Shopping in Viti Levu Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Well, as you’ve decided to go to Viti Levu Island, it’s better to exchange your currency to American or Australian dollars or at least euros in advance in your home country. Sellers accept only Fijian dollars here, so it would be no trouble to exchange American, Australian or New Zealand dollars or euros to that currency. Besides, it’s essential to know that banks are closed here on weekends, and, what is more, cashless payments are acceptable exclusively in large shopping centres in the capital city. Later, as your journey is finished, you can exchange your money in the airport of Navi, otherwise, you’ll just have no longer useful pieces of paper.

If somebody gives you a Fijian dollar depicting Elizabeth II – a person is trying to fool you, as such banknotes are not used here anymore.

Bargaining is not a common thing here. Fijians might make you a little discount if it’s a small shop, but that’s just it. On the other hand, it happens in this way only in case if a shop owner is not from India. Indians actually expect you to bargain with them, so don’t hesitate. Besides, there is a little trick. People in India believe that if the first client buys nothing, then a seller will have a bad day. So, in case you’re looking for a really nice discount, do your best to be the first one who’ll come to an Indian store.

Buying souvenirs, don’t forget that it’s forbidden to export pieces of turtle shell, corals and living plants unless you have special permission.

One of the most demanded mementos is black pearl which is mined in the local water areas. The pearls differ in various aspects: size, shape, colour. That is why prices differ as well, so anyone could find the one that would fit their budget. For instance, you can buy yourself a pearl accessory. You are also able to provide a jeweller with your own design and get a unique piece of jewellery. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Here on Viti Levu Island, one can buy not only pearl jewellery but ones with gems and semi-precious jewels, gold or silver too. Goods made by local craftsmen are highly popular as well.

Despite the fact that the island has been a Christian territory for several centuries, old faiths are not forgotten here too. Therefore, everybody can buy themselves, for example, a carved mask depicting a Fijian spirit. Braided cane baskets and mats, pottery are also sold here.

Those who are keen on everything unusual should pay their attention to decorative spears and shields that remind us of intertribal wars that used to constantly tear the island apart. One more peculiar and rather specific souvenir – Ai Cula Ni Bokola – the cannibal fork which reminds us of the cannibal traditions that used to rule on Viti Levu. You can also buy here a knife from shark’s teeth, a shark fang or a whole jaw, ritual drums, and pretty cheap shell necklace. Another original memento is a ritual cup for cooking a local drink – yaqona.

People also sell here diverse fabulous hats and locals’ traditional clothes from natural cotton. Colourful shirts are extremely nice as well. Then, you can get to duty-free stocks if you’d like to where you can buy crystal, china, watches, and even video equipment for a rather good price. There are bunches of various «sea» souvenirs like ship and boat models, binoculars and compasses.

Local markets are literally a must-visit. Markets both in Suva and Nadi are not just a place where you can purchase something but also a significant cultural object.

Spices, dried yanqona roots, local fruits and wines are presented here in great amounts. Furthermore, you can also find sandalwood and coconut soap, coconut oil, wooden and shell hand-mades, woven bracelets, grits, and beans here – basically, just anything you want. Moreover, you can go to the flea market in the capital by diverse unusual goods – from ones made by local craftsmen to children books – for a very nice price.

If you have a strong desire to do great shopping in modern shopping malls, then you should go to Morris Hedstrom City Centre, Municipal Handicraft Centre, Tappoo City, and Prouds Shopping Complex. Major discounts are provided here only on Christmas Eve.