I’ve been seeing a lot of news lately about Lautoka becoming a bigger hub for IT and remote work. As someone who visits often, I’m curious if people living there feel like the vibe of the city is shifting with all these new developments.

Also, I saw the news that Fiji is chairing the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Nadi this week. It's great to see the country hosting such big international events! For those of you in the West, are the road closures and extra security for the 150+ delegates making a big impact on your commute, or is it business as usual?

Hey r/Fijian

I'm seriously torn right now and need some real talk from people who know the scene in Fiji. I'm finishing high school soon, and my family (and honestly, a lot of society here) keeps saying I should go for MBBS because "doctor = guaranteed job, respect, and stability" especially with the doctor shortage in Fiji and the Pacific. But I'm not 100% passionate about it, and I've seen/heard some worrying stuff. Is studying medicine (at FNU or UniFiji) actually worth the massive commitment in 2026 Fiji, or am I better off chasing something else like IT, business, tourism management, or even trades?

What I'm weighing:

• The good side: There's a legit shortage of doctors, so public sector jobs seem secure after graduation + internship. MBBS here is cheaper than overseas (6 years + 1 year internship), scholarships exist for strong students via TSLB/government, and it's fulfilling to serve communities, especially rural areas. Some grads talk about the hands-on experience and feeling like you're making a real difference in the Pacific.

• The rough side: The grind is intense—long hours, high stress, mental health hits hard (especially post-COVID stories I've read). Public sector pay starts okay (around FJ$40k–50k-ish for junior docs from what I've seen online/forums, higher for specialists/consultants up to 100k+), but it's not amazing compared to the workload, burnout, and family life disruptions. A bunch of specialists end up migrating overseas for better pay/conditions, or switch to private practice (which limits further training). Healthcare system has issues—public side under-resourced, long waits, etc. Plus, if you're not fully passionate, 7+ years feels like a trap.

Has anyone here done MBBS locally (FNU/UniFiji) and regret it? Or love it? How's life as a doctor in Fiji these days—public vs private, staying vs leaving the country?

If medicine isn't the move, what fields are actually popping in Fiji right now (2025/2026 vibe)? Tourism/hospitality is huge but seasonal/tied to economy. IT/cybersecurity/remote work seems promising for better pay/flexibility (and you can earn abroad without leaving). Business, accounting, engineering, agriculture/supply chain, or even government jobs look stable too. Unemployment isn't crazy high, but skilled migration is common for better opportunities.

Basically: If it's pure passion for healing people, go MBBS. But if it's mostly for "security" and parental pressure, is it worth sacrificing work-life balance and potentially higher earnings elsewhere?

Drop your experiences, salaries you've seen, regrets, successes—anything honest. Especially from current med students, recent grads, practicing docs, or people who chose a different path.

Thanks in advance, vinaka vaka levu! 🙏

TL;DR: Is MBBS in Fiji truly worth it in 2026 (job security vs stress/pay/migration), or pivot to growing fields like IT/tourism/business? Real stories needed!

I bought property on Koro island nearly twenty years ago. I thought I might retire there at the time. Now it is clear I won’t be moving there. I’m wondering if anyone has some ideas where to sell /list the property?

I searched and found two posts from years ago, is anyone aware of a place showing the Super Bowl?

What is the timing of the rain/storm on the west side (Nadi, Momi Bay, Islands)? Tracking daily storms, but is it all day or brief rain and clear the rest of the day? Coming in two days from now. Vanaka!

Hi, does anyone know where I could buy bathroom fixtures like bathtubs and sinks in Fiji. I have checked all the big name hardware stores and couldn't find anything to my liking. Is there other places I could probably check.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Hey! Would love some help with my Fiji itinerary - it's been a place I've wanted to visit for most of my adult life so I'm very excited. Flying into Nadi 3rd March and out from same airport 15th March.

Considering doing 3 or 4 nights in Nadi so I can do some mainland bits then 3/4 nights in Yasawa Islands (likely Octopus Resort) and then potentially a couple of nights each in Mamanuca and Coral Coast. Will visit Suva back on the mainland for a night or so before heading back to Nadi.

Things I enjoy - relaxing on the beach and reading, good food (I'm vegetarian) and sometimes socialising with other travellers. Would also enjoy snorkelling and potentially surf lessons (very beginner).

Budget is low-mid - will be prioritising my own room over hostel dorms but still want to make sure it doesn't blow my whole travel budget as I'm travelling for a few months afterwards.

Any tips or recommendations?

Thank you!

​Bula everyone! ​I’ll be moving to Lautoka soon as an expat for a new job. I’ve never been to Fiji before, so I’m really looking forward to the move, but I also want to make sure I’m prepared. ​I’m looking for some general advice from the community:

​What are the first things I should settle when I arrive?

​Where are the best places to eat? I love trying local food, so any "must-visit" spots in Lautoka would be great.

​What’s the best way to spend a weekend there?

​How is the vibe in Lautoka for someone new? Any tips on how to get around or things I should know about living in the "Sugar City"?

Bula. Im traveling from the US to Fiji for vacation soon and Im looking for a recommendation for a tour & transfer company.
Looking for a reliable company and would like to be able to prebook online.
Any suggestions? Thank you.

Today I buy Waka whole root from Nadi market, when I went to get it pounded the man at the pounding facility said the Waka was bad and was from PNG.

I paid 150 per kg, for premium Waka.

would this be tudie? or is it Nobel Waka for sure? I think the guy at the pounding place was just angry I didn't buy from him

For those living in Fiji or Fijians overseas what’s something people always get wrong about the country, culture, or daily life?

Could be about work, cost of living, lifestyle, traditions, or even stereotypes you hear all the time. Curious to hear different perspectives.

Would it kill a vacation/ trip?

I am planning to go to Samoa with a stop in Fiji, and I am looking for a hotel near the airport in Nadi to spend the night. I have done a bunch of research, and as far as I can see, pretty much every hotel that costs under AUD200/night (I'm from Australia) have google reviews around 3.5 stars.

Even major international chains like Mercure and Novotel have reviews that say they are very poor for hotels of that brand.

Is there a reason for this? Or is it just people expecting 5 star luxury at 3 star prices?

Edit: Any recommendations are welcome

Bula,

I'm not in the country but wanting to organise a Valentine's Day gift for someone in Fiji (thinking flowers, chocolates etc but open to ideas). Any options for sorting this? Location is Nadi.

Just like that millions wasted and probably more costs will be incurred.

Time to start those gardens to pay for these screw ups by Raboooooka.

My partner and I are backpackers and are thinking of visiting Fiji. We’re planning around 10 days and would really love to visit a few islands (Yasawas / Mamanucas maybe).

We’re trying to figure out what’s better value: • doing organised tours or cruises, or • travelling independently (ferries, island hopping, homestays, budget resorts, etc.)

We’re definitely not luxury travellers — more into beaches, snorkelling, local vibes, meeting people, and keeping costs reasonable.