Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of Fiji is the Fijian Dollar, available in denominations of F$50, $20, $10, $5 and $2. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in all major banks, hotels, currency exchange bureaus and also at the airports. It is important to note that foreign credit cards may not be accepted by the ATMs. Some of the major credit and debit cards that are accepted widely in Fiji are Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express.

Tourists are recommended to carry travelers' checks in Pounds Sterling and Australian Dollars in order to avoid additional charges of exchange rates.

No restrictions are imposed on importing local or foreign currencies provided they are declared at the time of arrival. Also, local currencies that have not been spent can be re-exchanged at the time of departure, which is limited to the amount of imported foreign currency.

Banking hours

Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 3:00pm, Fridays from 9:30am to 4:00pm

2. What a Dollar Will Buy You

While in Fiji visitors may enjoy cheap meals costing about $1.36 and a small beer available in just $2. A head of imported lettuce from Australia or New Zealand may cost around $4 - $5 if bought from the supermarkets.

While a liter of kerosene in Fiji costs around $1.36, premix outboard fuel costs approximately $1.93 liter.

3. Telecommunications

The country code of Fiji is +679. While making calls from USA to Fiji, individuals need to dial 011 followed by the country code and then the city or area code. Cheap long distance calls can be made with the use of prepaid phone cards and calling cards. Mobile phones can also be used for telecommunications. The code of mobile phones in Fiji is 21.

The Peanuts LD is one of the major service providers for mobile phones in Fiji. While using Peanut LD, users need to dial an access number followed by the destination number. This service is quite popular for its flexibility of allowing calls from home phones and mobile phones. The service sometimes even allows calls from business phones as well.

Some of the popular prepaid phone card companies include Global Papa, The Good Card, Across America and Euro Mama to name a few.

4. Cab Fares

Korolevu Nadi Town (92 km) -- $54.00

Korolevu Nadi Airport (101 km) -- $64.00

Korolevu Lautoka City (9125 km) -- $69.00

Labasa Airport Labasa Airport (0.89 km) -- $10.00

Labasa Town Buca Bay (171.0 km) -- $180.00; Return: $250.00

Labasa Town Bulileka Sec. School(7 km) -- $5.00

Labasa Town Dreketi (80.4 km) -- $50.00; Return: $80.00

Lautoka City Ba Town (38 km) -- $20.00

Lautoka City Tavua (67 km) -- $40.00

Lautoka City Rakiraki Town (9108 km) -- $70.00

5. Currency Exchange Rates

FJD 1.00 = USD 0.58

GBP 0.32

CAD 0.64

AUD 0.76

ZAR 3.47

EUR 0.46

NZD 0.90

6. Taxes

A FD 30 (17.19 USD) departure tax is to be paid by all visitors to Fiji who are aged sixteen and above.

A 10% VAT, (Value Added Tax) is added in the price rates of all taxable goods and services.

7. Tipping

It is not mandatory to tip in Fiji. However, donations are accepted by many resorts for their staff funds. Visitors may also donate a gratuity to the Christmas fund in case they are happy with the service quality.