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Oceania

Fiji

A Fiji trip is usually two trips in one - a main-island base plus a smaller island or resort stay reached by boat or light aircraft. Cash earns its keep outside resorts and larger towns, where card acceptance gets patchy. Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival for tourism, though it's worth confirming the current allowance before you travel. Inter-island transfers run on their own timetables, so the connections between stops are the thing to plan around rather than an afterthought.

Last updated May 2026

Fiji flag
Money & Payments

Currency

FJ$
Fijian Dollar
FJD
Fetching rate...

Rates via FXRatesAPI

Cash Tip

  • Cards are accepted at resort hotels, larger restaurants, and businesses in Nadi and Suva.

  • Cash is required for local markets, village visits, public transport, and outer island activities.

  • ATMs are located in major towns; carrying local currency is necessary for remote regions.

Card Rating

How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted

5 / 10.0

Credit cards are accepted at resort hotels, large restaurants, and major retail businesses in Nadi and Suva. Local public transport, village markets, and outer island activities operate on a cash-only basis. Local mobile wallets like mPAiSA require domestic registration and phone numbers.

Daily Budget

Estimated daily costs per person

Budget

Meals & Transit

FJ$70–FJ$140

Local Fijian roti shops and markets (FJ$3–10/meal), local buses. Budget resorts are available with meals included.

≈ $31–$62

Meals & Transit

FJ$70–FJ$140

≈ $31–$62

Local Fijian roti shops and markets (FJ$3–10/meal), local buses. Budget resorts are available with meals included.

Accommodation

FJ$20–FJ$40

Backpacker beach resorts, shared dorms, or basic island bures.

≈ $9–$18

Accommodation

FJ$20–FJ$40

≈ $9–$18

Backpacker beach resorts, shared dorms, or basic island bures.

Mid-Range

Meals & Transit

FJ$137–FJ$274

Restaurant meals, snorkelling trips, island day tours.

≈ $60–$120

Entry & Documents

Visa Requirements

Check entry requirements for your passport

Select your passport to view visa requirements.

On the Ground

Weather Forecast

7-day forecast for your trip

Powered by Open-Meteo

Power & Plugs

Voltage, frequency, and plug types

Type I plug — 240V, 50Hz
Type I240V50Hz

Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.

SIM Card Guide

Stay connected while traveling

Typical price range

FJ$15–FJ$50

≈ $7–$23 USD

Validity: 7–14 day tourist SIM

eSIM via AiraloeSIM via Bytesim
Practical Info

Apps & Getting Around

Essential apps and transport info

Navigation

  • Google MapsForeigner-friendly

    Reliable in Nadi and Suva. Limited accuracy for outer islands and remote areas - ask locals for directions. Download offline maps before leaving Nadi.

  • XE CurrencyForeigner-friendly

    Useful for FJD/USD/AUD conversions. The Fijian dollar rate fluctuates - check before exchanging cash. The XE app works offline for recent rates.

Transport

  • South Sea Cruises AppForeigner-friendly

    Book day trips and island transfers from Denarau. The Yasawa Flyer ferry schedule is managed here. Essential for Mamanuca and Yasawa island planning.

  • Fiji AirwaysForeigner-friendly

    Book domestic flights between main islands. Also useful for international Fiji Airways flights into NAN. Website: fijiairways.com

Before You Go

Rules & Restrictions

Important laws and customs to be aware of

Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.

Legal

  • Drug laws are strict. Possession or importation of marijuana, methamphetamine, or other controlled substances results in significant prison sentences. Fiji Customs has strict import controls - do not carry undeclared items for others.
  • Respecting the Sabbath: Fiji has strong Christian traditions. Many businesses and services are closed on Sundays, especially outside tourist areas. Plan transport and provisioning accordingly. Some villages observe strict Sunday rest customs.

Cultural

  • Respect for village customs is paramount. When visiting a Fijian village, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered - women should wear a sulu/sarong), remove shoes when entering homes, and bring a sevusevu (ceremonial gift of kava root - yaqona). Entry requires an invitation or local guidance.
  • Kava (yaqona) ceremonies are a central part of Fijian cultural life. Accept the kava cup with both hands, clap once before drinking, say 'bula' (hello/health), drink the bowl in one go, then clap three times. Declining the initial offering is customary considered disrespectful.

Health

  • Dengue fever is present in Fiji - use DEET-based mosquito repellent especially during and after heavy rain. Healthcare in Nadi and Suva is basic; serious conditions require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation is essential. Carry basic medications from home.
  • Solar radiation is high near the equator. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply frequently. Water activities (snorkelling, diving) are particularly high-risk for sunburn. Coconut oil (used by locals) provides no sun protection.

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Meals & Transit

FJ$137–FJ$274

≈ $60–$120

Restaurant meals, snorkelling trips, island day tours.

Accommodation

FJ$200–FJ$400

3-to-4 star beach resorts, family holiday apartments, or standard island bures.

≈ $90–$180

Accommodation

FJ$200–FJ$400

≈ $90–$180

3-to-4 star beach resorts, family holiday apartments, or standard island bures.

Luxury

Meals & Transit

FJ$325–FJ$1,500+

Overwater bure, private snorkelling guide, sunset cruises.

≈ $140–$650+

Meals & Transit

FJ$325–FJ$1,500+

≈ $140–$650+

Overwater bure, private snorkelling guide, sunset cruises.

Accommodation

FJ$800–FJ$3,000+

Exclusive private island resorts, overwater bures, or 5-star beachfront villas.

≈ $360–$1350+

Accommodation

FJ$800–FJ$3,000+

≈ $360–$1350+

Exclusive private island resorts, overwater bures, or 5-star beachfront villas.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping Customary

Restaurants

A 10% gratuity is standard at tourist-oriented restaurants unless a service charge has already been appended. Local small eateries do not expect tips.

Hotels

Porters receive FJ$2 to FJ$5 per bag, and housekeeping staff receive FJ$3 to FJ$5 per day. Many resorts facilitate a communal tip pool at the front desk upon checkout.

Taxis / Drivers

Taxi fares should be agreed upon before departure as meters are rare. Rounding up fares or adding FJ$1 to FJ$3 is common for drivers and boat captains.

Official Links

Verified government websites and official resources

Immigration Department

Official visa policy, extension applications, entry requirements

Revenue and Customs Service

Customs rules, prohibited items, duty-free allowances

Tourism Fiji

Official Fiji Tourism Bureau - resorts, islands, activities, travel guides

Visa Portal

Online visa applications for nationalities that require advance visas

Vodafone Fiji

Provides 4G coverage across main islands and resort areas. Kiosk at Nadi Airport.

Digicel Fiji

Second-largest carrier with good coverage in populated areas. Available at Nadi Airport.

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Suggested Attractions

Things to do and estimated costs

Mamanuca Islands Snorkelling & Diving (mamanuca-islands)

FJ$135–FJ$337

A cluster of 20 islands 30–90 minutes from Nadi by fast cat. Crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class dive sites. The Great White Wall near Taveuni is one of the Pacific's best dives.

≈ $60–$150 USD

Yasawa Islands Village Stay (yasawa-islands)

FJ$180–FJ$450

The remote volcanic Yasawa Islands offer the most authentic Fijian village experiences - sleeping in traditional bures, kava ceremonies, and snorkelling in pristine waters. Accessible by Yasawa Flyer ferry from Denarau.

≈ $80–$200 USD

Cloud 9 Floating Bar (Mamanuca) (mamanuca-islands)

FJ$56–FJ$180

A legendary floating pizzeria and cocktail bar moored above a shallow reef in the Mamanuca Islands. Day trip from Denarau via South Sea Cruises. Snorkelling, paddleboards, and sunset cocktails.

≈ $25–$80 USD

Sabeto Mud Pools & Hot Springs (nadi)

FJ$22–FJ$45

Natural volcanic mud pools on Viti Levu where visitors bathe in warm volcanic mud before rinsing in natural hot springs. Located 30 minutes from Nadi - an affordable and unique Fijian experience.

≈ $10–$20 USD

Garden of the Sleeping Giant (Nadi) (nadi)

FJ$34

Raymond Burr's former orchid collection - a Clear hillside garden with over 2,000 varieties of orchids and tropical plants at the foot of the Sleeping Giant mountain range. Peaceful and uncrowded.

≈ 15 USD

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park (coral-coast)

FJ$22

Fiji's first national park - dramatic sand dunes up to 20m high on the Coral Coast, with archaeological finds of ancient Lapita pottery. Guided walks available. One of the Pacific's most unusual natural landmarks.

≈ 10 USD

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple (Nadi) (nadi)

Free

The largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere - a Clear Dravidian-style temple with elaborate painted gopuram (gateway tower). Visitors welcome; dress modestly and remove shoes. Free entry.

Waitabu Marine Reserve (Taveuni) (yasawa-islands)

FJ$67

The Rainbow Reef off Taveuni Island is widely considered the Pacific's finest wall dive - 30m underwater cliffs covered in soft corals, sea fans, and rainbow-coloured fish. Taveuni is reached by domestic flight.

≈ 30 USD

Natadola Beach (coral-coast)

Free

Consistently ranked Fiji's best beach - 3km of powdery white sand and calm turquoise water, largely undeveloped and peaceful. Horse riding on the beach is a popular activity. Located 1 hour from Nadi on the Queens Highway.

Levuka Historic Town (Ovalau) (suva)

FJ$11–FJ$45

A UNESCO World Heritage Site - Fiji's first colonial capital preserves wooden 19th-century colonial streetscapes untouched since the 1870s. Accessible by ferry from Suva or small plane from Nadi.

≈ $5–$20 USD

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  • Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the primary international gateway
  • Coach bus networks operate routes between Nadi and Suva with fares from FJ$25 (~$11 USD)
  • Metered and negotiated taxi services are available in urban areas
  • High-speed and standard catamaran ferry services depart from Denarau Marina to service the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, and domestic aviation connects the primary islands

Public Holidays

Upcoming dates to plan around

2026
New Year's Day
1 Jan 2026
Good Friday
3 Apr 2026
Easter Saturday
4 Apr 2026
Easter Monday
6 Apr 2026
National Sports Day
11 May 2026
Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day
1 Jun 2026
Queen's Birthday / King's Birthday
15 Jun 2026
Fiji Day (Independence Day)
10 Oct 2026
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid)
25 Aug 2026
Diwali
8 Nov 2026
Christmas Day
25 Dec 2026
Boxing Day
26 Dec 2026

Other

  • Fiji has two main groups of people - indigenous Fijians (iTaukei) and Indo-Fijians. Their cultures, foods, and customs are quite distinct - India-sourced temples, spiced curries, and Hindi music are common in Suva and Lautoka. Both cultures are warm and welcoming to visitors.