Fiji Currency Guide
Famous for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly locals, Fiji is often hailed as a paradise on earth. Situated in the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, each with its own unique charm. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving, and the sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing or simply taking a stroll. Of course, no trip to Fiji would be complete without experiencing the famous Fijian hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like part of the family. So come and discover why Fiji is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Taking Travel Money to Fiji
If you’re travelling to Fiji, you’ll need to convert your AUD to FJD in money changers or banks before you leave. You can check our AUD to FJD currency converter guide for more information.
Is it cheaper to convert currency in Australia or Fiji?
Although you can exchange currency in both Australia and Fiji, it’s generally cheaper to buy Fijian dollars before you leave Australia. This is because you can see exactly how much Fijian dollars you’ll receive for your Australian dollars, and you have plenty of time to shop around for a better FJD exchange rate.
How much cash can I take to Fiji?
You must fill out a Border Cash Reporting Form if you carry more than FJD5,000 (or equivalent) when you arrive in Fiji and amounts of more than FJD10,000 (or equivalent) when you leave. Please speak to the Customs Officer at your point of departure.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
You can expect to spend around FJD $150 daily on a backpacker’s budget in Fiji. This will cover a hostel dorm, taking public transportation instead of expensive taxis everywhere, cooking some meals and then treating yourself to street food occasionally, restricting your alcohol consumption, and doing free or cheap activities such as hiking trails and swimming in natural pools.
Moderate
Approximately FJD $300 per day will allow you to stay in a private Airbnb room, purchase most of your meals from restaurants rather than cooking, indulge in drinks, take taxis as transportation, and participate in paid activities like diving or visiting museums.
Luxury
With an approximate daily budget of FJD $600+, you could afford to stay in a lux hotel, eat out for every meal, drink to your heart’s content, island hop, rent a car–basically do whatever tours and activities sound fun to you. And this is just the bottom line for luxury! If money is not an issue, then there are limitless possibilities!
What is ATM access like in Fiji?
If you're looking for easy access to cash in Austria, you'll be glad to know that ATMs are almost everywhere you turn, especially in bigger cities like Vienna and Salzburg. Whether withdrawing from a foreign bank account or using a debit card, having your pin number is all you need to get started. And if you're worried about being able to use your international cards at local retailers, rest assured that it's not a problem.
Is tipping customary in Fiji? How much is expected?
Unlike in most other countries, tipping is not customary in Fiji. A service charge will usually be included on your bill instead. For example, if you’re eating out at a cafe or restaurant, the service charge should be specified on the menu before you order. Note that this fee goes to the company rather than an individual staff member.
You can check if a service charge has been added to your bill by looking at the end total.
Although it’s not necessary to tip in Fiji, it is appreciated as a way to say thank you for their amazing service. Here are some suggested amounts:
Restaurants & Bars: When dining in a Fijan restaurant, it is customary to tip the waiter or waitress 10-15%. However, the amount you leave as a tip may vary depending on the establishment, type of service received, and order size. It is common practice to give your server a larger gratuity than you would to a bartender since they typically have to split their tips with other kitchen staff.
Hotels: If you are staying in a hotel in Fiji, it is customary to tip 10-20%. At higher-end hotels with excellent service levels, you may want to tip various staff members like maids, bellboys, valets and front desk employees. How much you tip and to whom is up to you at the end of the day. It should be reflective of the quality of service you received.
Taxi drivers: When travelling in Fiji, it is customary to tip 10% of the bill for longer journeys or simply round up the amount to the nearest Fijan dollar for shorter trips. Remember that if you use a local taxi service instead of rideshare apps like Uber, you’ll need to agree on a fare beforehand.
Tour guides: How much you enjoy your tour of Fiji largely depends on your tour guide. A great experience warrants a 10% standard tip for private, multi-day, or walking tours. If you join a free tour in Fiji, it would be appreciated if you tipped the guide. These types of tours typically work on a ‘pay what you like’ basis, so your tips may be the only income the guide earns.
Spa: After an exhausting day exploring Fiji, you may want to get a massage to relax. It is customary to leave a 10-15% tip for the spa therapist. A good rule of thumb for tipping is 10% if the service is average and 15% if it is outstanding.
Must-Do's while you're in Fiji
1
Visit at least one of the 333 Islands that make up Fiji
With over 300 islands to choose from, it’s hard to visit Fiji and not feel like you’re in paradise. Whether you want to stay on one of the main islands or venture out to a remote resort, there’s an island for everyone.
2
Go Snorkelling or Diving
Fiji is home to some of the best dive sites in the world. With crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder that people come from all over to experience Fiji’s underwater world.
3
Experience the Malamala Beach Club
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Fiji, look no further than Malamala Beach Club. Situated just 25 minutes from Port Denarau, the beach club is on its own private island and features a resort-style infinity-edge pool, white sand beaches, views of the Mamanuca Islands, and Beachside Cabanas.
4
Explore a Traditional Fijian Village
Fiji is home to many different cultures, and one of the best ways to experience this is by visiting a traditional Fijian village. You’ll get to see how the locals live and learn about their customs and traditions.
5
Visit Suva, Fiji's Capital City
Suva is the capital of Fiji and the largest city in the country. With its bustling markets, colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife, Suva is a great place to explore Fiji’s culture and get a taste of city life.
With so much to see and do, Fiji is the perfect place to visit for a tropical getaway. So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to paradise today!
Fiji FAQ's
What do Fiji banknotes & coins look like?
Fiji’s currency provides a colourful glimpse into the country’s unique culture and history. From Fiji’s endemic Beli (Lever’s Goby) on the $5 notes to one of the largest reef fishes in the world, Varivoce (Humphead Wrasse) on the 50¢ coins, the images on Fiji’s currency reflect the natural beauty of the country.
Fiji banknotes feature images of the country’s flora and fauna, heritage buildings and traditional ceremonies. These include:
- $5 – Kulawai and Kato ni Masima (obverse) | Masiratu flower, Balaka Palm, Crested Iguana, and Mount Valili in Vanua Levu (reverse)
- $10 – Beli and I Buburau-ni-bete (obverse) | Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva and the Joske’s Thumb (reverse)
- $20 – Kacau ni Gau and Foa (obverse) | Fiji’s industries and Mount Uluinabukelevu in Kadavu (reverse)
- $50 – Tagimoucia flower and Wasekaseka (obverse) | Traditional Tabua and Yaqona Vakaturaga ceremony
- $100 – Fiji’s Nanai/Cicada and Buli kula | Map of Fiji, smiling faces, and a cruise boat
- 5¢ – Nuqa-roro/Bi-colour Foxface Rabbitfish (obverse) | Lali/drum (reverse)
- 10¢ – Beka-Mirimiri/Fiji Flying Fox (obverse) | I ulã tavatava/throwing club (reverse)
- 20¢ – Kakã/Kadavu Shining Parrot (obverse) | Camakau/traditional outrigger canoe (reverse)
- 50¢ – Varivoce/Humphead Wrasse (obverse) | Camakau/traditional outrigger canoe (reverse)
- $1 – Vokai/Banded Iguana (obverse) | Saqãmoli/drinking vessel (reverse)
- $2 – Ga ni Vatu/Peregrine Falcon (obverse) | Tanoa/kava bowl (reverse)
What is Fiji's currency history?
In 2019, Fijians celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Fijian dollar and cents, which was introduced on the 13th of January, 1969. Before then, conversion from the old British imperial system occurred, initiating a switch to a decimal system that is still used today.
Currency decimalisation, otherwise known as the process of converting a currency to its decimal form, is something that has happened worldwide and on a large scale. This change is similar to how distance and weight measures were converted from imperial to metric.
The decimal currency system in Fiji is not only more convenient, but it also aligns with other globally-accepted currencies. This changeover was crucial for Fiji as they severed ties with the British crown and established themselves as an independent nation.
Fiji celebrates the 50th anniversary of decimal currency with a look back at the history of Fijian money. The nation first gained independence on October 10, 1970, 21 months after decimalization. In 2012, Fiji launched its current banknotes and coins series, which feature flora and fauna designs.
What is Fiji's economic situation like?
According to the 2022 Index, Fiji’s economy ranks 111th in the world for freedom. Fiji is also 23rd among 39 countries located in the Asia-Pacific region; however, its overall score falls below both regional and global averages.
Although Fiji has a large agricultural subsistence sector, it is classified as a middle-income developing country that boasts many natural resources like forests, minerals, and fish. As one of the most developed economies in the Pacific region, the primary sources of income for the country come from sugar exports and tourism. Along with agriculture, there are light manufacturing and mining industries present.