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.

Get an idea of how much money to have available each day by using our guide, How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Fiji?

How to Get Fijian Dollars in Fiji

ATMs are available in Fiji’s major towns, cities and some of the larger resorts. Check out the ATM locations across both islands in our Information, Shops & Services in Fiji. 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 that foreign exchange fees will be applied by your bank, as well as a withdrawal fee from the ATM.

Another option is to exchange currency in Fijian with the local banks. Fiji is well represented by commercial banks, 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, 9:30 am to 3 pm/4 pm.

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. Compare all of your foreign exchange options using The Best Places to Exchange Currency in Fiji.

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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 cards, so be sure to have enough cash on you if spending time in these areas.

Get an idea of how much money to have available each day by using our guide, How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Fiji?

Which Credit and Debit Cards are Accepted in Fiji?

Typically, Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted in Fiji, as long as they have a four-digit PIN code. Some vendors also accept Diners, JCB and Union.

Credit and Debit Card Charges

Your credit or debit card’s issuing bank will likely have a fee for a “foreign currency service”, which is typically 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 2-5% on each transaction, with 3% being the norm. This can make credit and debit cards an expensive form of payment especially if used frequently.

Learn more about using a bank card to pay your way through Fiji in our complete guide, Fiji in Can You Use Your Credit and Debit Card in Fiji?

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Payment Apps

Payment apps are becoming increasingly popular in Fiji, especially in major tourist hubs like Nadi and Denarau. These handy digital wallets are making it easier than ever to pay for goods and services without fumbling for cash or cards.

International visitors will be pleased to find some familiar faces in the payment app scene. WeChat Pay is accepted by major retailers and resorts, allowing Chinese tourists to make payments just like they would back home. If you’re an ANZ customer, you can use the ANZ Pacific App to make seamless payments during your Fijian adventure.

For a truly local experience, keep an eye out for M-PAiSA. Operated by Vodafone Fiji, this popular mobile wallet is the most widely accepted form of mobile payment and the go-to choice for many Fijians. M-PAiSA is accepted by over 900 businesses across the islands and counting.

While these apps offer great convenience, do keep in mind that most vendors may apply a surcharge for app payments. This is typically around 3% of the transaction value, so factor that into your budget calculations.

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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 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.

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Travel Money Cards

In short, you will struggle to find a travel money card, otherwise known as a travel prepaid card, that has Fijian Dollars as a currency choice.

If you have purchased a travel money card to use for other countries around the world, know that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to use it in Fiji. The next best alternative is a credit card if you’re looking for the same security a travel prepaid card offers.