Kit List

It is such a unique privilege to be welcomed as a member of a traditional community of Fiji. With this privilege we take on the great responsibility to uphold customs and culture, which Fijian people are so proud of. During your time in the village, both men and women must dress very modestly as we show the highest level of cultural sensitivity. For this reason we have a strict dress code for all projects..

Why Upholding Fijian Dress Code Is So Important…

Dressing modestly is such an important aspect of traditional village life and integral to local culture and beliefs. Our dress code is integral to our project aims and a crucially important part of your experience.

Wearing western clothing, could result in local people feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. In order to show our respect, we ask you to at all times within the village adhere to local dress and show the utmost cultural sensitivity to local people.

Being The Highest Standard Of Visitor To Fiji.

• Respect local cultural beliefs and customs
• Be proud that, with Think Pacific, we uphold the highest standards of cultural sensitivity
• Ensure that local people never feel uncomfortable or embarrassed
• Gain huge respect from within the community
• Be remembered as a humble and culturally sensitive visitor to Fiji

Dress Code Basics For All

❌ No revealing clothing, such as low cut, transparent or see through clothing.

❌ No vest tops

❌ No short length shorts (shorts should cover the knee)

❌ Women should not wear trousers (including  ¾ length trousers)

❌ No skirts and shorts above the knee!

❌ Don’t wear caps, hats or other items on your head within the village. The the head is considered sacred

Sulu (Sarong)

The sulu is an essential part of Fijian village life. All team members should wear a sulu (sarong) within the village and during workshops.  You will receive a free gift of a Think Pacific sulu at your briefing in Fiji.

Formal Occasions

• For formal occasions such as religious or cultural ceremonies, Fijian Men will wear a ‘pocket sulu’ (similar to a Scottish kilt) and a ‘bula shirt’
• Fijian Women will commonly wear a Jaba dress.
• We provide time during the briefing to buy these items from local shops (budget approximately £20-30)
• Although it may feel unusual (at first) to wear such clothing, the local people will greatly admire and respect your forethought for ITaukei culture, beliefs and traditions.

Dress Code For Men

Co-founder of Think Pacific, Harry, explains some of the clothing etiquette in different settings within Fiji for men to be considerate of..

Useful Visuals & Clothing Examples

Click to see a useful PDF visual for dress code for different village based projects

Dress Code For Women

Co-founder of Think Pacific, Harry, explains some of the clothing etiquette in different settings to help women prepare for life in a Fijian village…

Useful Visuals & Clothing Examples

Click to see a useful PDF visual for dress code for different village based projects

Important Items To Be Brought From Home…

Essentials

• Filter Water Bottle. Number one on our list. Reduce illness by bringing a good quality filter bottle.
• Bag – A suitcase is fine, but a large backpack or holdall is often easier to carry
• Mosquito Repellent (1 x large bottle per month in Fiji)
• Mosquito Net
• Small backpack / daypack (for day-to-day use)
• Single or double bed sheet or sleeping bag liner (it will be too hot for a sleeping bag)
• Towels x 2
• Torch (a head torch is useful)
• Padlock
• Cheap Watch or alarm clock (don’t rely on your phone as electricity will be limited!)
• Notebook and Pen
• Documents – Printed paper copy of your passport photo page, flight itinerary and insurance
• Sun Cream (high factor)
• Appropriate footwear – Bring good grip trainers/sneakers, walking shoes for any treks and hard wearing and protective boots for building projects (if applicable)
• Wash bag and personal care:
  • Shower gel & soap
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Razors
  • Shaving Gel
  • Small mirror
  • Tweezers
  • Tampons/sanitary towels (pack these even if you don’t expect to be on your period during project)

Optional Kit..

Additionally, you may find these items useful to bring:

• Stuff sacks (helps organise your clothes)
• Surge Protector (useful for protecting electrical items from damage from voltage fluctuations from the generators in Fiji)
• Toilet Roll x 1 roll (just as a spare, you don’t need to pack for your whole time in Fiji)
• Contact lenses/spare glasses
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Baby wipes
• Cotton wool
• Head lice shampoo
• Ear plugs

What To Wear In Fiji…

Recommended Footwear

Fijians will often walk bare foot around the village or wear loose flip flops/sandals. Day to day when walking around the village or taking part in any physical activity, we recommend that you cover feet and wear good grip trainers

Flip flops should not be worn for any physical activities, walks or sports

Project Dependent:

• Bring Protective / Hard toe capped boots (for those on the building project only)
• Rugby or football boots or moulded studs are especially useful for sports projects.

Recommended Clothing List For Men..

We advise the following as a guide for all projects:

• 7-10 x T-shirts + Think Pacific T-shirt (received during the in-country briefing)
• 3-4 x Shorts
• 2 x Shirts (short sleeve)
• Underwear x10 pairs
• Flip Flops x 2
• Good Grip Trainers x 2
• Fleece/Hoodie x 1
• Jogging bottoms/ sweat pants  x 1
• Rain Jacket / Waterproofs
• Swimming costume

You may wish to buy in Fiji…

• 1x Pocket Sulu / Bula shirt
• 1x Sulu. (you will also receive a free Think Pacific sulu in Fiji)

Recommended Clothing List For Women…

Please bring from home…

• 7-10 x Tshirts + Think Pacific T-Shirt (received during the in-country briefing)
• 3-4 x Shorts
• 3 x Shirts/Blouses
• 3 x Skirts/Midi Dresses
• 1 x Maxi Dress
• 1 x 3/4 Sports Leggings
• Underwear x10 pairs
• Flip Flops x 2
• Good Grip Trainers x 2
• Fleece/Hoodie x 1
• Jogging bottoms/ sweat pants  x 1
• Rain Jacket / waterproofs
• Swimming costume

You may wish to buy in Fiji…

• 1x Fijian dress
• 1x Sulu (you will also receive a free Think Pacific sulu in Fiji)

Tips From Previous Think Pacific Participants…

“Bring only lightweight, easily washed and loose fitting clothes”

“Pack a rugby shirt or rugby related t-shirt, Fijians will go mad for any rugby related clothing!”

“For female volunteers, it can be good to have a pair of shorter length shorts to wear under your sarong, or for bedtime (or some light pyjamas)”

Buying Clothes In Fiji (All Prices In Fijian Dollars)

You have the opportunity to buy traditional Fijian clothes during your briefing. Please budget:

• Men’s Formal sulu – $40
• Men’s Bula Shirt – $30
• Fijian Dress – $45
• Sulu – $15

Arrive Prepared, Just In Case..

Our mindset for the project is always ‘Prevention is better than cure’.

Bringing a good supply of basic first aid supplies is essential, especially when joining a rural based project.  Hopefully you won’t require these items, but our experience is that small illnesses and ailments are very common in such a different and tropical environment.

All Items To Be Brought From Home…

• First Aid Kit Bag
• Large box of Plasters (band aids)
• Adhesive Tape
• Antiseptic cream x1
• Antibacterial Hand Wash
• Cold/Flu medicine x1
• Box Painkillers x1
• Antihistamine Tablets x2
• Sting relief cream/spray x1
• Anti-diarrhoeal tablets x1 box
• Anti-constipation x1 box
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) x 40 sachets
• Water Purification x (enough for 2 weeks)
• Multi-vitamin tablets x1 box

Please note – These items, if unused, are wonderful and important donations to make to rural communities, so will never go to waste.

Only A Suggestion..

We occasionally get feedback that students wish they had taken small gifts and items with them to the village. You are not expected to bring anything and the families and kids certainly won’t expect any gifts from you. However, just in case you wanted to bring any items, we thought we would include some recommendations:

Great Example Gifts For Your Fijian Family

• Biscuits
• Flavoured Tea
• Sports Kit
• Playing Cards
• Games – travel games/ Uno / Top Trumps etc..
• Sweets
• Flags
• Novel Gifts from your home country i.e union jack tea towel (Fijian’s love items that have relevance to you and your home)

Great Example Gifts For Children

• Balloons
• Bubbles
• Wristbands
• Face-paint
• Pencils / Crayons
• Bouncy Balls
• Shiny Stickers

Top Tip From Past Participants.. Bring Photos!

“My biggest tip would be to take a small pack of printed photos or a little travel photo album with you”

“Bringing printed photos of your family and life at home is a great conversation starter”

Extra Advice..

Luggage Allowances..

For most international flights you are usually limited to one x 22kg bag plus a small bag for the plane. Please be sure to consult all airline guidelines on the exact weight allowances. Roll your clothes before packing them to save on space.

Be ruthless

If you can’t fit everything into one large bag or backpack, you’ve got too much! Pack just for 10 days. You can wash weekly and you’ll end up wearing the same clothes again and again. We’ve provided a list of essential items, important first aid and an example clothing list to help

Take a Fijian approach!

Part of immersing into a new culture is adopting local traditions, including clothing.  You can buy Fijian clothes during your briefing phase and these are perfect for everyday life. Please have a good read and consideration of Fijian dress code so you are prepared.

Take as few valuables as possible.

You don’t need valuables such as jewellery or expensive clothing. For village based projects, life in Fiji can also be harsh on your clothing so it is best taking cheap clothes that you wouldn’t be too upset if they were to get damaged. Unless you are joining our Study Internship Program, it’s not advisable to bring a laptop or tablet.

Don’t forget to bring important documents!

It is essential that bring with you:

• A paper copy of your flight itinerary
• A paper copy of your passport photo page
• A paper copy of your insurance details