Can You Use Your Credit Card in Fiji?© FijiPocketGuide.com
Can You Use Your Credit Card in Fiji?

Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in Fiji?

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 21 October, 2024

A Guide to Using Foreign Credit and Debit Cards in Fiji

Secure and easy to use, credit cards are a popular payment method when travelling. The peace of mind of having that extra bit of overdraft, should you need it in an emergency, is a major drawcard for using credit cards overseas, while being able to use the same debit card you use at home is also super convenient. However, there are certainly a few things you need to know about using credit and debit cards in Fiji. While credit cards are accepted by major resorts and within Fiji’s most populated areas, you simply can’t rely on paying with your credit card in some of the remote areas or the outer islands. Travellers should also be aware of the surcharges applied to credit cards, both from issuing banks and local businesses. We’ll review the details in this quick overview of using your credit card in Fiji.

For more payment methods, including app payments, cash and more, take a look at our guide, What is the Best Way to Pay in Fiji?

Table of Contents

5 Tips for Using Credit Cards in Fiji

Here’s what you need to know about using credit cards in Fiji to ensure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible:

  1. Use credit cards as little as possible to save money on foreign currency services charged by your bank, as well as surcharges by Fijian businesses.
  2. Major resorts and services in towns and cities accept credit cards.
  3. ATMs are available in major towns and cities, not on the smaller outer islands.
  4. Have ample cash available if travelling to the outer islands. See how much you need in How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Fiji?
  5. Use the rest of your leftover currency to pay your resort bill when leaving Fiji, and put the remainder of your bill on your credit card.

Ready to dive deeper into money-saving strategies for your Fijian adventure? Don’t miss our guide on 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji for even more insider tips to make the most of your budget in paradise!

Can You Use Your Credit Card in Fiji?© FijiPocketGuide.com

Which Credit and Debit Cards are Accepted in Fiji?

Certain types of credit and debit cards are accepted in Fiji, including major brands, as long as there is a four-digit PIN encoded.

Bank cards that are the most accepted in Fiji include:

  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express

Fewer outlets and ATMs also accept:

  • Diners
  • JCB
  • Union

However, there are some credit card brands that are rarely accepted in Fiji. Avoid using credit cards from the following brands:

  • Discover
  • Plus Card
  • Cirrus
Can You Use Your Credit Card in Fiji?© FijiPocketGuide.com

Where Can You Use Credit and Debit Cards in Fiji?

Admittedly, not everywhere. But if you’re spending your Fiji getaway in one of the mid-range or luxury resorts almost anywhere on the islands, it’s usually the case that they will have a payment terminal available that will accept credit cards. However, there are many instances in Fiji where you can only pay with cash.

Where You Can’t Use Cards to Pay in Fiji

Some places where credit and debit cards are not accepted include paying for transport like buses and taxis, at the markets, and at some small-scale tourism businesses, including some tour operators, guesthouses and homestays. This is especially the case when visiting any of the outer islands with limited services. In short, it’s always a good idea to have some cash available throughout your holiday.

ATMs in Fiji

ATMs can only be found on the islands of Viti Levu (the main island), Vanua Levu (only in Savusavu and Labasa), Taveuni (in Naqara) and Ovalau (in Levuka). See ATM locations in our guide, Information, Shops & Services in Fiji. All ATMs accept international Visa and MasterCard, while BSP ATMs also accept American Express and dispense money in the Fijian Dollar currency.

Can You Use Your Credit Card in Fiji?© FijiPocketGuide.com

Credit Card Charges in Fiji

Seasoned travellers will know that the bank issuing your credit card often has a fee for a “foreign currency service” or something similar, each time you make a transaction overseas. So check with your bank what the percentage is for using your credit card in Fiji. It’s usually a 1-3% fee of the transaction in your home currency. This fee is often also applied when using an ATM in Fiji.

Another credit card fee you may experience in Fiji is a surcharge implemented by local businesses. Many Fijian businesses apply a 2-5% credit card fee on each transaction, with 3% being the norm.

Additionally, a withdrawal fee is applied when using an overseas bank card at an ATM in Fiji. The fee is usually around FJ$5 per withdrawal, so it’s best to make minimal withdrawals to save on these fees.

Because of these additional fees, many travellers to Fiji consider using an alternative payment method. See What is the Best Payment Method in Fiji? for more advice.

More About Using a Credit Card in Fiji

That’s it for our guide to credit and debit cards in Fiji but is by no means the end of our advice! Check out the following guides for more advice on ways to pay:

Finally, check out Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for even more budgeting tips.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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