With about 322 islands and 522 islets, Fiji is a popular holiday spot in the South Pacific Ocean. The key islands are Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. Fiji’s main economy consists of sugar exports and tourism. Tourism continues to grow annually. The main currency is the Fiji dollar. It trades, on the market, under the letters FJD at 100 cents to the dollar.
History
Among the many islands Abel Tasman ran across during his voyages, were the Fiji Islands. Captain cook paid a visit in 1774, but colonization only came in the 19th century. In 1874, it became a British colony, ceded by King Kacobau to Britain. By 1881, the only legal tender was British.
During the early 20th century, Australian coins began to appear alongside the British currency. In 1934, sterling coinage came on the market. These included halfpennies with central holes, silver 6 pence and both florins and shillings. In 1947, e pence joined the coinage.
Fiji remained a British colony until 1970, using British sterling until 1969. The decimal system of money kicked in that year. The country now had 1, 2, 5 10, 20 and 50 cents as well as a 1 dollar coin. Banknotes included 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 dollars as well as 50 cents. In 1995, the country added a 50-dollar note and replaced the 50-cent bill with a coin of equal value. In 2007, they made a 100-dollar note.
Today the system consists of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents as well as 1-dollar in coins. The banknotes are 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100-dollars.
Obtaining Fiji Dollars
It is not difficult to obtain Fiji dollars in Fiji. You can exchange your own currency at banks in the main towns. These include ANZ, colonial National Bank and Westpac Banking Corporation. Some banks charge a higher ate than others do. There are also various private exchange offices. These include the Sigatoka Money Exchange and the Lotus Foreign Exchange.
Luxury hotels are another source of currency exchange, but you may lose in the exchange. You may also obtain money from ATMs. These are available in Labasa, Lautoka, Nadi, Nausori, Sigatoka, and Suva. You can find them outside banks and in supermarkets and resorts.
Protecting Your Currency
The incidence of crime has been on the rise in Fiji. This is particularly true in urban areas. The usual petty crimes are now common. These include purse snatching and theft from hotel rooms. Armed assault in hotels is common these days. Be on your guard. Be especially careful when withdrawing money from ATM machines or banks. Avoid sharing your taxi with anyone you do not know. Secure your possessions at all times. Do not be overtly affluent. Never hike alone. Before you hike anywhere, talk to local guides and stick to designated pathways.
Using Your Fiji dollars
There are many places to spend your Fiji currency. Go to a resort or a golf course. Hire a guide or island hop. There are also lots of things to buy. Spend it in any one of the Art villages or to watch fire walking. A good value is Fiji pottery.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Be careful when you enter the water. Along the reefs, there are powerful riptides.
- Sharks are present in local waters.
- Fiji is an area of cyclonic and seismic activity.
- Watch for taxi scams.
- Visit the Fiji Museum at Suva.
- Go to Suva Suva a plantation town or take a day hike in Cola-i-Suma Forest Park.
- See fire walking on the Coral Coast or the Sri Siva Subrahmaniya Temple near Nadi.
- Shop in Naid Market.
- Island hop. Visit Denaur Island with its upscale resorts, marina and golf course.
- Try scuba diving on Rainbow Reef or at the Great AStolabe Reef, reachable only by boat.
Overview
The
Fiji Islands in the South Pacific Ocean provide visitors with a
veritable paradise. From upscale resorts to day hikes in the various
national parks, Fiji lives up to its idyllic reputation. With hundreds
of islets and islands to explore, it is no wonder people come to Fiji
again and again.
For factual information and data, go to www.fiji.gov.fj. For travel information, see www.bulafiji.com.
Currency Summary
Current currency: dollar
100 cents equals 1 dollar
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents; 1 dollar
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100-dollars