These cards will let you spend in Fiji for less
Fiji is an archipelago of islands located only four hours flight away from Sydney. It boasts crystal clear beaches and some of the world’s largest hotel chains such as Intercontinental, Shangri-La and more. Like any destination, taking the right cards with you can help you enjoy the experience and worry less about fees.
Jump to a section in this article
- How many dollars do I need to bring to Fiji?
- Exchange rate history
- Travel money options for Fiji at a glance
- How travel cards, debit cards and credit cards work in Fiji
- Paying with cash in Fiji
- Using ATMs in Fiji
- Camila’s 5-Day Blue Lagoon Wanderer Cruise in Fiji
- Why you’ll need a combination of travel money options for Fiji
- Travel insurance for Fiji
Which option is right for your next trip?
Compare travel cards for Fiji
How many dollars do I need to bring to Fiji?
Fiji can be a cheap destination for travellers looking for a holiday on a shoestring budget. At the same time, a holiday to Fiji can be as expensive as you make it. You can see some examples prices below for different price bands.
Some of the daily costs for a Fiji holiday
| Suva | Budget | Midrange | Expensive |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hostel dorm starting at $10 AUD per night | 2 star hotel $50 - $150 AUD per night | 5 star hotel$250 - $2,000 AUD per night |
 | Pizza/Tapas at a midrange restaurantFrom $8 AUD | Indian restaurant$20 AUD a head | 5 star restaurantFrom $30 AUD per dish |
 | Visit the Suva flea marketFree (plus shopping expenses) | 30 minute massage at Suva day spa$30 AUD | 4 night guided trek to the peaks of Fiji inc. food and transportation$850 AUD |
*Prices are indicative and subject to change
Exchange rate history
The Australian dollar has been steadily losing value against the Fijian dollar since 2011. It’s hard to predict the movements of a currency pair, prepaid travel cards and traveller’s cheques allow you to lock in an exchange rate.
| Year | Average annual exchange Australian Dollar (AUD) to Fiji Dollar (FJD) |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1.853804 |
| 2013 | 1.769118 |
| 2014 | 1.693513 |
| 2015 | 1.566471 |
| 2016 | 1.55016 |
| 2017 | 1.569547 |
*Exchange rates are accurate as of 3 September 2017
Which travel card, debit card or credit card?
There are no travel cards which let you hold and spend Fijian dollars. Compare no currency conversion fee prepaid travel cards if you want to take this type of travel money to Fiji. Consider travel friendly debit cards and credit cards to finance your trip. These products are offered by selected financial institutions in conjunction with Visa and Mastercard; which both have wide acceptance on the Fijian Islands.
Travel money options for Fiji at a glance
| Travel money option | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Debit cards for travel |
|
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| Prepaid travel money cards |
|
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| Credit cards for travel |
|
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| Traveller's cheques |
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| Cash |
|
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This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.
How travel cards, debit cards and credit cards work in Fiji
Debit Cards
Debit cards let you spend your own money and are far cheaper to use to get cash from an ATM than credit cards. Watch out for the currency conversion fee as well as international and local ATM withdrawal fees, though. Fijian merchants are equipped with EFTPOS terminals, but there will be times when you need to pay cash, especially for smaller transactions. Have a look at the Citibank Plus Transaction Account if you want to save on international transaction fees when you’re in Fiji. The Citibank Plus Visa Debit Card can be used to make purchases and withdrawals and you won’t pay the fee for currency conversion, the international ATM fee and Citibank don’t charge an account keeping fee either.
- Tip: If you have a card which is part of the Westpac Group, you can avoid the fee for international ATM withdrawals by using Westpac ATMs in Fiji thanks to the Global ATM Alliance.
Credit Cards
Bankwest Platinum credit cards and the 28 Degrees Mastercard do not charge a currency conversion fee when you make purchases or ATM withdrawals in Fiji. Using another account will cost you an additional 3% of the transaction value. However, if you load your own money on the card, using your credit card for a cash advance is not advised. Cash advances don’t get interest free days, which usually apply to credit card purchases, and cash advance fees can eat your available credit limit quickly. Other features to think about which will be of benefit on a trip to Fiji include complimentary international travel insurance included with mid to high-end cards when you charge the cost of your return travel ticket to your account. Also look out for rewards cards that have an increased rewards points earn rate for purchases made outside Australia.
- Tip: If you use your credit card with a positive balance (spending your own money not the banks), you are waiving the card scheme anti-fraud guarantees.
Travel prepaid cards
The perk of a prepaid travel card is usually the advantage of carrying multiple foreign currencies and avoiding currency conversion fees on the one card. Unfortunately, as no Australian travel cards currently support Fijian dollars, they don’t hold as much appeal. So unless you have a travel card that doesn’t charge a foreign currency conversion fee on unsupported currencies, you could rack up some unnecessary costs.
However, prepaid cards usually come with a supplementary card for emergencies and can be used for ATM withdrawals. So if you can get a card without a currency conversion fee, it could come in use.
Traveller's cheques
Traveller’s cheques are quickly becoming obsolete. Other forms of travel money provide the advantages of traveller’s cheques without the drawbacks. Unlike other places in the world, you will be able to cash traveller’s cheques at banks and hotels in Fiji, but you will have difficulty finding places to cash traveller’s cheques in the remote areas.
Cash
You will be able to use your cards at many businesses in Fijian cities, if you’re heading to the smaller islands or to remote areas, ensure you have enough cash to last you till for the duration of your trip.
Exchanging cash
Australian dollars can be easily exchanged to Fijian dollars in Fiji. There are exchange offices at Fiji’s international airports, transport terminals and hotels can exchange dollars as well. Avoid changing money at your hotel if you want to get the best deal. The best rates are available outside of airports, look for exchange offices in tourist areas.
Using ATMs in Fiji
ATMs are common in Fijian cities, but you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you have enough cash if you’re heading to rural areas. Australian banks such as Westpac and ANZ have a presence in Fiji, so these cardholders can access ATMs cheaply on their island holiday. The standard ATM withdrawal fee is about $5 Fijian dollars per withdrawal, expect to pay double this fee if you’re using a card with charges for international ATM withdrawal or you’re using an ATM which is not part of your bank’s ATM network.
Back to topCamila’s 5-Day Blue Lagoon Wanderer Cruise in Fiji
Camila started her trip in Suva before heading across the island to Port Denarau. She joined a cruise which lasted for 4 nights. The cruise took her to see the sights of the Sacred Islands, Yasawa Islands and Blue Lagoon region before returning her to Port Denarau. She was in Fiji for a week and a half.
What cards did you take with you?
Camilla took these cards with her to Fiji
Why did you take these cards?
Camila took the Citibank Plus Visa Card because she could use the card to make purchases on the cruise without paying extra for currency conversion, she also used the card to make an ATM withdrawal so she had some cash as spending money for gratuities when she was on the cruise.
She paid for her return ticket to Fiji using her St.George Vertigo Platinum to take advantage of the complimentary international travel insurance and to use for big ticket purchases because it offers extended warranty insurance and purchase cover insurance.
Where could you use your cards?
She says she could use her cards on the cruise to pay for drinks and meals (which weren’t included in the package). She says she could use her Citibank card in Suva in more places than not. Camila says she had to pay cash when she took taxis and when she picked up souvenirs at Suva’s flea markets.
What can you tell us about ATM withdrawals?
Camila says she made a withdrawal at an ANZ ATM using her Citibank card in Suva when she arrived at the airport, she was charged a couple of dollars when she made this withdrawal.
What’s your travel money recommendation?
She says take the Citibank Plus if you’re heading overseas, it’s low on fees, offers the worldwide acceptance of Visa and she says it’s free to own. She applied for this account specifically for her trip. She says when she got back home she didn’t use the card at all and will keep it for her next trip, which was fine because it costs her nothing to keep.
Do you have any travel money tips for Fiji?
She says ATMs in some places in Fiji are unreliable, so make sure you have enough cash if you’re heading outside the major cities. Camila also says to check whether your hotel charges a credit card surcharge. She says she was charged a surcharge of 5%, which she could’ve avoided by using a debit card instead. Finally she says always pay in the local currency when you’re in Fiji. Dynamic currency conversion is a credit card feature which allows spending in Australian dollars overseas, but it will cost you more.
Buying currency in Australia
As a general rule, you’ll get a better rate if you wait to purchase foreign currency when you arrive at your destination, this includes changing Australian dollars from a bank or a foreign exchange office or by making an ATM withdrawal. ATM withdrawals use the card scheme rate (Visa/Mastercard etc), which is a touch above the market rate. Foreign exchange offices and banks don’t include the margin applied by Australian institutions. If you do want to buy foreign cash in Australia, consider these financial institutions.
- Tip: Travelex and Australia Post have outlets at Australian international airports, so you can pick up foreign cash while you wait for your flight.
Why you’ll need a combination of travel money options for Fiji
A mixture of credit and debit cards will give you most enjoyment of your holiday. Don’t bother taking cash to exchange, and don’t change cash in Australia either. You can make ATM withdrawals easily enough at Fiji’s international airports — a card which lets you withdraw and spend over the counter for cheap is the way to go.
Your trip to Fiji should be a relaxing one, so make sure you have organised your travel beforehand to ensure your island getaway runs as smoothly as possible.
If you have questions about taking and using travel money in Fiji, get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of the page. We can help with questions about comparing products, but we can’t give personal advice.
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A friend is travelling to Fiji from Ghana western Africa, she wants to use an ATM visa card from Ecobank Ghana. Fiji is not on the list of worldwide countries for this bank. Will ANZ Fiji honor this ATM visa card?
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for your question.
If the card is a Visa, she should be able to use it wherever Visa is accepted.
However, depending on the card she’s using, your friend might incur currency conversion or transaction fees when using the card in Fiji. As an Australian financial comparison service, it’s difficult for us to confirm how she can use the card without knowing what type of card it is.
Instead, your friend might be better off contacting the bank’s customer service team to confirm how the card can be used overseas.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Hi I am travelling to Fiji in the next few months and was wondering what is the best way to access my money whilst in Fiji.
I bank with ANZ and have visa debit card but was not sure how I would be best to manage funds whilst over there?
thanks
Hi Stace,
Thanks for your comment.
As a financial comparison service, we can’t actually recommend any one strategy, product or service to our users as the ‘best’ option will always depend on your individual financial needs and spending habits.
There are a few options available to you, so you’d do best to compare your options and make the decision based on your own unique needs. When it comes to cards, you have the option of taking a prepaid, debit or credit card. Unfortunately, no Australian prepaid debit travel cards support Fijian Dollars, so you’ll most likely want to choose one with low or no currency conversion fees.
If you’d prefer to have access to a line of credit, you could also consider a credit card that comes with low or no foreign transaction fees and low or no international ATM withdrawal fees.
Consider how you intend to use your travel card and the fees involved to determine which offers the greatest value for money.
You can compare some of these travel money options here.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Sally
Hello
can I use australian and US dollars in Fiji.
thanks YOU
Hi Lynne,
Thank you for your question.
If you use US Dollars or Australian Dollars to complete a purchase in Fiji Dollars using a prepaid travel card, debit card or credit card, you will incur a currency conversion fee. This fee will vary depending on your provider.
I hope this has answered your question.
Thanks,
Sally
Hi I am travelling to Savusavu in Northern Fiji and I know they have an ANZ bank with ATM there. If I withdraw cash with my ANZ card will I be charged a fee? I also have a Qantas cash card so which is best to use?
Thank you
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, as we do not know your financial position or how you intend to use the card, we are unable to suggest which card may be best for you.
If you have an ANZ Travel Card, you can access your funds in Fiji via an ANZ ATM. However, you will be charged an ANZ withdrawal fee when you use the card to withdraw cash in a foreign currency. Please be advised that non-ANZ fees and currency conversion fees may also apply.
You can also access your funds in Fiji if you have access to an ANZ International Access Debit Card. Again, non-ANZ fees and currency conversion fees may apply.
Although Fiji Dollars (FJD) are not supported by the Qantas Cash Card, you can still use your card anywhere MasterCard is accepted internationally. If you load Australian Dollars (or another supported currency) onto your card and make a purchase in FJD, you will be charged a currency conversion fee of 3%.
I hope this answered your question.
Thanks,
Sally
Why should ANZ bank charge you F$2 if you use other bank’s card to withdraw cash from ANZ’s ATMs?
Hi Tina,
Thanks for your question.
ATM fees are one of the many ways banks and other financial institutions make money. Some banks have ATM alliances that let you avoid fees by giving you access to a wider range of ATMs both here and overseas – you can read more about it on this page. It’s important to remember that ANZ is not the only bank that will charge you for using their ATMs, this is standard practice in Australia for financial institutions and other third-party ATM providers. It is mandatory that ATMs display the cost of a transaction before you go ahead, so you can make an informed decision before using any ATM.
I hope this information has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hey!
I will be taking a Citibank Plus Debit card. Where will I be able to withdraw money from and will I get charged ATM fees if its not at a Citibank ATM? Are there even Citibank ATM’s there?
Thanks!
hi . i have a bendigo bank debit card. and a virgin load and go visa card. can we use these in fiji . and which would be the better option. im happy to take cash. but not sure on exchange rates and where the best place is to exchange
Hi Tracey,
Thanks for your question.
As a financial comparison service, we’re unable to suggest any specific products to our users as the best option will always depend on your individual needs and financial situation.
However, as Bendigo Bank’s debit cards are Mastercard products, you’ll be able to use them it in Fiji. Depending on the exact debit card you’re using, you might incur a foreign currency conversion fee when using the debit card in Fiji.
Unfortunately, the Velocity Global Wallet doesn’t support Fijian Dollars, you’ll incur a currency conversion fee of 3% when you use the card to make purchases in Fiji. As Fijian Dollars aren’t supported, this also means you can’t lock in the exchange rate when you first load the funds on the card. Instead, you’ll be subject to the daily exchange rate each time you use your card.
While taking cash might be a convenient way to make purchases in Fiji, you shouldn’t take all of your currency in cash. Instead, you should take cash, a travel card and perhaps a debit or credit card to ensure you have several ways to access cash in case your card or cash is lost or stolen on your trip.
You can exchange your Australian dollars to Fijian Dollars at currency exchange stores in Australia. Usually, these have more competitive exchange rates than if you do so at a currency exchange store at the airport.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Hi Julia,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately there are no Citibank ATMs in Fiji, though you will be able to use any ATM that displays that Visa symbol.
You’ll most likely be charged a foreign ATM operator fee if you withdraw money from an ATM.
Hope this helps,
Shirley
where can I exchange money at fiji
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for your question.
There a number of money exchange centres in Fiji. You can choose to exchange your money at the airport at Nadi, at one of the many banks available, or a reputable exchange centre in town.
Cheers,
Shirley
My wife and I will be traveling to Nadi then Savusavu. What power converters would I need? Also, what would you recommend we do for carrying cash or credit cards?
Thank you for your reply. I forgot to inform you that we are from the United States of America
Hi Allen,
Fiji uses three-pin power points, the same as in Australia and New Zealand.
Leading hotels and resorts should be able to offer universal outlets.
Cheers,
Shirley
Hi Allen,
Thanks for your question.
If you’re travelling from Australia to Fiji, you won’t need an adaptor. Both cash and credit cards have their advantages and disadvantages.
You may want to take a combination of both, your credit card as a back up and cash for convenience.
Cheers,
Shirley
Hi there
I plan to take cash with me to Fiji to avoid excessive bank charges. Do money changers in Fiji accept all denominations of Australian dollars? It would be easier to take $100 notes but I don’t want to do so only to find that the money changers do not accept $100 notes. thank you.
Hi Kandice,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately we don’t know whether money changes in Fiji will accept all denominations. I would assume that the banks will be able to accept larger notes.
To give you an indication, Fijian notes come in the denominations of F$1, F$2, F$5, F$10, F$20 and F$50. Coins are in amounts of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and one dollar. A few websites recommend that you always carry plenty of small change.
All the best,
Shirley
Just so I understand if I use a suncorp debit card in Fiji to withdraw money I will be charged foreign transactions fees plus ATM withdrawal fees.
If I use my credit card to make a cash advance I will also be charged an ATM fee?
Do you know how much is the ATM fee?
Hi Bren,
Thanks for your question.
Generally if you do use a credit card to make a cash advance the ATM fee applies. Even though your credit card issuer may not charge you for this, the ATM operator fee could still apply.
Unfortunately ATM fees are very hard to estimate, as each ATM operator charges their own fees. It might be handy to do some research to see what other people have been charged in the past.
Cheers,
Shirley