Fijian Dollar (FJD): Facts, Denominations, and AUD to FJD Exchange Tips

The Fijian Dollar (FJD) is Fiji’s official currency and the one you will use for most day-to-day payments while travelling. If you are planning a trip from Australia, understanding common denominations, whether AUD is accepted, and how the AUD to FJD exchange rate works will help you budget more accurately and avoid unnecessary fees. Below are the key facts about FJD, with practical exchange and payment tips for travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Fiji adopted the Fijian Dollar (FJD) in 1969, replacing the Fiji pound as part of decimalization.
• FJD comes in practical coin and banknote denominations for everyday spending and larger purchases. 
• Banknotes feature national symbols, nature, and cultural elements that reflect Fiji’s identity.
• Check the live AUD to FJD rate and compare providers based on the all-in result (fees + margin).
• AUD may be accepted in some tourist settings, but paying in FJD usually offers clearer pricing and better value.
• Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when offered—paying in FJD typically reduces hidden mark-ups.
• Pre-decimal coins and older issues can be of interest to collectors, though this is separate from travel money needs. 
• The Reserve Bank of Fiji manages monetary policy and supports currency stability.
• Use a mix of FJD cash (for small vendors) and cards (for hotels and larger merchants) for convenience and control.
• Understanding exchange rates and fees helps you estimate how far your budget will go in Fiji.

  1. Fijian Dollar Origin and History

Fiji introduced the Fijian Dollar (FJD) in 1969 as part of currency decimalization, replacing the Fiji pound and moving away from the pounds–shillings–pence system. This change modernized Fiji’s monetary system and established FJD as the standard currency used today for wages, pricing, and retail payments.

For travelers, the key point is simple: you will be quoted and charged mainly in FJD, so converting from AUD with a clear view of rates and fees is the most reliable way to plan expenses. 

  2. Current Denominations

The Fijian Dollar is issued in a practical mix of coins and banknotes for everyday spending. Coins are typically used for small purchases and change, while banknotes support routine transactions such as dining, tours, and transport. Having a mix of smaller denominations is useful for markets, taxis, and tips where card payments may not be available.

Travel tip: when you exchange, ask for a mix of notes rather than only large denominations to reduce the need for change in smaller merchants. 

  3. Unique Design and Symbols

Fijian banknotes reflect national identity through local symbols, natural heritage, and cultural motifs. For visitors, these design elements are also a practical cue: learn to recognize the main note values so you can handle cash transactions confidently, especially in busy tourist areas.

If you are collecting or exchanging older notes, always verify that the banknotes are current legal tender and in acceptable condition for merchants. 

  4. Exchange Rate Tips (AUD to FJD)

If you are travelling from Australia, check the live exchange rate for AUD to FJD in advance and compare providers by the total amount you will receive (rate margin + fees). Airport exchange points often include wider spreads; planning ahead and using reputable providers can reduce costs and improve certainty.

To track and plan, you can start on the AUD to FJD page and confirm the latest pricing before you exchange or place an order. 

  5. Is AUD Accepted in Fiji?

In some tourist-focused businesses, AUD may be accepted, but it is not guaranteed, and the rate offered in-store can be unfavorable compared to exchanging properly. For clearer pricing and better control of your budget, it is generally best to pay in FJD, especially for everyday purchases such as food, transport, and activities.

Practical approach: arrive with a small amount of FJD for immediate expenses, then top up via reputable exchange channels once you are settled. 

  6. Currency Conversion in Fiji

Some merchants may offer dynamic currency conversion (DCC), allowing you to pay in AUD instead of FJD at checkout. This convenience often comes with a mark-up embedded in the exchange rate. In most cases, choosing to pay in FJD (local currency) results in a better overall cost on card transactions.

Quick rule: if the terminal asks “Pay in AUD or FJD?”, select FJD unless you have a specific reason not to. 

  7. Historic Coins and Banknotes

Fiji has a rich numismatic history, including pre-decimal coinage and older issues that can appeal to collectors. While this is interesting from a historical perspective, it is not directly relevant for travel spending—focus on receiving current legal tender notes and coins for everyday use.

If you encounter older coins/notes, treat them as collectibles unless a bank confirms they can still be exchanged or used. 

  8. Currency Management and the Reserve Bank of Fiji

The Reserve Bank of Fiji oversees monetary policy and supports financial stability, including the management of currency issuance and reserves. For consumers, the main implication is confidence in the official currency system and the continued circulation of FJD as the standard for pricing and payments across the country.

Macro conditions (inflation expectations, tourism flows, and global risk sentiment) can still influence the AUD to FJD rate, so it is worth checking pricing close to your exchange date. 

 9. Tips for Travelers Using Cash and Cards

A practical approach is to carry some FJD cash for small purchases (markets, local transport, tips) while using cards for hotels and larger merchants. This reduces friction while keeping your spending trackable. If you use a travel card, compare fees, FX mark-ups, and ATM withdrawal charges to understand the total cost.

To avoid surprises, ask your bank about international transaction fees and consider setting card alerts so you can monitor spending in real time. 

  10. Exchange Rate Statistics

Exchange rates fluctuate, so budgeting improves when you check the current AUD to FJD rate near the time you exchange and validate it against reputable benchmarks. Use rate trackers to understand the market level, then compare provider quotes based on the final “you receive” amount in FJD after fees.

If you want a quick benchmark before converting, review the latest pricing on the exchange rates page and confirm your amount on the AUD to FJD flow.