🌴 #02 Fiji Flow: Miracles, Nature Treks + AI Fails!

Bula FijiFlow Fam,

🙌 Welcome to our second October edition of FijiFlow! 🌴📬

This one’s packed with must-reads, covering everything from money moves to new VAT surprises and the hottest lunch spots under $10. 🍽️💸

Ever wondered if those Shein steals are still worth it after the budget changes? We break down the new import rules and uncover the unexpected costs. 💰📦

We’ve also got some tech talk this month—think AI blunders that are equal parts hilarious and head-scratching! From misspelled school calendars to bizarre sponsor shout-outs, it's a reminder that the editor’s eye is still essential. 📲✏️

So dive into this edition for spicy debates, local finds, and a good dose of laughs along the way. Let’s flow! 🌊🚀

🌐🛍️ Shein, Temu & the VAT Twist: Still Cheap or Not So Sweet?

Let’s be honest, most of us have been on a Shein or Temu spree, chasing those irresistible deals. But with the new budget tweaks in play, the bargain hunt might come with a side of unexpected costs! Suddenly, that cart full of steals might not feel like such a deal after all.

Let’s break down the new import rules in Fiji which came into effect from 1st August 2024.

📦 For orders over FJ $1,000

• You’ll be up for 15% VAT plus Duty charges.

📦 For orders under FJ $1,000

• Now you’ll face 15% VAT, with no duty charges.

📬 A courier charge may also apply to all deliveries, so factor that into your total cost.

This includes ALL imports meaning any personal gifts e.g. Christmas presents.

⚡TECH NEWS

AI Blunders 101: Always Check Before You Post! 📲✋

With generative AI becoming a big part of our daily lives, it's easy to let tools like ChatGPT handle the heavy lifting. But as this recent slip-up from the Miss Hibiscus account shows, it still pays to have a human touch for a final review.

Instead of a sponsor shout-out, they accidentally posted: [Insert Sponsor Name]—a classic copy-paste mishap that could’ve been avoided with a quick second glance. So, remember, AI is a great assistant, but it’s not quite ready to replace the editor’s eye just yet! 📝👀

Text Trouble: AI’s Not Quite Fluent in Image Lingo Yet ✍️🤔

FijiVillage decided to spice up their content on X by using AI image generators like DALL-E 3 (via ChatGPT). Bold move, right? But here’s the kicker: AI and text? Not exactly best mates. 🙃

Here’s what went wrong:

• “School Calendar” became “Carendar” (yep, missed that spelling test) 📚✏️

• “Planned Power Shutdown”? Well, let’s just say the message got a little… scrambled. ⚡🌀

AI might be smart, but it’s not quite smart enough. Yet.

🍽 FOOD FINDS

Suva lunches for less: The $10 Challenge 🍽️💸

We hit the streets of Suva to uncover 5 hidden gems where your dollar goes the extra mile! And yes, we might’ve just spilled the beans on the best-kept secret in town—Lee Snack Bar. Sorry to all the gatekeepers out there! 😳 But hey, sharing is caring, right?

Check out these budget-friendly bites under $10!

💰 Money Management

💸 M-PAiSA & MyCash’s New Money Move!

Vodafone and Digicel just made it a whole lot easier to manage your money! You can now seamlessly transfer funds between mobile wallets and bank accounts—in near real-time. 📲💳

This update covers all major banks, so whether you’re with ANZ, BSP, Westpac, or others, you’re in luck. ✅💼

This rollout isn’t just for the banking elite—it’s designed to bring convenience to everyone, especially the unbanked. Whether it's bill payments, groceries, or sending cash to friends, it’s all possible with just a few taps. 🛒🤝.

The reactions have been pretty positive so far…

From Trails to Falls: The Colo-I-Suva Adventure!” 🌿🚶‍♂️

Our team went on a mini-adventure to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, just a quick 20-minute drive from Suva’s center—and it’s a total hidden gem! 🌿✨

Here’s what you can expect:

• Hiking trails that take you deep into lush greenery 🥾🌳

• Scenic views filled with birds and nature along the way 🐦🌺

• Bures to chill in and relax 🛖

• Natural waterfalls and pools for a refreshing swim 💧🏊‍♀️

💸 Entry Fee: $1 for locals, $5 for tourists. So pack your gear, grab your crew, and dive into this tropical escape!

Catch a glimpse of our adventure in the reel below!

📸 Photo of the week

Fiji Bati or Fiji Bait 🏉🐟

Someone clearly misunderstood the game plan! Maybe this bus was for the Fiji fishing team #onejob 😛

🚨 Hot Topic: Miracle Cures or False Promises?

There’s been a bit of noise around this Healing & Miracles free event at Vodafone Arena. The event boldly claims to make “cancer and disease disappear,” along with promises to heal various ailments. But it raises a few serious questions:

• Can life-threatening medical conditions really be cured by a prayer session? 🤔

• Who are the individuals behind these promises, and are they genuine or exploiting the vulnerable?

• Are events like these offering hope or potentially harmful misinformation?

With proven medical treatments being the standard for combating serious illnesses, events like these risk being labeled as false hope or even spiritual exploitation. It’s crucial to look critically at the line between faith and fact—and to ensure that desperate patients aren't misled by the allure of miraculous claims.

Here’s a few thoughts from X on the topic.

Cheers for tuning in, gang! We’ll be back in two weeks with more hot topics, tasty bites, and plenty of laughs to keep things lively.