What is the Best Way to Pay in Fiji?

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Cash (Fijian Dollars)

Cash is the most accepted payment method in Fiji. However, like anywhere in the world, most travellers don’t like to travel with all the cash they will need for one holiday for obvious security reasons. We recommend withdrawing and exchanging cash every few days, where possible. This way, you avoid credit card surcharges with every transaction you make (as discussed in the section below). What’s more, those travelling to less populated areas, like the outer islands and/or staying in budget accommodation will have no choice but to use cash.

How to Get Fijian Dollars in Fiji

ATMs are available in Fiji’s major towns, cities and some of the larger resorts. Head to the smaller outer islands and this will be a luxury you will have to live without. You can withdraw Fijian dollars from ATMs using overseas debit and credit cards (usually Visa, MasterCard or American Express) but note there will be foreign exchange fees applied by your bank, as well as a possible withdrawal fee from the ATM.

Another option is to exchange currency in Fijian banks. Fiji is well represented by commercial banks, including ANZ, Bank of Baroda, Bank of South Pacific, Westpac, Bred Bank and HFC Bank. All of which have head offices in Suva, Fiji’s capital, and other offices and agencies in Fiji’s large towns and cities. Banking hours are usually Monday-Friday 9.30am to 3pm/4pm with some banks have limited hours on a Saturday.

Finally, foreign exchange bureaus are available at Nadi International Airport and in major cities, like Nadi and Suva. We find that the city exchange bureaus often have better exchange rates than the airport, while the airport has better exchange rates than overseas exchange bureaus.

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Credit and Debit Cards

For ease and security, paying by credit or debit card is a popular payment option in Fiji. However, using credit cards in Fiji is limited to the most populated areas, especially on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, as well as only some mid-range and luxury resorts. Much of the rest of the islands and less populated areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu will not accept credit or debit card, so be sure to have enough cash on you if spending time in these areas. Get an idea for how much money in What is the Cost of Travelling in Fiji.

Which Credit/Debit Cards are Accepted in Fiji?

Typically, Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted in Fiji.

Credit/Debit Card Charges

Your credit/debit card’s issuing bank will likely have a fee for a “foreign currency service”, which is 1-3% of the transaction in your home currency. This fee is often also applied when using an ATM in Fiji. Note that many Fiji businesses apply a credit card fee of 1% to 5% on each transaction, with 3% being the norm.

Learn more about using a credit card in Fiji in Can You Use Your Credit Card in Fiji?, as well as other potential fees experienced while travelling in our guide to The Fiji Tax System.

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Travel Prepaid Cards/Travel Money Cards

Prepaid travel cards eliminate currency conversion fees, while still having the security of a credit card. They also carry multiple foreign currencies, should you be on a round-the-world trip. However, we’ll keep things short in saying that there are no travel prepaid cards or travel money cards with Fijian dollars being one of the currencies used (that we know of). Those with a travel prepaid card in Fiji will have to use an alternative payment method.

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Traveller’s Cheques

For the very limited number of travellers still using traveller’s cheques, they can be redeemed at Fiji’s banks, such as ANZ, Bank of Baroda, Bank of South Pacific, Westpac, Bred Bank and HFC Bank. However, you will not be able to redeem cheques outside of Fiji’s main cities. For this reason, as well as the processing fees and unfavourable exchange rates, we don’t recommend using traveller’s cheques in Fiji.