First time traveling alone to Fiji

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  1. [checking in] When you arrive at the Chicago airport, go to the checkin desk for your airline. There, they will verify your identification and give you one or more boarding passes. Hang on to these, you don't want to lose them.

  2. [boarding passes] In Chicago you will probably get all the boarding passes you need to get to your destination, but maybe not. Ask if you are unsure.

  3. [bags checked through] Your bags are likely to be "checked through" to your destination (at least to Nadi). When your bags are tagged, they will have the destination airport code printed on the tags (the code for Nadi is NAN). Check this if you are unsure, and ask the agent if it's still not clear. Note that on return to the US, you will have to collect your bags at your first port of entry (Los Angeles), go through immigration and customs, and then re-check them to Chicago. This will be clearly indicated through signs, or ask any airport staff. A lot of other people will be doing a very similar thing.

  4. [who stamps] When you arrive in Fiji, you will go through two checks: (1) immigration, and (2) customs. Immigration is checking whether you can enter Fiji, and customs is checking whether your stuff can enter Fiji. You will get a stamp in your passport from immigration. It will be impossible to miss getting this stamp. (This stamp has nothing to do with allowing your return to the US, it's to allow your stay in Fiji.)

  5. [exit checks] Fiji has exit checks. You will interact with immigration and/or customs officials both on entering and leaving Fiji.

  6. [cancellations] If any flight is cancelled or delayed, talk to the airline staff for that flight. Either you wait, or if it's too long (like overnight) they'll arrange a hotel for you.

  7. [lost luggage] If your bags get lost, talk to the airline staff for the flight you just took. There's a "lost luggage" office or desk somewhere at every baggage claim area. If in doubt, ask any airport staff.

  8. [cash] You can buy Fijian cash from your bank or other foreign exchange service before you leave if you want. If you have an ATM card, you can probably use it overseas to withdraw cash. Tell your bank before you leave that you will be in Fiji, so they don't block your card. There's probably an ATM at the airport that you can use. Verify with your bank that your ATM card will work overseas.

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