Ba, Fiji ๐ซ๐ฏ
#1753
-17.54571, 177.684073
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
๐๏ธ City | Ba is a vibrant town on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji, known for its sugar cane industry and rich cultural heritage. |
๐ฅ Population | Approx. 43,000 |
๐ป Internet Speed | Average speed of 5-10 Mbps; best options in coworking spaces and cafes. |
๐ธ Currency & Banking | Currency is Fijian Dollar (FJD); 1 FJD โ 0.47 USD. |
๐ฐ Tap Water | Generally safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended. |
๐ Power | 240V, 50Hz, ๐ Type I sockets |
๐ถ SIM Card | Available through providers like Vodafone and Digicel. |
๐ณ Banking for Expats | Common options are ANZ and Westpac. ATMs are widely available. |
๐ Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to Airbnb listings starting around FJD 200 per night. |
๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept credit cards. |
๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide excellent short-term options. |
๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Ba Backpackers offer dormitory beds from FJD 50 per night. |
Working and Networking
๐ข Best Coworking Space | The Lab, offering Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and a communal atmosphere. |
โ Best Cafe for Work | Ba Market Cafe provides a relaxing environment with Wi-Fi and local food. |
๐ผ Networking Events | Local business groups and expat meetups occurring monthly. |
๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Check out the Facebook group 'Expat Life in Fiji' for meetups and events. |
Transportation
๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis; no Uber currently operates in Ba. |
๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available from local shops for around FJD 60 per day. |
๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Nadi Bay, is about 30 minutes away by car. |
โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Fiji Airways serves domestic and regional flights. |
โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Fiji Airways, Pacific Airlines are primary carriers. |
๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Access to the Queens Road connects Ba with Suva and Nadi. |
๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Ba does not have train services; buses provide transport to nearby towns. |
๐ Public Transport Passes | There are no dedicated public transport passes; cash is needed for bus fares. |
โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby towns like Lautoka and Nadi. |
Health and Wellness
๐ฅ Best Hospital | Ba Mission Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Whole Living Centre offers yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness stations are available at the Ba Civic Centre. |
๐งบ Laundry Services | Multiple laundromats available around the town; self-service options also exist. |
Food and Drink
๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Finders is a popular local food delivery service. |
๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample Lovo, a traditional Fijian dish featuring meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. |
๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local eateries offer vegetarian dishes; check out Ba's Veggie Market. |
๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Try the local Fijian coconut pastries at Baโs sweet shops. |
๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Ba Market provides fresh produce and local products at budget-friendly prices. |
๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops operate online via Facebook and other platforms. |
๐ Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets offer delivery services; options are limited. |
๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out the Ba Sports Club for nightlife activity. |
๐ป Local Brewery | Try local Fiji Bitter, a popular beer made in Fiji. |
๐ท Wine Bars | Fiji Vine offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local street food at the nightly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. |
๐ Popular International Cuisine | Several Indian and Chinese restaurants are available, such as Ba Indian Restaurant. |
Culture and Attractions
๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Baโs sugar cane fields and the Ba River are notable attractions. |
๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Ba does not have large museums; local cultural sites can be explored. |
๐ฐ Historical Sites | Visit the historic churches and old sugar mill remains in the area. |
๐ Religious Sites | The Ba Methodist Church is a significant landmark for visitors. |
๐ Annual Events | The Ba Festival held every September celebrates local culture. |
๐จ Cultural Districts | Explore the local markets for a taste of Fijian culture. |
๐ญ Theater Venues | Local community plays are held in schools and community centers. |
๐๏ธ Local Markets | Ba Market is a great spot for local crafts and foods. |
๐ผ Music Scene | Live music can be found at local events; Fijian drumming is a highlight. |
๐จ Street Art | Limited street art but community mural projects can be found. |
๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Classes are available for traditional Fijian cooking; check local listings. |
๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Local artisans showcase work at markets; limited gallery options. |
๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | Old sugar mills and colonial architecture can be explored. |
๐ด Local Heritage | Fijian culture is rich; explore through local community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore nearby Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park for hiking and beauty. |
๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | The Koroyanitu National Heritage Park offers trails and wildlife spotting. |
๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic routes along the Ba River are ideal for biking. |
๐ Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltops around Ba offer beautiful sunset views over the town. |
๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Explore areas around the rivers for a variety of bird species. |
๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ask locals for designated bonfire areas by the river. |
Other Services and Amenities
๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | Service provided by local couriers and Fiji Post. |
๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Limited options available; check local ads for phone repair services. |
๐ Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may host table tennis events. |
๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Local centers offer basic Fijian language classes. |
๐ Libraries & Study Spots | The Ba Civic Center has a reading area for students. |
๐๏ธ Community Centers | Ba has several community centers for cultural and social activities. |
๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Limited; gaming is popular among locals at home. |
๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Ba does not have casinos; Nadi is the nearest option. |
Business
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 4,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 30 mยฒ = FJD 120,000) |
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 3,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 30 mยฒ = FJD 90,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 3,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 50 mยฒ = FJD 175,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 2,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 50 mยฒ = FJD 125,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 3,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = FJD 240,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 2,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = FJD 176,000) |
๐ผ Corporate Tax | Income tax for companies is generally around 20%. |
๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard rate is 15% on dividend distributions. |
๐ฆ Tax System | Residents pay tax on worldwide income; progressive rates apply. |
๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
๐งพ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 9%. |
๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist. |
๐ Property Tax | Yes, applicable based on property valuation. |
๐ Property Transaction Tax | Sales tax on property transactions is approximately 3%. |