It is VERY hot in Fiji. It doesn't really get cold. There isn't really a need for long sleeved shirts. The most important thing to bring is good shoes, as the shoes available in Fiji are poor quality. The Elders and Sisters wear open toed sandals everywhere. Even to church. They mostly wear Tevas and Chacos with some wearing Keen sandals.This is almost exclusively a walking mission. It is rainy and muddy and Teva-type shoes are easiest to remove when entering people's homes. When the Elders arrive in the mission, they are taken to buy Sulus (traditional wrap-around skirt). They wear Sulus instead of suit pants or golf pants. The cost is around $15/sulu. The new style garments are ideal in Fiji because it is so hot. Sisters wear light, LOOSE, and airy dresses, nothing too tight because of the humidity. They do not need to be fancy, as you sit on the floor of people's homes. Members often sew dresses for the Sisters in beautiful traditional fabrics for really cheap. It is very rainy and comes in as a sudden downpour, so waterproof bags are pretty important. Both backpacks and sling bags are used, just make sure it is waterproof. Every apartment has a filter for water, so you can fill up a water bottle there. A filtered water bottle is helpful though. Missionaries need to be careful about accepting juice or drinks because they contain unfiltered water, so politely declining for your own water from home is acceptable. Javolto sling bag. Waterproof and holds up in rain and humidity. Sometimes Elders serve on other small islands, so they are only allowed 1 large suitcase and 1 carry on because of the size of the planes. Their other suitcase is stored at the mission home that they get back when they return. Sisters mostly just serve in larger city areas.
Have a suggestion or correction for the Fiji Suva Mission? Submit it here.
These bags are relatively inexpensive and have been recommended specifically for heavy rain areas. WATERPROOF
In places that allow open-toed sandals, these are the most recommended shoes by far.
In missions that allow open-toed sandals, these are mentioned quite often.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.