securing belongings on Fiji

Hello all.
Been lurking for a while and decided it was time to join in with a question.
I’ve been living on the road for some time, usually in hotel rooms. The belongings I travel with are just about everything I have. I usually keep all my stuff in my bags, then padlock the bags and keep them in my room (the room is locked, of course) when I go out. People refer to passport, money, camera etc as “valuables” but, well, all my things are valuable to me to some degree, otherwise I wouldn’t be carrying them around. (ok, so I wouldn’t be so traumatized at losing my deck of cards or a bottle of shampoo)

I’m headed for Fiji soon. In reading through the Pacific Islands postings, I keep coming across more concerns about security of belongings, such as no locks on the bure doors, the easy attitude toward the ownership of things, and so on. I’m certainly not out to bash anyone, I’m just concerned about keeping my stuff. I’m just interested in what the situation is regarding belongs is in Fiji (please, not another thread comparing security issues with other places).
Is keeping my stuff locked in my room sufficient security, or do I need to keep my money/passport pouch with me even when I go snorkeling? I have a good combination-padlock, but will this make much difference when one can easily make a hole in a bure wall? But I’m wondering how likely it is something such as this would happen. One idea is to store most of my stuff in Nadi while I go out to the more remote parts, but don’t know how wise this would be as well.

thanks

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<hr>People refer to passport, money, camera etc as “valuables” but, well, all my things are valuable to me to some degree, otherwise I wouldn’t be carrying them around.<hr></blockquote>
If that's how you think, then a solution might be difficult to find. I carry underwear and socks with me, but the fact that I'm carrying them doesn't make them valuable to me. I kept my travel documents and money with me, sometimes left my camera in my room (depending on circumstances), NEVER locked my luggage, and didn't worry myself about theft. I had most of my belongings with me as well (including a laptop which was usually in my room). But, I had insurance, and that covered the issue as far as I was concerned.

The objective risks in Fiji are probably rather low. Reading your post, it sounds as though the issue you have to deal with is your idea of what is valuable, and your own 'fear of theft' and other security concerns. I can't think of an easy solution for you. If you are worried to the point of considering storing your stuff in Nadi (and even worried about doing that!), then no amount of security measures or other reassurances is likely to help you.

Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

In my experience of Fiji, if it requires any effort to steal it, they won't bother, but if it is easily accessible, then it is generally fair game. I travel with a hard suitcase in which I lock everything I really don't want to lose.

If you lock your bag nobody is going to bother. The only time I heard of people having any problems was when they left something sitting out that was easy to just walk by and take un-noticed (I had this problem with a pair of sunglasses sitting on my bed). I didn't hear about anyone who kept Everything in their bag having anything go missing because it's too high risk for someone to go through a bag that belongs to someone else. If you've got your bag locked I highly doubt anybody will target you-- if they are going to steal something, they're going for the lowest risk source.

Aside from #1's holy posturing, the advice above is good. If you're at a resort of any kind, they'll have a safe. If you lock your room, and are a budget traveller, it's unlikely that anyone will consider robbing you to be a worthwhile risk.
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The weakness of the bure is also its strength, as far as hiding the smaller valuables is concerned. Just find a likely spot in the roof thatch, climb up on a chair or table, and slip your pouch into a secure and dry spot. You should have a waterproof ziplock coveing your passport in any case. I've done that for years all over the tropics, and it's always worked fine.

"#1's holy posturing"

LMAO!!!

Most resorts have safety deposit boxes where you can leave your passport, tickets, spare money and anything else you won't be needing on a daily basis. Just leave the other stuff in a closed bag in your room or carry it with you. Trust me, nobody is going to start knocking down your bure to nick a few stinky T-shirts!

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<hr>nobody is going to start knocking down your bure to nick a few stinky T-shirts!<hr></blockquote>

So they only want the clean ones?
(heh-heh)

I have similar questions about security of my belongings, and thought I'd reply to this thread rather then start a new one. Myself and my boyfriend are stopping in Fiji for three nights on the way back from NZ in february(Obviously I am aware we won't have time to see fiji-but we just want to relax on a beach and do some snorkelling-maybe a day of island hopping). I am travelling with my laptop and I want to stay somewhere that my laptop, passport ad tickets are secure while I'm out for the day. I am not a paranoid person, I'm not suggesting fiji is not safe, and I'm sure theft is rare. Regardless, no matter how rare, I want to take the precautions necessary to ensure that doesn't happen. Insured or not, I hardly want theft to ruin my holiday-I like to be cautious about that.

I am flying into Nadi, and first wanted to stay on the mamanucas, but the bures made me uneasy about leaving for the day island hopping. Now I am considering just staying in a sheraton on denarau and island hopping from the marina. I know, I know, tourist-yuppy central, but I'm willing to stay in a hotel room if it offers the security bures cannot guarantee.

What do you think? Any other cautious travellers out there with experiences or advice to share? It would be much appreciated!

Thank You!