions and have found information on the internet varies a lot. Any help would be fabulous! What are average housing costs? We would want 2-3 bedrooms, ...
It's best to do you house-hunting while staying in temporary housing in Suva. There are a number of apartments for rent. The Fiji Times newspaper has good classified ads for Suva housing (especially Saturday editions). Fiji Times Classified ... Read More
Buying a property in Fiji
I received a private message but think others might benefit from the dialog, so: You wrote: "In Taveuni we found a couple of nice properties, but were unsure whether Savu Savu would be better in terms of having electricity and more services." ... Read More
Moving to Fiji by JenandSteve
My husband and I are looking into moving to fiji but having troubles finding out what is required to move there, can anyone help??? Sponsors, required finances etc Any websites that are better than others... We are wanting to start a resort there, ...
. . . . For resident visa you will need to buy a property in Fiji valued at F$100,000.00 or have F$100,000.00 in your bank account in Fiji.. . .As a retiree (AKA 'assured income' permit) I did not have to buy property or have F$100,000 in a Fiji ... Read More
immigration attorney
You really don't need to waste money on an attorney for Fiji immigration purposes. Simply follow the directions on the government website. I did it myself and it was not a hassle. It does take patience, though. John Read More
Moving to Fiji by JenandSteve
My husband and I are looking into moving to fiji but having troubles finding out what is required to move there, can anyone help??? Sponsors, required finances etc Any websites that are better than others... We are wanting to start a resort there, ...
Hello Jen and Steve, To live in Fiji, foreigners need a residency permit. For living in Fiji or starting a business, a good place to start is this website: http://www.fiji.gov.fj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109&Itemid=159 Best ... Read More
Driving license in Fiji by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Fiji? What are the formalities to get a driver聮s licence in Fiji? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for participating ...
To obtain a Fiji drivers license, there is an oral exam and road test. The oral exam is mainly to demonstrate that the applicant understands the basic rules of the road and what the road sign symbols mean. The road test is similar to what most ... Read More
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
If you are U.S. citizens, you can reside in Fiji for up to 4 months on a visitor visa. I recommend this because staying longer requires a residency visa and it's a hassle. If you want to stay longer, you might leave on a short flight to Tonga or ... Read More
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
Melissa, It's best to visit here for a few months as a tourist (no visa for 4 months if you're a U.S. citizen). You will find it much easier to find an employer once you are here, instead of from overseas. The requirements for a work permit are ... Read More
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
Hi Chris, I'll answer your questions but first want to say that Fiji offers several good alternatives for an expat, depending on your priorities. Most 'Europeans' (as all white people are called) and other foreigners live in the capital, Suva, or ... Read More
Living in Fiji by expat.com
You are living in Fiji, or you used to live in Fiji. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Fiji? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Fiji? ...
The University of the South Pacific in Suva is probably your best hope of finding a plant expert. I know there are a few here. Sorry I don't have any names. John (Rakiraki, Fiji) PS: We definately have ants! :-) Read More