💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Nadi: card acceptance by area, where to find ATMs, how to pay for island transfers and taxis, and what to carry for day trips to the islands. For ATM withdrawal limits, currency exchange tips, and Fiji's cash culture:
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Order FJD → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Nadi?
Yes. Nadi is Fiji's main international gateway, and while Denarau Island resorts happily charge everything to your room card, most of the real Fiji runs on cash. Nadi Town's municipal market, village visits, local buses, and small restaurants all require Fijian dollars. If you are staying at a resort and never leaving the property, cards will cover you. If you plan to explore at all, withdraw FJ$200–400 before heading out.
Where You Will Need Cash
Nadi Municipal Market for produce, handicrafts, and cooked food. Village visits anywhere on Viti Levu (sevusevu gifts, handicraft purchases, donations). Local buses between Nadi Town, Lautoka, and the Coral Coast. Small restaurants and curry houses along Main Street and Queens Road. Street vendors selling fruit, coconuts, and snacks. Outer island activities like snorkeling trips, kayak rentals, and fishing excursions booked through small operators.
Where Cards Work Fine
Denarau Island resorts (Hilton, Sofitel, Sheraton, Radisson Blu, Westin) accept cards for everything including spa, dining, and activities. Port Denarau Marina restaurants and shops. Nadi Town supermarkets like New World and MH. Duty-free shops like Jack's of Fiji and Tappoo. Car rental offices at the airport and Denarau. Nadi International Airport shops and restaurants.
Paying by Card in Nadi
Card acceptance in Nadi varies dramatically depending on whether you are on Denarau Island or in Nadi Town. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels and resorts. Amex works at international chains but is unreliable elsewhere. Outside of resort areas, expect to use cash for most transactions.
Denarau Island
Fiji's main resort hub is fully card-friendly. The Hilton, Sofitel, Sheraton, Radisson Blu, and Westin all accept Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Port Denarau Marina has restaurants, bars, and shops that take cards. The marina is also where you book island day trips and catamaran cruises, most of which accept card payment for bookings. The only cash you might need is for tips.
Nadi Town Center
Main Street has a mix. Duty-free shops (Jack's, Tappoo, Prouds) all take cards. Supermarkets like New World and MH accept Visa and Mastercard. But the small Indian restaurants, curry houses, and local eateries along the back streets are mostly cash-only. The pharmacy and mobile phone shops generally accept cards. Budget FJ$50–100 in cash for lunch and snacks if you are spending a few hours in town.
Nadi Municipal Market
The two-story covered market is entirely cash. Fresh produce, root vegetables, kava, handicrafts, and cooked food are all priced in small FJD amounts. Vendors do not have card terminals. Bring FJ$30–80 depending on how much you want to buy. The market is worth visiting for the atmosphere and prices alone.
Wailoaloa Beach
The budget traveler strip northwest of Nadi Town has backpacker hostels, small bars, and local restaurants. Some hostels accept cards for accommodation bookings, but the beach bars, food stalls, and small shops are cash-only. This area caters to budget travelers and the vibe is casual. Bring FJ$50–100 for an evening out.
Nadi International Airport
The arrivals and departures halls have duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants that all accept cards. The ANZ and BSP ATMs in the arrivals hall are your best first stop for withdrawing FJD. Exchange counters are available but offer worse rates. Car rental desks (Budget, Avis, Hertz) all take cards.
Martintar
The commercial strip between Nadi Town and the airport along Queens Road has restaurants, shops, and the Nadi Bay Resort Hotel. Larger restaurants like Tu's Place and Saffron accept cards. Smaller takeaway shops and the roadside stalls are cash. The Martintar area is where many mid-range hotels are located, and these all accept cards for room charges.
Cash for Island Day Trips from Nadi
Most visitors to Nadi use it as a base for day trips or transfers to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains. The critical rule: there are no ATMs on the outer islands. Withdraw everything you need before boarding your boat or seaplane.
How Much Cash for the Islands
For a day trip to South Sea Island, Castaway Island, or Cloud 9, bring FJ$100–200 for drinks, snorkeling gear rental, and tips (the boat transfer is usually prepaid by card). For a multi-day island stay, budget FJ$200–400 per day for activities, village visits, and extras not included in your resort package. Some island resorts can add charges to your room, but smaller backpacker island stays (Barefoot Kuata, Octopus Resort) expect cash for bar tabs and activity add-ons.
Booking Transfers
South Sea Cruises and Awesome Adventures Fiji operate fast catamarans from Port Denarau to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. Book and pay online with a card. Turtle Airways and Pacific Island Air operate seaplanes and helicopters to remote resorts, payable by card. The booking is the card-friendly part. Once you reach the island, switch to cash.
ATMs in Nadi
For withdrawal limits, fees, and which banks work best with foreign cards, see the Fiji guide. This section covers where to find machines in the Nadi area.
Look for these logos on the street. BSP has the widest network across Fiji.
BSP
ANZ
Westpac
HFC Bank
Nadi International Airport
BSP and ANZ ATMs are in the arrivals hall, accessible before you leave the terminal. This is your best first stop. Withdraw enough for your first few days, especially if you are heading directly to the islands. The machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, and Cirrus networks. Maximum withdrawal is typically FJ$1,000 per transaction.
Nadi Town (Main Street)
BSP, ANZ, and Westpac all have branches with ATMs along Main Street. The BSP branch near the bus station is the most central. ANZ is further south toward the bridge. These are the most reliable machines for foreign cards. Avoid withdrawing large amounts on weekends when bank branches are closed and you cannot resolve card issues.
Port Denarau Marina
There is a BSP ATM at Port Denarau, which is convenient if you are staying on Denarau Island or catching an island transfer. It can run out of cash on busy weekends when multiple cruise ships and island transfers are operating. Have a backup plan (Nadi Town is a 15-minute taxi ride).
Martintar / Queens Road
A BSP ATM is located near the commercial area along Queens Road between the airport and Nadi Town. HFC Bank also has an ATM in this stretch. These are useful if you are staying at one of the mid-range hotels in the Martintar area.
Paying for Buses, Taxis & Transfers in Nadi
Local Buses
Sunbeam Transport and Pacific Transport operate local buses along Queens Road connecting Nadi Town, Martintar, Denarau junction, and Lautoka. Fares are FJ$1–3 and paid in cash to the driver or conductor. Have exact change or small bills ready. There are no bus cards or digital payment options on local routes.
Taxis
Nadi taxis are metered (yellow for the meter, though many drivers will quote a flat rate). A ride from the airport to Nadi Town costs around FJ$15–20, and from the airport to Denarau Island around FJ$25–35. Most taxis are cash-only. A few hotel-affiliated taxis accept cards, but do not count on it. Always confirm the fare before getting in, and carry small bills.
Airport Transfers
Most Denarau resorts offer complimentary or pre-paid shuttle transfers from the airport. These are arranged through your hotel booking and do not require cash. Independent shuttle services like Nadi Airport Shuttle can be booked online with a card. Private car transfers booked through your resort are charged to your room.
Island Boat Transfers
Catamaran and speedboat transfers to the Mamanucas and Yasawas depart from Port Denarau Marina. Book and pay by card online through South Sea Cruises or Awesome Adventures. Water taxis to closer islands like Tivua or South Sea Island can sometimes be paid in cash at the marina, but pre-booking by card is more reliable and often cheaper.
Tipping in Nadi
The Fiji guide covers tipping norms in detail. Tipping is not traditionally expected in Fiji, but it is appreciated at resorts and for good service. At Denarau resorts, FJ$5–10 for housekeeping and FJ$10–20 for a particularly good tour guide is generous. At local restaurants in Nadi Town, tipping is uncommon. For village visits, a cash donation to the village fund (FJ$20–50) is more appropriate than tipping an individual.
Prices in Nadi
Nadi is affordable by Pacific island standards, though Denarau resort prices are significantly higher than Nadi Town. All prices below are approximate 2026 ranges.
| Item | Price (FJD) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Local bus ride | FJ$1–3 | $0.45–1.35 |
| Taxi: airport to Nadi Town | FJ$15–20 | $6.75–9 |
| Meal at local restaurant | FJ$12–25 | $5.40–11.25 |
| Curry at Indian restaurant | FJ$8–15 | $3.60–6.75 |
| Coffee | FJ$6–10 | $2.70–4.50 |
| Beer at local bar | FJ$7–12 | $3.15–5.40 |
| Dinner at Denarau resort | FJ$60–120 | $27–54 |
| Mamanuca day trip (boat + lunch) | FJ$200–350 | $90–158 |
| Snorkeling trip | FJ$150–250 | $68–113 |
| Garden of the Sleeping Giant | FJ$30 | $13.50 |
| Zip-line adventure | FJ$200–300 | $90–135 |
| Budget hostel (per night) | FJ$40–80 | $18–36 |
| Denarau resort (per night) | FJ$400–900 | $180–405 |
USD estimates based on approximately FJ$1 = US$0.45. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Nadi
Mamanuca Islands (1–2 hours by boat)
The closest island chain to Nadi, with options ranging from budget (Beachcomber, South Sea Island) to luxury (Likuliku, Tokoriki). Day trips leave from Port Denarau Marina and are booked by card. Once on the island, drinks and activities at budget islands are often cash. Upscale resorts charge to your room. Bring FJ$100–200 in cash as backup.
Lautoka (30 minutes by bus)
Fiji's second-largest city is a short bus ride north on Queens Road (FJ$2). The Lautoka Municipal Market is larger than Nadi's and entirely cash. The waterfront area has a few restaurants that accept cards. BSP and ANZ ATMs are on Vitogo Parade (the main street). A good half-day trip for seeing a less touristy Fijian city.
Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool (20 minutes by taxi)
The natural hot springs and mud pools near Sabeto village charge a small cash entry fee (FJ$10–20). Taxis from Nadi Town cost around FJ$25–35 each way. Everything here is cash-only. Bring FJ$80–100 total for entry, taxi, and drinks from the small stall on site.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant (15 minutes by taxi)
Raymond Burr's former orchid garden charges FJ$30 admission. The garden accepts cash and sometimes cards, but do not count on the card reader working. A taxi from Nadi Town costs FJ$15–20 each way. Bring FJ$80 in cash to cover everything comfortably.
Nadi Quick Reference
A quick reference for how to load your pockets depending on where you are heading.
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denarau Island resorts | ✅ Everywhere | FJ$50 for tips | Charge everything to room |
| Port Denarau Marina | ✅ Most shops | FJ$50–100 | Restaurants and bookings take cards |
| Nadi Town shopping | ✅ Duty-free shops | FJ$50–100 | Small restaurants are cash |
| Nadi Municipal Market | ❌ No | FJ$30–80 | Entirely cash |
| Mamanuca day trip | ✅ Booking only | FJ$100–200 | No ATMs on islands |
| Village visit | ❌ No | FJ$50–100 | Sevusevu, crafts, donations |
| Sabeto Hot Springs | ❌ No | FJ$80–100 | Entry + taxi are cash |
| Local buses | ❌ No | FJ$1–3 per ride | Exact change preferred |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Fijian dollars or can I use USD in Nadi?
Fijian dollars are the local currency and give you the best value. Some resorts on Denarau Island and tourist shops in Nadi Town accept USD, but the exchange rate they apply is poor (often 15–20% worse than the bank rate). Withdraw FJD from a BSP or ANZ ATM at the airport when you arrive and use local currency everywhere.
Are there ATMs on the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands?
No. The outer islands have no ATMs outside of a few large resorts, and even those are not reliable. Withdraw all the cash you will need from Nadi or Denarau before boarding your island transfer. Budget FJ$200–400 per day for island activities, village visits, and tips.
How much cash should I bring to a village visit?
Village visits are entirely cash. You will need FJ$20–50 for a sevusevu (kava root gift, sometimes provided by your tour operator), plus cash for any handicrafts or donations. Guided village tours typically cost FJ$50–100 per person. Bring small bills, as change can be difficult in rural areas.
Can I use contactless payments in Fiji?
Contactless (tap to pay) works at most Denarau resorts, larger restaurants in Nadi Town, and some supermarkets. Coverage is limited compared to Australia or New Zealand. Many card terminals in Fiji still require chip and PIN. Do not rely on contactless as your only payment method outside of resort areas.
Is it better to exchange money at Nadi Airport or in town?
Neither. Use the BSP or ANZ ATM in the arrivals hall at Nadi International Airport to withdraw FJD directly. ATM rates are significantly better than the exchange counters in the terminal. If you must exchange cash, the ANZ and BSP branches on Main Street in Nadi Town offer better rates than the airport bureau de change.
Do Fiji resorts charge in FJD or USD?
Most resorts price in FJD, though a few luxury properties on Denarau and the outer islands list rates in USD on international booking sites. When you settle your bill on-site, it is almost always converted to FJD. Pay in FJD to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups, and always decline if the terminal offers to charge in your home currency.
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