If you’re planning a holiday in Fiji, many shops, hotels and restaurants will accept credit card or debit card payments. Just bear in mind you’re likely to get charged a local surcharge by the business operator when you use a foreign card. ATMs that accept international cards are also widely available in tourist areas. You’ll need to have some cash with you to use in smaller establishments or for smaller transactions. This will also come in handy if you’re visiting more remote islands.
Many establishments in Fiji will accept Visa and Mastercard debit card payments, but it’s important to choose your debit card carefully. Some debit cards will charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2.75% to 2.99% every time you pay for an item. Many businesses will also impose their own card surcharge. If you withdraw cash, you could be charged a cash withdrawal fee of 2% to 2.75% on top. You’re also likely to get charged a fee by the ATM operator, which can be as high as FJ$15 (around £5). In other words, if you withdraw £100 from an ATM in Fiji, you could be charged a total of £5.74 (£2.99 + £2.75) as well as an ATM fee of £5.
Fortunately, some debit cards waive these fees so make sure you compare your options in advance of your trip.
Prepaid travel cards work in a similar way to credit and debit cards as you can use them for both purchases and cash withdrawals. Depending on the card you choose, you may be able to load it with foreign currency before you head off on holiday, enabling you to lock in a set exchange rate. Or, you can load it with pounds sterling and when you spend your pounds will be converted to Fijian dollars at the exchange rate on that day.
Prepaid travel card providers use either the interbank exchange rate or the rate set by Mastercard or Visa, or one of these with a fee on top. If you’re on a tight budget, a prepaid card means you’ll only be able to spend what’s on the card. If you need more funds, you’ll need to top your card up again. Bear in mind, you’re still likely to be charged local surcharges or ATM fees.
Many larger establishments in Fiji will also accept credit card payments. However, when paying (or withdrawing cash) on your credit card, take care as credit card fraud is not uncommon in Fiji.
Also choose your credit card carefully as some will charge a foreign transaction fee of up to 2.99%, plus a cash withdrawal fee. You’re also likely to get charged a surcharge by the business in Fiji, which can be as high as 5%. Even if you find a card that won’t charge a cash withdrawal fee, cash withdrawals on credit cards are best avoided as you’ll usually be charged interest from the date of the transaction, even if you clear your balance in full that month.
What’s more, unless your credit card has a 0% introductory offer, you’ll also be charged interest on purchases if you do not pay off your monthly credit card bill in full.
Note that all credit card purchases that cost more than £100 and up to £30,000 will be protected by Section 75.
You should be able to cash traveller’s cheques at banks and hotels in Fiji but keep in mind that fees can be expensive. You also won’t be able to redeem them outside the main Fijian cities.
If you’re mostly sticking to the big cities and resorts of Fiji, you should be able to make credit card, debit card or prepaid card payments without any problems – just make sure your card doesn’t charge high fees. And check what the local surcharge will be if paying by card. However, if you’re planning to visit smaller towns or remote islands, you’ll need to take some cash with you too – or use your debit card or prepaid card to withdraw some cash before you head off.
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