The Ultimate Fiji Packing Guide: Everything You Need to Pack For Fiji (In a Carry-On!)
Are you planning a trip to Fiji and have no idea what to pack? No worries, I got you — I was in the exact same spot a few months ago!
My quick and easy Fiji travel packing checklist has everything you need to pack for your trip to paradise. Whether you’re looking for what to pack for a honeymoon in Fiji or just looking for a simple island packing list, you’ll find it here. From what clothes you need to electronics, toiletries, shoes, and even destination-specific items (don’t forget your swimsuit and mosquito repellant!), you’ll find everything organized by categories. There are also fun tips, advice on how to dress in Fiji, and even what to take to Fiji for gifts (if you’re visiting a village).
FIJI FACTS:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PACKING YOUR BAGS
– FIJI IS TROPICAL: Fiji has a warm tropical climate that makes it ideal for beach holidays. Temperatures are almost always between 26°C (79°F) to 31°C (88°F) all year round and there’s plenty of sunshine. If you’re visiting during the wet season, you might run into a few tropical storms here and there, but they rarely last more than an hour or two.
– THERE’S A WET AND A DRY SEASON: Thanks to the southeast trade winds, Fiji has its dry season from May to October and the rainy season from November to April. It’s rare that you’ll be caught in a tropical storm, but it could happen.
– FIJI DRESS CODE: If you’re wondering how to dress in Fiji, don’t worry too much: Fiji doesn’t have a strict dress code like in many other countries. If you’re staying in a resort or an island hotel, the rules are relaxed. If you’re planning to visit a Fijian village, there’s a slightly stricter dress code — I have a whole section below that includes what to wear, what gifts to bring, and so on. :)
HOW I PACKED FOR FIJI: THE LOWDOWN
I visited Fiji in February 2020 for 10 days along with my family (it was my dad’s birthday!). I managed to fit all of my clothing in a carry-on that would last me for 10 days. During the trip, we mainly stayed on Beqa Island, with a few days on the main island (Viti Levu). Since there are so many things to do in Fiji, I tried to include everything I needed, from simple leisure clothing to heavy-duty activewear.
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Here’s my ultimate guide to packing for a trip to Fiji. Let’s check it out!
WHAT TO PACK FOR FIJI
CLOTHING
– 1x Long-Sleeved shirt – Since Fiji is a tropical country, you won’t need many warm items. However, I still recommend bringing one long-sleeve shirt that you can wear on the cold airplane (true story – I got sick on the flight back to SFO because it was freezing on the plane!) or on a chilly night. As a bonus, it’s an effective mosquito repellant :)
-1x or 2x short sleeve t-shirts – These shirts will be used for your everyday activities, such as lounging around, hiking, exploring the city, and so on. For my Fiji trip, I packed one “trendy” graphic shirt and another “functional” shirt. I recommend cotton, bamboo, and other natural fabrics to wick away moisture and keep cool.
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– 1x pair of shorts AND/OR 1x skirt – A nice pair for shorts (or a skirt!) is perfect for walking around, chilling on a boat, or looking stylish in the heat. A few readers asked if wearing shorts in Fiji is okay, and the answer is yes, as long as they’re not super short and worn around your resort.
I particularly love these jean shorts and tropical prints:
– 1x pair of long pants – You can pair this with your long-sleeved shirt to warm up on chilly nights. I brought a comfortable yet fashionable pair of black sweatpants to wear on the airplane as well as the (2 hour!) car transfer from the airport to our resort.
-1x to 2x Dresses – Just because you’re visiting a warm environment doesn’t mean you can’t dress up nicely! 😉
I recommend bringing one “fancy” dress to wear to restaurants and for photos, and one “casual” dress for everyday wear (visiting tourist attractions, lounging around the hotel, walking around. etc.)
I bought this palm-tree dress two days before we flew to Fiji and it became one of my favorite pieces of clothing on the trip! It’s lightweight, doesn’t take up much space in my luggage, is a great after-pool coverup, and thanks to its long sleeves, it protects against mosquitoes and sunburn. Plus I got a ton of compliments from other hotel guests. :)
-Scarf or Sarong — If you’re looking for a multi-functional piece of clothing, you have to pack a long scarf or sarong! It’s fantastic for a bunch of things, like visiting a local village or temple, covering up after going to the pool/ocean, using it as a pillow on airplanes, or wrapping around your neck and using it as an oversized scarf.
-Sleepwear – As mentioned above, bamboo or cotton sleepwear will keep you nice and cool. Some resorts only have really weak fans that don’t do a good job of cooling down the room, so it’s a good idea to pack loose and lightweight sleepwear.
For ladies, I like these tank top and short sets in tropical prints — perfect for sweet tropical dreams. 🍍
-Sports bra – If you’re planning to hike or do some sort of adventurous activity (or even work out at the hotel gym!), it’s a good idea to pack a sports bra.
-Bras & Underwear – Cotton and other light fabrics work best.
-1x to 2x Pairs of Socks – You won’t need too many socks since you’ll be wearing sandals all the time, but it’s good to take along in case you’re planning to wear sneakers, but more on that in the section below!
PC: Alex Azabache
SHOES
-1x pair of flip flops — One pair of flip-flops or sandals is good enough to pack for a trip to Fiji. Since you’ll be around water and sand all the time, I recommend picking shoes that aren’t too expensive — feel free to leave those $500 Gucci flip-flops at home. ;)
– 1x pair of sneakers — Don’t forget to pack a comfortable pair of sneakers if you’re planning to go hiking around Fiji’s beautiful waterfalls or walking around Suva. I recommend wearing your sneakers onboard the airplane so that a) you won’t get cold and b) you’ll be wearing your heaviest shoes, which means more weight for your carry-on. A win-win!
I absolutely love my Adidas superstars and take them on every trip — they’re that versatile! They go with all of my outfits, they’re timelessly chic, and they’re comfortable to walk around. In fact, my current record was walking around 14 miles in Paris in my Superstars.
-1x Pair of water shoes [OPTIONAL] — If you’re planning to do water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or chilling out in the ocean, it’s a good idea to consider water shoes (also known as reef shoes). They’ll protect you from stepping on uncomfortable underwater rocks, cutting your feet, or stepping on slippery underwater critters. Best of all, they don’t take up much space in your luggage and can be rolled up!
ACCESSORIES
– One Wide brim hat —Stylish and sun-safe? Yes please! ;)
Choose a hat with a wide brim to add an extra layer of protection from the sun.
I bought two hats with me: an oversized summer hat, which is trending this year, as well as a cute and classical straw raffia hat. For extra effect, I clipped a fake flower (see below) to the inner brim.
Flower hair clip — If you want the tropical effect of wearing a flower in your hair but don’t want the flower spewing sticky water all over your hair (or having it wilt within 5 minutes in the sun), a flower hair clip is the perfect alternative. You can simply clip it in behind your ears or use it to keep your bangs out of your face in hot weather.
Sunglasses — Now that you have a hat, don’t forget about shielding your eyes from the sun too! Here are some of my favorite styles:
Passport Cover — Last but not least, breeze through customs in style with a cute passport cover. I have a whole blog post on cute passport covers here, or if you’re feeling extra tropical, check out some of my favorite picks below:
WATER SPORTS
-Two pairs of swimsuits: 1x Cute & 1x Functional – Since Fiji is a water activity paradise, I recommend bringing two pairs of swimsuits (or more if your luggage can manage it!).
Bring a cute swimsuit to lounge around in and swim, as well as a “functional” one if you plan to do water sports like Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayaking.
-Cover up — If you’re done swimming but don’t want to leave the beach just yet, simply throw on a chic cover up to protect yourself from the sun (and re-apply your sunscreen, of course 
).
-Dry bag — Like the name says, a dry bag, well, keeps your stuff dry! It’s a bag that has a watertight seal to keep out water and is usually used for a trip to the beach, as well as water sports like kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and so on.
SNORKEL GEAR: TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK?
If you’re debating on whether or not to pack your snorkeling gear for Fiji, I recommend keeping it at home. Most hotels and resorts have it for free or to rent, and it’s too much space — something we all need when we’re traveling with a carry-on!
However, if you insist, here’s a great opinion:
MEDICINE
Better safe than sorry! You won’t need to pack too many things in this category, but it’s a good idea to have the following just in case. Since we’re going to take all of this in a carry-on, I’ve picked travel-sized items — so you won’t have to worry about TSA taking your sunscreen before your big trip!
-Mosquito repellant — As a self-professed mosquito magnet, this was a lifesaver during my trip to Fiji. Those Fijian mozzies don’t play around: on the first night, I was covered in bites (I even counted: 23 to be exact 
).
-Sunscreen & Aloe Cream — Since Fiji gets a solid 8 hours of sunshine almost all year ‘round, it’s important to be protected against the elements! If you’re planning to chill out and hit the beach, a regular sunscreen that’s over 30+ SPF should do just fine. However, if you want to do water sports or adventure activities, it’s worth it to upgrade to a higher SPF.
Don’t forget to read the directions and re-apply every 80 minutes or so!
In case you forget to put on sunscreen, there’s always aloe cream to help cool down and sooth the sunburn. ;)
-Powdered Electrolyte Drink — I throw a few of these into my backpack whenever I travel and drink a bottle when I’m on the airplane (it can get dehydrating up there!) and when I’m outside of the hotel for the entire day (it helps keep my energy up). One dissolved packet of powder is the same as 3 bottles of water, plus it weighs almost nothing. :)
-Medicine Kit — This super-tiny medicine kit (it’s only 3.5 oz!) is another one of my travel must-haves. It’s always in my backpack and perfect for a small emergency, like a cut or allergies.
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NOTE: If you’re taking actual, prescription medication, be sure to check with Fiji’s High Commission website to see what you can and cannot take with you.
TOILETRIES
– Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste — Instead of taking my regular toothbrush, I use this mini travel kit that has a foldable toothbrush (!!) and a travel-size toothpaste.
– Face wash — Since Fiji is a warm country and I didn’t want my toiletries to melt or spill, I packed this green tea cleansing stick. It did an amazing job of taking off my sunscreen, sweat, and other dirt — especially after we did an intense hike around our island.
– Face Sheet Masks — I like to take a few sheet masks with me on any trip and treat myself to a mini spa day — even if it’s just 15 minutes with a sheet mask on my face and a reality show on my phone screen. 
These masks are perfect to pack for a trip to Fiji because they’re all infused with antioxidants and aloe vera (perfect for after-sun recovery!)
ELECTRONICS
– Plug Adapter — If you want your electronics to work, don’t forget the adapter!
(Unless you’re from Australia or New Zealand – your electronics are fine 😅)
Fiji uses the Type I socket, which is a three-pin plug that uses 240 volts. However, some resorts have plugs that can handle both 110 and 240 volts.
In any case, I have the following set and love it. I’ve been using them for the last 5 years without any problem, and simply take whichever plug(s) I need and throw them in my luggage.
If you don’t want to buy a whole pack, you can also buy the individual Plug I adapter here:
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– Camera — I took most of my photos and videos on my Sony A6400 camera during my trip to Fiji. Without turning this section into a technological overview, I’ll try to be quick and succinct: The A6400 is an excellent and user-friendly camera that has so many amazing features. One of my favorites is the ability to wirelessly transfer photos to your smartphone, which is perfect when you want to share high-quality photos with your friends (or IG followers) without having to use clunky and overwhelming cables. There are also 10 different modes (great for a variety of shots) and a screen that pops out (which was one of the original reasons why I chose this model, in case I ever wanted to become a vlogger).
If you’re planning to buy a ‘professional’ camera (and I say this because I usually take photos on my iPhone ;P), go for a bundle like the one below. That way, you’ll get a ton of useful accessories like SD cards, extra batteries, and tripods included.
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– GoPro — If you want to take amazing videos (especially action shots!), look into buying a GoPro. My dad loves to scuba dive and takes his Hero 8 GoPro to document all of his dives.
It’s easy to use, super durable, and captures everything with its wide-angle lens.
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BAGGAGE
-Small Purse — No trip is complete without a small purse! Pop in your wallet, passport, keys, and other small accessories. Since we’re visiting Fiji, you can match the atmosphere with a cute rattan handbag like the ones below:
-A Stylish Carry-on — Make sure to choose a lightweight and sturdy carry-on — here are some of my top picks:
-Backpack — Since most airlines give you a small hand luggage allowance, why not use it? I usually pack my purse, laptop, chargers, books/magazines, and other small accessories into my backpack. I use the Kroser backpack and love it (#1 below) but any sturdy backpack will do. :)
-Packing Cubes – Last but certainly not least, I highly recommend adding packing cubes to your Fiji packing list. These things are lightweight but really help organize your stuff! I have one bag dedicated to clothes, another one for bikinis/underwear/coverups, another for toiletries, and a final one to store my shoes. Take it from me: packing cubes are a lifesaver, especially for those of us who love to be organized all the time. :wink:
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN VISITING A VILLAGE IN FIJI
If you’re planning to visit a Fijian village or going on a village visit tour, there are some special rules to follow. Here’s a quick list to help you :)
HATS: It’s disrespectful to wear hats in a Fijian village — don’t forget to take them off and stow them in your bag before you enter a village, or leave them at the resort if it’s not too far away.
CLOTHING: Both men and women are asked to dress conservatively when going to a village in Fiji. Women should wear clothing that cover their shoulders and knees — a simple shirt and long skirt should suffice. Men have to follow a similar dress code and could wear a nice shirt and knee-length shorts or pants. If you’re visiting a Fijian village through your resort or hotel, many offer a complimentary sulu (a type of Fijian sarong) to tie around your waist.
GIFTS: It’s customary to bring gifts when visiting a Fijian village. Usually your tour guide or hotel takes care of this when they bring a Yaqona (kava root), but it’s always a good idea to bring small gifts for the children in the village. We bought a few coloring books and crayon sets and it was an instant hit with the kids!
There are a lot of different options you can bring – we asked our guide and he recommended the following things: Stationary, children’s books, coloring books, small toys, pens/pencils/crayons, maps, clothes, toothbrushes, stickers, etc.
However, please note that it’s better not to bring lollipops or candy, as the dental health in Fijian villages isn’t the best.
FIJI PACKING TIPS
For those who don’t want to read the whole post but still want to be informed, here’s a quick summary!
– CHOOSE THESE FABRICS:
Picking clothes that are made out of cotton, bamboo, and other natural fabrics will help wick away moisture and keep cool on hot Fijian days.
– PICK MULTIFUNCTIONAL CLOTHES:
For example, my palm dress doubled as a regular dress as well as a beach coverup. Picking clothes that can do double (or even triple) duty means that you’ll use up less space — AKA more space for souvenirs. ;)
– BRING THE ESSENTIALS:
Besides the usual things, don’t forget to pack three important things: mosquito repellant, sunscreen, and a dry bag.
– BUY GIFTS IN ADVANCE IF YOU’RE VISITING A VILLAGE:
Be a gracious guest (you’re visiting their home, after all!) and bring a few small gifts for the kids, such as stationary, books, small toys, clothes, toothbrushes, stickers, and so on. No sugary candy though!
Are you excited to visit Fiji? I hope this packing guide helped you choose what to add to your luggage!
Thank you for this useful list Luda! It’s full of great reco that we can use for any tropical destinations :)
Thank you so much! :)
Thank you!
Heading to Fiji soon and there are some great tips here!
I most wanted to know what I could bring for locals.
🙏🏻❤️