Fiji Currency Exchange 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.
General Fiji Currency Information
What is the currency of Fiji?
The official currency in Fiji is the Fiji dollar (FJD).
What do Fiji notes & 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
As for Fiji coins, these feature images of Fiji’s native wildlife and historical objects. These include:
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)
Economy
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.
Brief 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.
Taking Travel Money to Fiji
What currency should I take 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 can I take to Fiji?
You must fill out a Border Cash Reporting Form if you carry $10,000 or more in Fijian currency or the foreign currency equivalent (including negotiable bearer instruments). Please speak to the Customs Officer at your point of departure.
Where to convert currency?
If you’re looking to convert your Australian dollar for the Fiji dollar, Crown Currency Exchange is a name that most Australian travellers can trust. With nearly 20 years of experience, Crown offers competitive exchange rates on 80 different foreign currencies with no commissions or a high currency conversion fee. Plus, we have 50 stores across Australia so finding a branch near you is easy.
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.
Can you bargain in Fiji?
Although haggling isn’t the norm in Fiji, you may be able to find a few souvenirs that are open to negotiation. Shopkeepers usually expect tourists to bargain, so don’t be afraid to try your luck. Just remember to be respectful and keep your offers reasonable.
What is ATM access like in Fiji?
Fiji runs on island time, so everything moves a little slower than usual. This includes cash transactions – ATMs are easy to find around major cities, airports and large hotels but can be harder to come by in outer islands. So if you plan to travel to more remote areas, bringing cash with you is a good idea.
Visa and Mastercard are Fiji’s most widely accepted cards, followed by American Express. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops, but you’ll need cash for taxis, markets and small local businesses.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
You can expect to spend around FJD $100-110 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 $210-220 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 $480+, you could afford to stay in a lux hotel, eat out for every meal, drink to your heart’s content, island hop, rent a car–basically do whatever tours and activities sound fun to you. And this is just the bottom line for luxury! If money is not an issue, then there are limitless possibilities!
Where to find the best currency exchange rates
Currency details
| Currency: | Fiji dollar | Currency code: | FJD |
| Currency symbol: | FJ$ | Central bank: | Reserve Bank of Fiji |
| Nickname: | None | Currency sub-unit: | Cent = 1/100 of a Dollar |
| Bank notes: | $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 | Coins: | 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢. $1 |
Must-do's while you are 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!
