Lambasa, Fiji 🇫🇯
#1752
-16.433275, 179.366485
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lambasa is the largest town on the northern island of Vanua Levu in Fiji, known for its rich culture and lush surroundings. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Internet speed averages around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Fijian Dollar (FJD), with an exchange rate of approx. 1 USD ≈ 2.13 FJD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally considered not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Vodafone and Digicel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Westpac and ANZ banks are commonly used; both provide international services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and hotels in Lambasa. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at major establishments, but cash is still preferred in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term accommodations at reasonable prices. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Stay at Lambasa Hotel or local hostels for budget-friendly lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lambasa’s local cafes serve as informal coworking spaces with Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Nai Vatu Cafe offers good coffee and a relaxed environment for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local expat groups on Facebook for meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings often take place at the Lambasa Cultural Center. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The local taxi services are reliable; there's no major ride-sharing app like Uber in Lambasa. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No major bike rental services available, but local shops may offer scooters for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Natua Beach, about 30 minutes away, is a beautiful spot for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fiji Airways operates regional flights to Lambasa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Fiji Airways and Qantas cover international flights to and from Fiji. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Lambasa is connected via the Kings Road to other major towns in Fiji. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lambasa does not have a train station; public buses are the main transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses operate on a pay-per-ride system with no specific passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Lambasa to cities like Suva and Nadi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lambasa Hospital is the main healthcare facility, providing essential services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at various community centers occasionally. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms such as Fit Fiji offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Dry cleaners and laundromats are available in central Lambasa. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is limited; check local restaurants for takeaway options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Lovo', a traditional Fijian dish cooked in an underground oven. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some local markets offer vegetarian options; vegetarian restaurants are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the local bakeries for fresh pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Lambasa Market offers fresh produce and local snacks at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local e-commerce; international sites like Amazon are accessible. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited availability; local supermarkets like Foster's have takeout options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; local hotels often have bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Tavoro Falls Brewery offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine is limited; better options are found in larger cities. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available at local markets, offering local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Indian and Chinese dishes due to local demographics. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Lambasa Temple is a significant cultural landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Lambasa Cultural Center showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Buka Village, nearby, has historical significance in Fijian culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hindu temples are prominent; notably, the Shree Sanatan Hindu Temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Diwali and Fiji Day are celebrated with community events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Central Lambasa is a blend of cultures, visible in markets and festivities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local playhouses occasionally host traditional Fijian performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Lambasa Market operates daily, featuring local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands play traditional Fijian music at festivals and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Informal art expressions can be found on community walls. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local classes might take place during cultural festivals. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local exhibitions can be found in cultural centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Fijian structures are found throughout the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Fijian culture is reflected in the community's customs and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Vakalolo Island for its natural beauty and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bouma National Heritage Park is easily accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths and rural roads are suitable for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit local hills for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Botted National Park has diverse bird species and trails. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office provides parcel services; DHL operates for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Some local shops offer basic tech support and repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Found in community centers and schools. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes are occasionally offered at local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; the local community center has resources for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present; local entertainment is more relaxed. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = FJD 100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = FJD 80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = FJD 180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = FJD 150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = FJD 280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = FJD 240,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max. personal tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% Standard Value Added Tax (VAT). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Fiji enforces CFC rules for taxing foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable; based on property value and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% transactional tax on property sales. |