Suva: The Heartbeat of Fiji

• HelloBula
  [Boo-lah]
• GoodbyeMoce
  [Moh-they]
• YesIo
  [Ee-oh]
• NoSega
  [Sing-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeVinaka
  [Vee-nah-ka]
• Thank youVinaka vaka levu
  [Vee-nah-ka vah-kah lay-voo]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-loh]
• How are you?O cei?
  [O they]
• Fine. And you?Vinaka. Ia, ko cei?
  [Vee-nah-ka. Ee-ah, koh they]
• Do you speak English?O iko vosoti vakaviti?
  [Oh ee-koh voh-soh-tee vah-kah-vee-thee]
• I don't understandAu sega ni kila
  [Ow sing-ah nee kee-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu vinakata me vakarau me'u menu
  [Ow vee-nah-kah-tah may vah-kah-rah may-oo menu]
• I don't eat meatAu sega ni kana bele
  [Ow sing-ah nee kah-nah beh-leh]
• Cheers!Bula vinaka!
  [Boo-lah vee-nah-ka]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAu vinakata me vakayagataka, me'u
  [Ow vee-nah-kah-tah may vah-kah-yah-gah-tah-kah, may-oo]

• Help!Veivuke!
  [Veh-ee-voo-kay]
• Go away!Lako yani!
  [Lah-koh yahn-ee]
• Call the Police!Kacivi ira na noqu mataqali!
  [Kah-thee-vee ee-rah nah noh-ngoo mah-tahn-gah-lee]
• Call a doctor!Kacivi iko e dua na tabana vakabalei!
  [Kah-thee-vee ee-koh eh doo-ah nah tah-bah-nah vah-kah-bah-lay]
• I'm lostAu sa lomani
  [Ow sah loh-mahn-ee]
• I'm illAu sa lialia
  [Ow sah lee-ah-lee-ah]

• I'd like to buy...Au vinakata me voli...
  [Ow vee-nah-kah-tah may voh-lee]
• I'm just lookingAu tiko ga e vakaraica
  [Ow tee-koh ngah eh vah-kah-ry-thah]
• How much is it?E dau vica?
  [Ay dow vee-thah]
• That's too expensiveSa vakayawa sara
  [Sah vah-kah-yah-wah sah-rah]
• Can you lower the price?Ni vakayawataka rawa?
  [Nee vah-kah-yah-wah-tah-kah rah-wah]

• What time is it?Na veisiga e vica na gauna?
  [Nah vay-see-ngah ay vee-thah nah gah-oo-nah]
• It's one o'clockE dua ga
  [Ay doo-ah ngah]
• Half past (10)Dua na kena
  [Doo-ah nah keh-nah]
• MorningYakavi
  [Yah-kah-vee]
• AfternoonYakarua
  [Yah-kah-roo-ah]
• EveningYalomalua
  [Yah-loh-mah-loo-ah]
• YesterdayNikua
  [Nee-koo-ah]
• TodayNiraica
  [Nee-rye-thah]
• TomorrowNa mataka
  [Nah mah-tah-kah]
• 1Dua
  [Doo-ah]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Va
  [Vah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Vitu
  [Vee-too]
• 8Walubu
  [Wah-loo-boo]
• 9Siva
  [See-vah]
• 10Sikeni
  [See-kay-nee]

• Where's a/the...?Ko vei e dua na...?
  [Koh vay ngah eh doo-ah nah]
• What's the address?Na veivosiga e vei na vakamacala?
  [Nah vay-ee-voh-see-ngah ay vay nah vah-kah-mah-thah-lah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ni vakaraitaka na veivosiga (e na lolo)?
  [Nee vah-kah-rye-tah-kah nah vay-ee-voh-see-ngah ay nah loh-loh]
• When's the next (bus)?E na gauna e muri mai na (basi)?
  [Ay nah gah-oo-nah ay moo-ree my nah bah-see]
• A ticket (to ....)E dua na tiketi (ki ...)
  [Ay doo-ah nah tee-keh-tee (key)]

Suva became the capital of Fiji in 1882, replacing Levuka due to its more suitable geography. The city was established during the British colonial period, and you can still see remnants of colonial architecture, particularly around the Government Buildings and Albert Park.

In 1874, Fiji was ceded to the United Kingdom. This historic event took place in Levuka, but its ramifications were deeply felt in Suva as it transitioned into the administrative center. The Deed of Cession marked the beginning of a new era, leading to the development and modernization of Suva.

During World War II, Suva played a significant role due to its strategic location in the Pacific. The city became a hub for Allied forces, and the local infrastructure was expanded to support military operations. The Suva War Memorial commemorates the Fijians who served and died in the conflict.

Fiji gained independence from British rule on October 10, 1970. The first celebrations took place in Suva, and the city continues to be the focal point for annual Independence Day festivities. The event is marked by traditional Fijian ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.

Suva is known for its multicultural population, where Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Chinese, and Europeans live together. This diversity is reflected in the city’s vibrant festivals, markets, and cuisine. Visitors can explore the Suva Municipal Market and experience firsthand the rich blend of cultures.

Established in 1968, the University of the South Pacific (USP) has its main campus in Suva. USP serves as a major educational institution for the Pacific region, attracting students from across the islands. The university has contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural life of the city.

Today, Suva is a bustling urban center and the political, economic, and cultural heart of Fiji. It boasts modern amenities, shopping centers, and an active nightlife, while still preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Landmarks such as the Fiji Museum and Thurston Gardens offer insights into the city's past and present.

Suva, the capital city of Fiji, is located on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu. The main point of entry for international travelers is Nadi International Airport (NAN), which is about 190 kilometers from Suva. From Nadi, you can take a domestic flight to Nausori Airport (SUV), which is about 23 kilometers from Suva. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, private transfer, or bus from Nadi to Suva; the journey by road typically takes around 4 hours.

Public transportation in Suva includes buses, taxis, and minibuses. Buses are the most economical option and run frequently throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive; they can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For short distances and local travel, minibuses are a common choice. Renting a car is also an option for greater flexibility, but be aware that driving is on the left side of the road.

The official currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in Suva, and currency exchange services can be found at banks and licensed exchange bureaus.

Suva is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Be cautious in neighborhoods such as Raiwaqa and Raiwai, which have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying valuable items. It is also recommended to use registered taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Suva has several hospitals and clinics, including the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, which is the largest public hospital in Fiji. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A slight bow or nod is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Fijian cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Suva like a local, visit the Suva Municipal Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Fijian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the Fiji Museum, which offers insights into Fiji’s rich heritage. For a unique experience, attend a local rugby match, as the sport is very popular in Fiji. Additionally, explore the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park for a taste of the natural beauty surrounding Suva.