When you think about vacationing in Fiji, you probably envision luxury resorts, overpriced overwater bungalows, spa treatments, first-class dining and couples honeymooning. At least that’s what I thought about. Contrary to popular belief, Fiji is actually a really affordable destination to visit for US and Australian citizens.
I didn’t know anything about Fiji, but when my friend Lee Abbamonte told me it was budget friendly and totally a backpacker’s paradise, I was interested and immediately starting doing my research.
Turns out a guy who has been to every single country in the world actually does know what he’s talking about!
What to Expect
Language: The official language in Fiji is Fijian, but English is spoken everywhere.
Currency: The local currency is the Fijian Dollar ($FJD) which is just about half of the US dollar. Example $10USD=$5FJD roughly. Be sure to get cash out in Nadi or somewhere on the main island if you are traveling to other islands because ATM’s become scarce once you leave the mainland.
Visas: For US and Australian passport holders you do not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Fiji. Your visa on arrival is valid for up to four months from date of entry.
Phone/Internet: I always get a local SIM card whenever I enter a new country. I find that the service is always better and wayyyyyyy cheaper than anything that my home phone service provider can get me. You can buy a local SIM at the airport or in any shops around town. Make sure your phone is unlocked to be able to accept SIM cards from another network.
Power Plugs: Fiji’s power sockets are the same as Australia’s.
Is Fiji Expensive?
Yes and no. Fiji is home to some of the most opulent hotels in the world. We’re talking rooms that easily going for thousands of dollars per night! On the completely other end of the spectrum, a hostel dorm bed is as little as $10USD per night. It really just depends on what kind of experience YOU want to have.
I was fortunate to be able to experience both sides of Fiji. While staying at an all-inclusive hotel was nice, I realized I am not much of a resort kind of girl. At least not at this time in my life when all I crave is adventures! What I want most is to meet locals and other travelers that have a similar mindset and agenda. I find this to be much more difficult when staying at a resort, especially as a solo traveler. Also, I want to gorge myself in all the street food I can find! Another downside of an all-inclusive resort.
Flights to Fiji
The cheapest way to fly to Fiji is while you are already in Australia. Plan in advance and be flexible with your travel dates and you can score a ticket to Nadi International Airport (Fiji’s main airport) for roughly $400USD roundtrip out of Sydney or Melbourne. Google Flights is the nuts for finding the cheapest flights on any given day.
Where to Stay in Fiji
If you are traveling solo, and on a budget, then a hostel is where it’s at! Hostels in Nadi for a bed in a mixed dormitory will start at $5FJD ($10USD) per night.
Bamboo Beach is my favorite budget stay in Fiji. The property is located 10 minutes from the airport in Wailoaloa Beach. It offers a very social beachfront vibe with regularly scheduled nighttime activities and shows. This hostel also has FREE WIFI, FREE 24-hour airport pickup, an affordable restaurant serving traditional Fijian cuisine and western foods.
Believe it or not, Fiji has a great Airbnb community! Shared accommodations start around $30FJD per night. This is a great way to meet locals and experience a more authentic side of traveling.
Getting Around in Fiji
Bus: While this is the most inexpensive way to get around the island, it wasn’t the best option as it will take you a LONG time to get between destinations. I bet it would be fun though and a great way to experience local Fijian life.
Share Taxis: A regular taxi but shared with others. These taxis will pick up multiple passengers and charge a set price for your journey. A little bit more expensive than a bus but much cheaper than a solo taxi ride.
Car Rental: I opted for this option as my time here in Fiji was short and I had a lot of ground to cover. For Suzy the Suzuki (yes, I named her!) it was about $70FJD ($35USD) per day. She was rented at the airport out of convenience but I heard if you rent in town that you could get a slightly cheaper price.
Boats/Ferries: For transport between island, you will take either a small boat or a ferry, which can usually be arrange for you through your hostel or hotel if you did not book anything in advance.
- BULA PASS: This is a hop, hop off boat pass perfect for visiting multiple island for a set amount a days.
- Tavewa Seabus: A catamaran service that is a great option for single journeys and is much faster than a lot of the other boats.
Hitchhiking: The ultimate way of traveling while on an extreme budget. I can’t sit here and say yes, go out and do this, but I will say that from what I saw, it is generally a safe option to get around in Fiji. I saw a few hitchhikers while I was there and even picked one up! Just use your best judgement and always trust you gut.
Food and Drinks
Food in Fiji is not expensive at all, especially if you eat locally. With the exception of a few overpriced meals at the resort, I didn’t eat in any restaurants while in Fiji. I lived off fresh fruits from the local markets and street food. The passionfruit here is LIFE! I had passionfruit for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day! My other favorite meal was a simple to go box of street side BBQ for $7FJD.
Locals suggests that you buy water and alcohol in Nadi, as it is much more expensive on the other islands.
Cheap/FREE Things to do in Fiji
I wrote an entire blog post on the 13 best things to do on the main island in Fiji. Be sure to check out it!