Cash declaration rules for travelling to Fiji from Australia

Q: What happens if I have AUD $7,000 and FJ$5,000?

You must declare it! The rules apply to the total combined value of all currencies you are carrying. In this case, your total exceeds the FJ$10,000 threshold for entering Fiji, so you must report it to customs on arrival to avoid any penalties.

Q: Is it safe to pick up my FJD at the airport in Australia?

It is the safest and most efficient option. By collecting your Fiji Dollars at the airport before you fly, you avoid the risk of unregulated exchange booths in Fiji and ensures you have genuine, bank-verified currency for your arrival.

Q: Is it $10,000 per person or family?

The declaration limit applies to each individual traveler. However, you must be careful with 'structuring'. If a family is carrying $20,000 and gives $5,000 to each of the four members specifically to avoid the $10,000 reporting threshold, this is considered an offence. If you are traveling as a group with a large sum, the most transparent and safest route is to declare the total amount honestly.

Ready for your Fiji getaway? Before you pack your snorkeling gear, make sure you're up to speed with the cash declaration rules. A simple mistake at customs could be a costly start to your holiday.

Table of contents:

The risks of failing to declare your travel cash
Navigating the thresholds: A quick reference
Experience Fiji with total peace of mind

Fiji is the ultimate tropical escape for Australians. Whether you’re heading to a luxury resort on Denarau Island or exploring the rugged beauty of the Coral Coast, it’s a destination that feels like a second home. This comfort, however, can lead to a common travel mistake: assuming that border rules for money are relaxed. While Fiji is famous for its hospitality, its customs officers are very serious about the "Border Cash" regulations. Failing to understand the mandatory declaration limits when leaving Australia and entering Fiji can turn your dream holiday into a bureaucratic headache before you’ve even checked into your resort.

The critical rule to remember is that both Australia and Fiji have strict reporting requirements for large sums of physical money. If you are departing Australia with AUD $10,000 or more (or the foreign currency equivalent), you are legally required to declare it. Similarly, when you land in Fiji, the threshold for declaration is FJ$10,000 (roughly AUD $6,500 depending on the current exchange rate). This doesn’t just apply to banknotes; it includes travelers' cheques, money orders, and bearer bonds.

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Prepare for your trip by reserving your travel money online in advance! Knowing your budget and landing with your Fiji Dollars (FJD) ready is the best way to ensure you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary scrutiny at the border.

The risks of failing to declare your travel cash

The issue isn't carrying the money itself—there is no limit to how much you can take with you. The problem lies entirely in the failure to report it.

Both Australian Border Force and Fiji Revenue & Customs Service conduct random checks. If you are found with undeclared funds above the threshold, the consequences are immediate. In Australia, you could face fines or even prosecution. In Fiji, customs can seize the cash, issue heavy penalties, and cause significant delays that eat into your precious holiday time.

Note for the savvy traveler: While digital payments are rising, relying on undeclared "emergency" cash is often safer than counting on rural ATMs that may suffer from connectivity issues or high international skimming risks.

Imagine the agitation of landing in Nadi, excited for your first sunset cocktail, only to spend hours in a customs interview room because you didn't tally up your Australian and Fiji dollars correctly. It’s an avoidable disaster. Furthermore, while many resorts accept cards, Fiji is still a cash-centric economy once you step outside the tourist bubbles. Relying solely on your Australian bank card can lead to frustrations:

Local markets and taxis: Small vendors and local transport almost exclusively require cash in FJD.
ATM reliability: ATMs in rural areas or smaller islands can be out of service or have low withdrawal limits.
Hidden fees: Using Aussie cards at Fiji ATMs often incurs both local "convenience" fees and foreign transaction fees from your bank.

Trusted by Prosegur with 30+ years of experience, we recommend a strategic approach to your Fiji budget. By using our "Reserve & Collect" service, you lock in competitive rates and ensure you know exactly how much you are carrying before you even reach the departure terminal.

Navigating the thresholds: A quick reference

To keep your Fiji trip stress-free, it’s important to understand the specific limits for both your departure and your arrival.

Journey Stage	Currency Threshold	Requirement
Departing Australia	AUD $10,000 (or equivalent)	Complete an AUSTRAC CBM-PC form before customs.
Arriving in Fiji	FJ$10,000 (or equivalent)	Declare on your Arrival Card and fill out a Border Cash form.
Small Purchases	Under FJ$100	Best to use cash (FJD) to avoid surcharges.
Resort Expenses	Over FJ$500	Cards are widely accepted but check for "credit card fees".

When you reserve your Fiji Dollars online, you enjoy significant savings with excellent rates and 0% commission. This means more of your money stays in your pocket for island hopping and authentic Fijian experiences, rather than being lost to bank margins.

Planning your travel money for the Pacific shouldn't be a guessing game. Here are some of the most frequent doubts Australian travelers have about Fiji's currency rules.

Common questions when travelling to Fiji

What happens if I have AUD $7,000 and FJ$5,000?

You must declare it! The rules apply to the total combined value of all currencies you are carrying. In this case, your total exceeds the FJ$10,000 threshold for entering Fiji, so you must report it to customs on arrival to avoid any penalties.

How much money can you carry on a plane?

There is no legal limit on the total amount of money you can carry on a plane to Fiji. However, the obligation to declare is mandatory once you hit the $10,000 mark. As long as you fill out the required paperwork and can explain the source of the funds, you are free to travel with larger sums for weddings or major events.

Is it safe to pick up my FJD at the airport in Australia?

It is the safest and most efficient option. By collecting your Fiji Dollars at the airport before you fly, you avoid the risk of unregulated exchange booths in Fiji and ensures you have genuine, bank-verified currency for your arrival.

Is it $10,000 per person or family?

The declaration limit applies to each individual traveler. However, you must be careful with "structuring". If a family is carrying $20,000 and gives $5,000 to each of the four members specifically to avoid the $10,000 reporting threshold, this is considered an offence.

If you are traveling as a group with a large sum, the most transparent and safest route is to declare the total amount honestly.

What is the "Anti-Money Laundering" (AML) regulation impact?

Fiji’s strict cash rules are part of global AML efforts to track the movement of large funds. This means customs officers may ask for "proof of source" if you carry very high amounts.

Carrying a bank statement or a receipt from a reputable provider like Prosegur Change helps prove the funds were obtained legally and avoids deeper investigations at the airport.

Experience Fiji with total peace of mind

Fiji is a place for relaxation and adventure, and it deserves your full attention—not your financial stress. By understanding the local rules and sorting your currency before you head to the airport, you can bypass the queues and the customs drama.

Enjoy significant savings with excellent rates and 0% commission on a wide range of currencies by booking ahead. With 30 years of global expertise, Prosegur Change is here to help you bridge the gap between Australia and Fiji seamlessly. Reserve your FJD today, pick it up at the terminal, and start your holiday with total confidence.