Recently there was a question on a Facebook group asking:
What’s one thing you didn’t know about living in Fiji that would have been helpful / wish you knew before moving?
And after living here for 18 years I found the answers unsurprising but a good reminder for me about what newcomers find challenging. (And, of course, I grabbed my popcorn for the inevitable counterarguments!). I thought I’d share what others have found helpful to know before moving here. Many of my clients use Find Your Feet Fiji for a 1-hour consultation to find out what it will be like for them. Whether that is a single worker, a family of 6 or a family with furry friends, it is different for everyone.
Trading Hustle for Paradise
That’s what I thought I was doing. I had visions of white sandy beaches and the kids playing nicely together in the shallows. The reality was different. I moved to Suva, you can’t swim in the waters of Suva because of the pollution. The kids still fought like siblings do. I tell my clients “same circus / different tent” for a family with children. As a family of 5, I found the “paradise” part kicked in with affordable full-time house help.
Moving to Fiji brought different challenges for me and my young family. But together with the wonderful help from a friend, I was prepared and knew what to bring and what to leave behind. It is this friend who inspired me to start Find Your Feet Fiji as everyone needs someone ‘on their side’ for a move like this.
Island Life: Beyond the Brochure
Most people planning a move to Fiji will be scouring everything from travel articles to insightful blog posts from those who’ve already blazed the expat trail. it is useful to get a well-rounded picture of what to expect. These resources have highlighted that island life isn’t all swaying hammocks and endless buffets.
There’s the famous “Fiji Time” – a slower pace that some find refreshing, while others need some time to adjust to. And while the fresh seafood is sure to be incredible, people miss the wider variety of food options they’re used to back home. Comments from folks on social media also mentioned navigating healthcare and school options.
Rugby in Fiji is like a religion. Going to a rugby match here is great fun, even if you don’t know the rules. The crowd atmosphere is electric. Keep an eye on the newspaper or online to find out when a game will be played near you.
Island Charm with a Dose of Reality
But here’s the thing – Fiji offers so much more than picture-perfect beaches. Expats who’ve been here for years, like Greg with his two decades of experience, have found the healthcare system adequate and consumer goods available. Tom, another expat, even raves about Fijian drivers (minus the occasional pothole, of course!).
The takeaway? Fiji offers a unique blend of island charm and the challenges that come with adapting to a new way of life. Find Your Feet Fiji can get you ready to embrace it all!
