Fiji Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers

Last Updated: 4 November, 2024

Tipping and Taxes for Tourists in Fiji

Authentic Insights from Expert Travel Writers

No one wants to hear about the extra fees or taxes they might have to pay anywhere in the world. In Fiji, receipts can often get quite full of acronyms and percentages, particularly in the major resorts. As the taxes are almost always included in the price, you’ll hardly notice that you’re paying the extra percentage. What’s more, tipping is not customary in Fiji, so there’s no requirement to factor that into your budget if you don’t want to. Either way, it’s always good to be consumer-savvy, so wise up on the taxes that you’ll encounter on your trip with this Fiji tipping and tax guide for travellers.

Just a side note: our tips come from real travel writers who’ve experienced Fiji firsthand, not from AI or copied sources. (Scroll to the bottom to learn more about our team and their adventures!)

Do You Need to Tip in Fiji?

Wondering if you should leave a tip during your Fijian adventure? Tipping in Fiji isn’t customary or expected, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without constantly reaching for your wallet. That being said, if you’ve received exceptional service and want to show your appreciation, a tip will certainly be welcomed with a warm Fijian smile.

Here’s what you need to know about tipping in Fiji:

Communal Sharing: In Fijian culture, there’s a strong emphasis on collective gain rather than individual benefit. If you do decide to tip, it’s often shared among the staff.
Tourist Areas: From what we’ve personally seen, you’re more likely to encounter tipping in touristy spots but remember, it’s still not expected. If you feel inclined, here’s a quick guide:
- Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill
- Taxi drivers: 10% of the fare
- Tour guides: 10% of the tour price (consider a bit more for personalised tours)
- Spa treatments: 10-15% of the total price
Tip Jars: Keep an eye out for tip jars in cafés, restaurants, and spas (we’ve seen a few on our last travels). If there isn’t one, you can give it directly to the worker.
Discreet Delivery: When tipping an individual, hand it to them directly and discreetly. At a restaurant without a tip jar, you can leave it on the table after you’ve left.
Cultural Sensitivity: Remember, Fijian culture values modesty. Don’t go overboard with your tips or make a show of it. A simple “vinaka” (thank you) along with your tip is perfect!

While tipping might not be necessary, there are some taxes you’ll need to pay during your stay in Fiji. But don’t worry, we’ve got all the details covered in the sections below.

Taxes on Goods and Services

VAT Rate: 15% of the price of all goods and services.

A tax applied to all goods and services in Fiji is known as the Value-Added Tax or “VAT”. This tax will be applied to most things that you buy in Fiji, from food in restaurants to watersports equipment hire to any activities you pay for. The VAT has been in existence in Fiji since 1992. Since 2023, the VAT rate in Fiji has been 15% of the cost of the good or service.

Almost all prices you will see in Fiji will include the VAT unless stated otherwise. In our personal experience, we have not seen any prices without VAT, but there could be some. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask whether the price includes VAT.

Tourist VAT Refund Scheme

The Tourist VAT Refund Scheme allows travellers to claim a refund on VAT for goods bought in Fiji with selected retailers, usually souvenir stores. The goods purchased must be taken out of Fiji through Nadi International Airport, Nausori (Suva) International Airport or the Ports of Call of Suva, Lautoka or Savusavu when travelling to an overseas destination. The conditions of the VAT Refund Scheme include:

Spend a minimum of FJ$500 (including VAT) in any of the scheme-approved retailers.
The goods are taken out of Fiji within two months of purchase.
The goods are with you in your check-in baggage or carry-on luggage.
The goods are unused and non-consumable; in other words, they do not include services or consumables like accommodation, transport, meals, liquor or cigarettes.
The retailer has attached a refund form to the tax invoices.

Be sure to ask retailers if they are on the refund scheme and, if so, to attach a refund form to your receipts. Note that the retail assistant will ask for your passport.

Learn more about the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme on the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service website, which includes a list of approved retailers. Plus, check out The Duty-Free Allowances for Fiji to learn about purchasing goods without VAT.

Taxes in Hotels, Resorts and Airports

There is an additional tax that tourists might experience when staying in hotels and resorts and when making a purchase at Nadi Airport. This is the Environment & Climate Adaption Levy (ECAL).

Environment and Climate Adaption Levy (ECAL)

ECAL Rate: 5% on all prescribed goods and services from service providers whose turnover is FJ$3 million.

The Environment & Climate Adaption Levy (ECAL) is applied to Fijian businesses that earn over a certain threshold, which, in many cases, includes popular hotels and resorts and Nadi Airport (the above photo is from our last meal purchases at Nadi Airport, for example – note that the STT tax no longer exists). The Fijian Government uses the ECAL tax to fund disaster relief, meteorology services, rural development, cyclone rehabilitation, environmental conservation and more.

Fiji Airport Taxes

There are additional taxes associated with taking flights in Fiji: the Airport Departure Tax, the Airport Security Charge and the Domestic Airport Development Charge.

Fiji Airport Departure Tax

Rate: FJ$140 per tourist.

As of 2024, the Fiji Airport Departure Tax became a flat rate of FJ$140 for each tourist leaving Fiji. The Fiji Airport Departure Tax is included in flight tickets from Fiji – not a fee that you have to pay separately upfront. For this reason, many tourists will not notice this rate when booking a flight to and from Fiji… But now you know!

Fiji Airport Security Charge

Rate: FJ$9.78

As of 2023, the Fiji Airport Security Charge is applied to all domestic and departure international flight tickets in Fiji.

Fiji Domestic Airport Development Charge

Rate: FJ$5.75

As of 2023, the Fiji Domestic Airport Development Charge is applied to all domestic flight tickets in Fiji.

Learn more about what to expect at the airport in Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Fiji, as well as domestic flights in The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji.

Fuel Surcharges in Fiji

In recent years, some Fiji transport services have been adding a “Fuel Surcharge” to trips due to the increased cost of fuel. It is important to note that this is not a Government-mandated tax and that the surcharge applied to travel tickets is at the discretion of the transport company.

For example, water taxi and ferry companies have been known to add a mandatory Fuel Surcharge of FJ$15-$25 per person to all tickets.

In Conclusion: 5 Things You Need to Know About Paying Taxes and Extra Fees in Fiji

There is a universally applied tax to all goods and services in Fiji, which is often included in the advertised price.
Ever wondered why the resort food prices were so high, for instance? In Fiji, there are extra taxes applied to all goods and services bought from businesses that earn over a certain threshold. Go budget in terms of accommodation and eat out in the cities to avoid these extra taxes and keep your holiday costs to a minimum.
A price seems too good to be true? Ask if VAT and ECAL are included.
Be aware that paying by credit card will likely result in a 3% fee. Learn more about what the best way to pay is in Fiji.
Tipping is not customary in Fiji, but a tip for good service is usually well-received.

For more tips, see the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji.

More About Tipping, Taxes and Money in Fiji

That’s it for our guide to tipping in Fiji, as well as taxes in Fiji for travellers. For more about money and budget in Fiji, check out the following guides:

Finally, for more essential tips, head to the 30 Tips for Travelling in Fiji and How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

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:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])

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.

About Robin About Our Team