Fiji

Currency in Fiji: what to use and how to exchange

Fiji uses the Fijian dollar (FJD, FJ$), with notes from FJ$5 to FJ$100. Bring a small amount of cash for taxis, buses, markets and village stays, and rely on cards at hotels, resorts and larger restaurants. Change money at Nadi Airport or a bank branch in Nadi or Suva; rates at resort desks are usually worse.

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Updated Sep 20263 min read

GuideFiji

Key facts

Currency: Fijian dollar (FJD, FJ$)
Notes: FJ$5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: 5c to FJ$2
Best cash for: Taxis, buses, markets, small eateries, village fees
Cards accepted: Hotels, resorts, larger restaurants, tour operators
Where to exchange: Nadi Airport, bank branches in Nadi and Suva
ATMs: Common in Nadi, Denarau, Suva and Lautoka; rare on outer islands
Tipping: Not expected; resort staff funds instead

Details

Fiji's currency is the Fijian dollar, written FJD or FJ$. Notes run from FJ$5 to FJ$100. Coins go from 5 cents up to FJ$2. Prices in shops and resorts are quoted in FJ$, so a FJ$100 note covers a mid-range meal for two or a taxi from Nadi Airport to Denarau.

Cash still matters outside the resort belt. Taxis, public buses, municipal markets in Nadi and Suva, small eateries and village fees are usually paid in cash. Hotels, resorts, larger restaurants and tour operators generally take cards, but a card machine can be down or a surcharge applied. Carry a mix: enough cash for a day or two of local spending, and a card for bigger bills.

Exchange at Nadi Airport on arrival for a starter amount, then use bank branches in Nadi or Suva for larger sums. Resort front desks and hotel lobbies are convenient but typically offer weaker rates. ATMs are common in Nadi, Denarau, Suva and Lautoka; on outer islands and in villages they are rare, so withdraw before you leave the mainland.

Fiji is a card-and-cash economy, not a cashless one. If you are heading to the Yasawa or Mamanuca islands, take more cash than you think you need, because the nearest ATM may be a boat ride away.

Change a starter amount at Nadi Airport, then use bank branches for better rates.
Keep small FJ$ notes for taxis, buses and markets.
Withdraw cash before heading to the Yasawa or Mamanuca islands.
Tell your bank you are travelling if your card blocks foreign transactions.
Keep a card as backup; do not rely on a single payment method.

Details
Situation	Best payment method	Notes
Airport transfer, taxi	Cash (FJ$)	Meter or agreed fare; small notes help
Public bus	Cash (FJ$)	Exact change useful
Market, small eatery	Cash (FJ$)	Cards rare
Hotel, resort, tour desk	Card	Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
Village visit or sevusevu	Cash (FJ$)	Kava root or a small cash gift
Outer island stay	Cash (FJ$)	Withdraw on the mainland first

Tips

Tipping is not expected in Fiji; resorts often run a staff fund instead. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill before adding anything.

Prices for tourists and locals can differ at markets and taxis. Agree the fare before you get in, or ask the driver to use the meter.

If you pay by card, ask whether the charge is in FJ$ or your home currency. Choosing FJ$ usually avoids a conversion markup.

Keep your exchange receipts. You may need them if you change leftover FJ$ back at the airport.

Agree taxi fares before departure, or ask for the meter.
Pay in FJ$ when a card terminal offers a choice of currency.
Carry a small amount of cash for village visits and sevusevu.
Check your bank's foreign transaction fee before you travel.

Questions people ask

What currency is used in Fiji?

The Fijian dollar (FJD, FJ$). Notes run from FJ$5 to FJ$100. It is the only currency accepted for everyday purchases, though some resorts may quote in US dollars for tours.

Where is the best place to exchange money in Fiji?

Nadi Airport for a starter amount, then bank branches in Nadi or Suva for larger sums. Resort desks are convenient but usually offer weaker rates. ATMs are common in Nadi, Denarau, Suva and Lautoka.

Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Fiji?

Bring both. Cards work at hotels, resorts and larger restaurants, but taxis, buses, markets and village fees are usually cash. Carry enough FJ$ for a day or two of local spending.

Can I use US dollars or Australian dollars in Fiji?

Some resorts and tour operators may accept them, but the rate is usually poor and small businesses will not. Change to FJ$ for everyday spending.

Are there ATMs in Fiji?

Yes, in Nadi, Denarau, Suva and Lautoka. They are rare on outer islands and in villages, so withdraw before you leave the mainland.

Deep dive

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