Fiji Dollar
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar as its currency. Like all other dollar systems, it is sub-divided into 100 cents and is issued in the form of notes and coins. In coin form, the denominations are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents as well as a $1 coin. Notes come in the form of $2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.
The currency is issued by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and it is identified on international markets by the letters FJD. The currency is denoted in Fiji by the symbol $, but to differentiate it from other dollar currencies, it is also sometimes written as FJ $.
History of the Fijian Dollar
The dollar in its current form has only been in existence since 1969. However, it was actually in use during the years 1867 to 1873. Then at this point, Fiji became a British colony and as such used the Fijian pound as its currency.
The Fijian pound was an imperial and not a decimalised currency, with there being 20 shillings to each pound and each shilling being worth 12 pence.
Then in 1969 the Fijian dollar was brought back into being as a symbol of the fact that Fiji was being granted independence from Britain and as such required its own unique currency, to demonstrate that it was a Republic in its own right, not just an 'add on' to the British Empire. Full independence was granted in 1970 and the Republic of the Fiji Islands was born!
Getting Hold of Fijian Dollars
Fijian dollars are quite easy to acquire, since this is a country that is well developed in terms of financial infra structure and the ability to accommodate tourists. ATM machines are relatively plentiful, although if you do go to very isolated areas, then obviously they are few and far between. Not all cards from overseas will be accepted at all ATM machines, so you should check out whether or not your card will be accepted, prior to travelling there. Any card with a Visa or Mastercard symbol can be used in the Australian and New Zealand banks ATMs and these are quite widespread throughout Fiji.
Most of the tourist hotels will accept credit cards and indeed they can be used in most of the restaurants in towns and cities as well.
Traveller's cheques can also be brought in and then exchanged in banks. It is also relatively easy to exchange cash.
Anyone travelling to Fiji should be careful when using an ATM machine, since foreigners have been robbed as they have attempted to get money out of an ATM. So, just for peace of mind, it is probably worth taking a combination of cash, traveller's cheques, as well as your credit or debit card. Then you should always leave either your card and cheques safely locked up in the hotel and take your cash out to exchange etc. But always make sure that you have some access to cash, locked up in your hotel safe or safety box and so you won't need to worry about money being stolen.
Safety Issues
Fiji as a whole is not that dangerous a place to visit, the main problem is with regard to two areas, the island of Viti Levu as well as the capital Suva. It is actually a relatively peaceful and tranquil place, but there has been significant periods of unrest of late and there was a military coup in 2005, which has not gone down well with many people on Fiji and the result is that there is a considerable tension throughout Fiji, which could or conversely may not, break out into fighting at any point.
In 2007 a State of Emergency was put in place, but this was lifted in October 2007, but nevertheless, there are police (and sometimes military) checkpoints in place at night and you could well be stopped if you are out at night.
So prior to finalising any trip to Fiji it is worth just checking that the situation remains stable and that there is no increased risk of civil unrest spilling out into a full scale attempt to overthrow the government.
Thefts are increasing in Suva and Viti Levu, so at all times, simply make sure that you do not put yourself at increased risk of getting mugged or having your pockets picked. Unfortunately there do seem to be some people who are specifically targeting Westerners, but if you manage to stay vigilant and are careful with your property and when using ATMs, then your holiday or travels should be relatively hassle free! But be aware that if you do go out at night then potentially you do run a real risk of someone trying to relieve you of your money. Sadly, the problems that Fiji has recently encountered, means that people are often quite poor and view Westerners or travellers as potentially 'rich pickings'. If you are in a resort, then you will most likely be quite safe, or even if you go out on organised tours, but if you go it alone and go into areas that are off the beaten track, then you may be making yourself vulnerable.
The only other safety issue is that of cyclones. Cyclones can and do hit Fiji, from anytime from November through to April, so try to avoid travelling here during these months.
Using Fijian Dollars
Fiji is not as cheap as people may think that it would be. When you think of Fiji you tend to think of little huts, undeveloped areas, luscious beaches and women wearing grass skirts, a little like South Pacific. However, the reality is a little different. In general, Fiji does experience significant problems with inflation, which means that prices are relatively high and with inflation running at about 12%, prices aren't looking like they are going to stabilise. Many people say that the cost of basics; food, drink and accommodation are pretty similar to what you would expect to pay In Australia, although if you do go away from the tourist areas and resorts, you will find that costs are considerably cheaper. But bear in mind the safety issues when you leave the resort areas.
Fiji also prides itself on being a real 'hotspot' for backpackers, who will often set out from Australia or New Zealand, as they make their way across the world. Conversely, there are a number of Europeans, who are en route for Australia or New Zealand, who stop off at Fiji to have a little fun, before they arrive at their final destination. The result is that many of the backpacking destinations have a great, lively almost party atmosphere. So if you like to party and are Yasawa Islands are a real 'budget resort' area, so if you want to meet some fellow backpackers and let your hair down a little, then head for here. There are a great many low budget facilities here, so it won' break the bank.
If you prefer things a little quieter, well you can always head off to the northern and southern islands, which are much less busy and have some fantastic wildlife to be seen.
Fiji is also amongst the world's top 10 destinations for scuba diving, so if you are into scuba diving, then this will definitely be the place for you.
Due to the fact that it attracts a lot of young backpackers, there is also quite lively scene in terms of water sports. You can go scuba diving of course, but also sailing, surfing, kayaking, skydiving or even game fishing. However, dull as it may sound, if you are considering doing any of these things, then it's best to make sure that you have a good insurance policy that will cover you, if you have an accident. Medical bills can soon mount up and you need to have insurance cover.
Culture and Respect
Fiji is a country that is, on the whole, quite welcoming, but you do need to be sure that you respect the local customs and mores. If you are gay, then be discreet when in Fiji, since some people can find it quite offensive, so do not assert your rights to practise your sexuality, simply keep any displays of affection very low key so as not to cause any offence.
You should also be aware that it is considered 'insensitive' to camp on Fiji. If you are intent on camping, then you need to make sure that you get permission before you camp, from the local Chief. He may not always give you permission, since it is not considered something that the Fijians want to encourage. But there are plenty of quite cheap guesthouses available, so you shouldn't worry too much about having to pay out lots for accommodation. The only problem is that the very cheap ones tend to be quite basic: in other words, you get what you pay for.
Overview
Fiji is a country that does have a little bit more crime than may be expected in such a 'paradise on earth' but it really does have some tremendous sights, wonderful beaches and a people who really are quite friendly and who seem to like to welcome guests and travellers. Its vibrant backpacking scene also gives it a real sense of being very young at heart and the Fijians also like to welcome younger people and show them the beauty of this country.
Fiji is no longer an isolated area and the tourist resorts can be a little enclosing at times, but there are still some beautiful areas, which are largely undisturbed.
However, for the next few years, the situation with regard to the political situation needs to be closely monitored, since there is a real risk of political unrest and if this does happen, Fiji will have to live without travellers for some time. So check out the situation with regard to political stability and monitor it, prior to arriving in the country. One of the best websites is the US website: http://travel.state.gov where you will find that the information is regularly updated, with regard to safety and travel. If it does become dangerous to visit the area, then this website will carry that information, almost as soon as the area actually becomes unsafe.