Money & currency

Money in Fiji

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
FJ$

Fijian Dollar (FJD)

Currency code: FJD

Practical Money Tips

Fijian Dollar (FJD) — Regional Pacific Currency, Non-Convertible Outside Fiji

Fiji uses the Fijian Dollar (FJD, sign: F$). The currency is non-convertible outside Fiji — don't try to obtain FJD before travel. Exchange USD, GBP, AUD, NZD, EUR or other major currencies at Nadi International Airport on arrival, or at ANZ, Westpac and Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) branches in Nadi and Suva. AUD and NZD are the most commonly exchanged currencies given Fiji's proximity to Australia and New Zealand. Amounts of F$10,000 or more must be declared on entry and exit. FJD can't be taken out of the country — spend remaining dollars before departure, or exchange back at the departure hall.

ATMs at Nadi Airport and Main Towns — None on Outer Islands

ANZ, Westpac and BSP ATMs are found at Nadi International Airport, Nadi town centre, Suva, Lautoka and Sigatoka, and international Visa and Mastercard cards work well at them. On the outer island groups — the Yasawas, the more remote Mamanucas, the Lau Group and similarly remote resorts — there are typically no ATMs at all. Withdraw enough FJD in Nadi before taking a ferry or seaplane to the outer islands. Most island resorts quote prices in FJD or AUD/USD and handle card pre-payment, but day-trip and village cash needs still take planning.

Cards Accepted at Main Resorts — Outer Islands and Local Markets Need Cash

Major resort hotels, restaurants on Denarau Island, and tourist businesses in Nadi and Suva accept Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay and Google Pay have limited support outside upscale international hotel chains. Local markets (Nadi Market, Suva Market), smaller guesthouses, village homestays and local restaurants are cash-only, and cash is also expected when contributing to a sevusevu gift at village visits or kava ceremonies.

A Wide Range, From Backpacker Bures to Ultra-Luxury Resorts

Fiji spans a genuinely wide price range, from simple backpacker bures on village land to ultra-luxury private-island resorts, with local restaurant meals, market snacks and village-style dining sitting well below resort-restaurant prices throughout. Seaplane and inter-island ferry fares vary with distance, and dive excursions carry their own separate cost — check current rates directly when booking rather than budgeting from an older figure, since both shift over time. A sevusevu (kava root gift) at a village visit is a modest, culturally meaningful cost rather than a significant one, and is often already included when visiting through an organised tour.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Can I use Australian or New Zealand dollars in Fiji?

Not directly as everyday currency — Fiji uses the Fijian Dollar (FJD). AUD and NZD are easily exchanged at Nadi Airport and at ANZ and Westpac branches throughout Fiji, and many resort menus are familiar with both even where they quote in FJD.

Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Fiji?

Very limited — contactless payment infrastructure isn't widely available outside major international hotel chains, and most resort terminals require chip and PIN or card insertion. Carry FJD cash for day-to-day spending and local experiences.

Should I exchange currency at the airport or in town?

Nadi Airport exchange rates are generally reasonable, so exchanging some FJD on arrival is practical. For larger amounts or potentially better rates, ANZ and Westpac branches in Nadi town and Suva are worth comparing.

Are there ATMs on the Yasawa Islands?

No — there are no ATMs on the Yasawas or outer Mamanuca islands. Withdraw sufficient FJD cash in Nadi before boarding the Yasawa Flyer ferry or taking a seaplane. Most Yasawa resorts are largely pre-paid, but extra cash is still needed for tours, villages and tipping.

Can I use US dollars directly in Fiji?

USD isn't accepted as everyday currency at local shops or markets — exchange to FJD at Nadi Airport or an ANZ/Westpac branch. Some larger resort hotels may accept USD for accommodation, typically at a less favourable rate than exchanging first.

Is tipping expected in Fiji?

Tipping isn't part of traditional Fijian culture, but it's appreciated in resort settings given the volume of international visitors — a modest daily amount for resort staff and guides is reasonable. For village community experiences, a sevusevu (kava root gift) is more culturally meaningful than a monetary tip.

What is sevusevu and do I need cash for it?

Sevusevu is the traditional custom of presenting kava root (yaqona) as a gift when visiting a village. Most tour operators include the kava root as part of an organised village tour; for independent visits, kava root purchased at a local market for a modest sum shows respect and is genuinely appreciated.

Can I take Fijian dollars out of Fiji?

Not easily — most international banks won't buy FJD. Spend remaining FJD before departure, or exchange it at the airport departure hall. Amounts of F$10,000 or more require declaration at the airport regardless of direction of travel.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Fiji overview.

This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.