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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Lambasa is a town in the northern part of Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant local culture. |
👥 Population | Approximately 17,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Fijian Dollar (FJD). 1 FJD ≈ 0.46 USD. |
🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone Fiji and Digicel with various prepaid plans available. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Westpac and ANZ are available, accepting international cards. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to local hotels. Airbnb also operates in the area. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used. Cards are accepted in many establishments. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting around 80 FJD per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Lambasa Lodge offers affordable rates starting around 50 FJD per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Lambasa town area provides easy access to restaurants and shops. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the town center where cafes and coworking spaces are located. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Lambasa doesn't have established coworking spaces; local cafes are popular for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café 3C has decent internet and a calm environment for working. |
💼 Networking Events | Local business meetings and community events are held at the Lambasa Community Center. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups are organized by the Lambasa Expats Facebook group. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; Uber and similar apps are not operational in Lambasa. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops offer scooters at around 30 FJD per day. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Natua Beach is about 15 minutes away. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fiji Link is the main regional airline for hops to other islands. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Fiji Airways operates international flights to and from the mainland. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Lambasa is accessible via the main highway connecting to other major towns on Vanua Levu. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public bus stations are the primary transit hubs in Lambasa. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate frequently and offer affordable fares, typically around 1.50 FJD per trip. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis connect Lambasa to nearby towns like Savusavu and Nabouwalu. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Lambasa Hospital provides general healthcare services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers are limited; local practitioners offer private sessions. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym options are scarce; outdoor fitness is popular. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found locally, with prices around 15-20 FJD per load. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Currently, there are no specific food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Lovo, a traditional Fijian feast cooked in an earth oven. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available in local eateries, particularly fresh salads and dishes made with root vegetables. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Natadola Ice Cream offers locally made ice cream with tropical flavors. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Lambasa Market provides fresh produce and local goods at reasonable prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; best to utilize international platforms for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited; visiting local stores is recommended. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local pubs like The Last Resort offer a relaxed atmosphere. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Tropical Brewing Company produces local beers available in stores. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Wine selections can be found in some restaurants; dedicated wine bars are rare. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available at the markets, particularly fried bananas and fresh fruit. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Indian and Chinese cuisine, evident in local eateries. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lambasa Church and the Lambasa Marina are notable sites. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | No dedicated museums; local art is displayed in community centers. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Historical features are limited to local architecture and community sites. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Lambasa Hindu Temple showcases Fijian Indo culture. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Lambasa Carnival is held annually, celebrating local culture and community. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center exhibits a blend of Fijian and Indo-Fijian cultures. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Community halls occasionally host performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Lambasa Market operates daily and is a hub of local commerce. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local bands perform at various events, showcasing Fijian music. |
🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local art is mostly confined to traditional outlets. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes on traditional Fijian and Indo-Fijian dishes. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local artists display work in public venues. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings are present throughout the town. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The blend of indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian cultures is prevalent across the town. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Taveuni Island and Bouma National Heritage Park are accessible for natural excursions. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bouma National Heritage Park offers public access to waterfalls and hiking trails. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited trails within town; most outdoor activities are nature-based. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Lambasa lookout point is a popular spot for photos. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Taveuni Island is known for diverse bird species and is accessible via ferry. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Natua Beach are suitable for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office handles parcel delivery; limited international options available. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops offer basic tech services; specialized repairs may require travel to Suva. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have recreational activities, including table tennis. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Fijian language classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Lambasa Library is available for reading and study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Lambasa Community Centre offers space for events and gatherings. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; popular games are often played at local cafes. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Lambasa; nearby resorts provide entertainment options. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 FJD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 100,000 FJD). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,000 FJD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 80,000 FJD). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,800 FJD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 168,000 FJD). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,300 FJD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 138,000 FJD). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000 FJD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 240,000 FJD). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500 FJD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 200,000 FJD). |
💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Resident taxation on worldwide income basis. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax is 9%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules applicable. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual fee based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% for property sales. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No taxes on income earned outside Fiji for non-residents. |