Lautoka, Fiji 🇫🇯
#1062
-17.604395, 177.453013
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lautoka is the second largest city in Fiji, located on the western coast of Vitilevu. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 52,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency used is Fijian Dollar (FJD). 1 USD ≈ 2.20 FJD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink in Lautoka. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Digicel and Vodafone, offering prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Westpac, ANZ, and BSP. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available via Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels like Tanoa Waterfront Hotel are available. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lautoka Coworking Space offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Hub is a popular work-friendly cafe with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized by local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Fiji Expat Community on Facebook organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | SafeRide is a reliable local taxi service app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at various local shops and hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Natadola Beach is renowned and accessible within a 30-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fiji Airways provides domestic flight connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Qantas operate flights to Lautoka. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Queen's Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lautoka does not have a train service; buses are available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets are sold on board and vary by distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Lautoka to Nadi and Suva frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lautoka Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Fiji offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Fiji is a popular gym offering various fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Fiji offers a variety of local cuisine and international options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Lovo is a traditional Fijian dish cooked in an underground oven. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Salad Bar offers fresh vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Cafe serves a variety of desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Lautoka Market is great for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop Fijian is a popular online marketplace for local products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery can be ordered through local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit the Lautoka Wharf for nightlife and local bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Fiji Beer Company brews famous local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Lautoka has few wineries; however, some bars offer local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food vendors at the Lautoka Market offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Golden Dragon serves popular Chinese dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Lautoka Botanical Gardens and the Sugar Mill are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Visit the Fiji Museum for local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Lautoka Sugar Mill is significant. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Explore St. John's Anglican Church for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lautoka Sugar Festival is celebrated annually, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old Town for its colonial architecture and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Fiji Cultural Centre occasionally hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Lautoka Market is a vibrant place for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Fiji offers cooking classes to learn traditional Fijian recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore local art at the Fiji Arts Council in Lautoka. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit beautifully preserved colonial buildings in the Old Town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lautoka has a rich sugar cane heritage reflected in its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sleeping Giant offers stunning hiking trails and views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beachfront walking paths along Lautoka's coastline are scenic. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at the Sleeping Giant is a must-visit for views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nadi Environmental Society manages several conservation areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Lautoka offer designated spots for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Fiji Post offers reliable mail and parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone shops provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Fijian and English courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Lautoka City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Lautoka Community Center offers various local activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafes offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Coral Coast Casino is a nearby option for gaming. |
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 1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = FJD 72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = FJD 138,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = FJD 108,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. FJD 2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = FJD 160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. FJD 1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = FJD 120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system applies to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is 9%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes apply based on land value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2% on property transactions. |