Untitled

Press, 24 April 1979, Page 25

Fiji’s many duty-free dealers still offer some of the best bargains in the world at rates considered by seasoned travellers to be better than those available in Singapore or Hong Kong. Most of the 130 duty-free shops in Suva. Sigatoka, Nandi and Lautoka carry a wide range of items that can be bought for as much as 100 per cent below the New Zealand retail price. Visitors planning a holiday in Fiji are well advised to check the New Zealand price of the items they wish to buy before leaving. Take note of the price, the make, and the model. And once in Fiji, don’t be in a hurry to buy — shop around. Firmly refuse to be guided by touts and taxi-drivers. Be prepared to haggle for a fair price. Many goods carry tags with highly inflated prices and it is" reason able to assume that a dealer’s “verv special” verbal offer is usually closer to the local ruling rate than the advertised price. Ensure that the dealer fills out and stamps the warranty cards, that battery-powered goods are fitted with fresh batteries, and that electrical fittings are compatible with New Zealand sockets and voltage. If a dealer refuses to satisfactorily resolve a customer’s complaint, the Duty-Free Association in the local town should be notified.