Money Saving Tips While in Fiji Holiday

Gamzallup on 21/02/2023 - 16:46

Hi all,

We are going to Fiji in 2 weeks time to Denarau for one week. Does anyone have saving tips for
1. Taxi transfer from Nadi airport to Denarau resort and return?
2. Best way to exchange into Fiji dollar from NZ dollar with the best exchange rate and least fee? Is it better to do it while in Fiji?
3. We were planning to use Wise card fiji dollar, but unfortunately not able to as it's only for local. Anywhere to work around this?
4. Tip for long term parking at Auckland airport for the best saving? Is the park and ride bus reliable?

Many thanks

General Discussion

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  • Martz5 on 22/02/2023 - 20:21
    +2

    We just came back from Denarau Island the other week.
    For taxi you can hire a local taxi or get the resort to organise one. We paid $45-$50 each way to and from the Airport.
    Depending on where you stay, the resort may not accept cash at all. We stayed at Hilton and everything was cashless so we didn’t end up using half the cash we had with us.

    In terms of groceries there is a small supermarket at Port Denarau shopping centre. You can purchase a day ticket for FJD $10 (or $30 for 5 days) that gives you unlimited rides on the Bula Bus, which essentially loops around all the resorts and the shopping centre.
    Prices for the goods at the supermarket vary depending on local vs imported goods. E.g a 600ml bottle of fizzy ie coke, fanta etc was around FJD $3.30 whereas a glass bottle of V energy drink was $7.50. You can also buy alcohol by the bottle/can from there from FJD $4 per can.

  • Alan6984 on 21/02/2023 - 22:31
    +1

    3) You can definitely use a Wise card overseas - it is not just for use locally. I used mine in the UK, and I think also US.

  • kdm21 on 21/02/2023 - 22:35
    +1

    1. Taxi from airport to Denarau is easily available. Although if it’s your first time and save hassle best to email hotel to arrange pick up. Generally cost 30-40 FJD one way.

    2. You can use your credit card or debit card with free or low international transaction fees. Better rate than changing with forex companies.

    3. We used wise card at hilton fiji to withdraw some cash. The ATM Charged 10 FJD transaction fees. Although the rate was way better than exchanging with banks or forex companies. I believe there’s limit on how much you can withdraw per day or month so best to check on wise website.

    Couple of other things you could save money on is buying some snacks and water on your way to Denarau. As most of the resort charge premium prices on some day to day stuff.

  • Madao on 22/02/2023 - 16:58
    +1

    Bookme.co.nz - they do activity discounts in Fiji too, got some great deals last year. Recommend South Sea Sailing - Full Day Sailing Cruise

  • Gamzallup on 21/02/2023 - 22:55

    Thanks for the advice.

    As for Wise Card: I am having trouble to convert NZD to Fiji dollar. As it will not allow me to do so in NZ. Do i have to wait until I am at Fiji to convert the money using wise app?

    I assume is cheaper to bulk buy soft drinks, bottled water and snacks in NZ Pak N save and bring it over in a luggage. Anyone tried that?

    • kdm21 on 21/02/2023 - 23:45
      +1

      You can't convert it NZD to FJD on app. although when you withdraw it on ATM in Fiji. ATM will only let you withdraw FJD. You will be charged 10 FJD per transaction. Which is still cheaper than bank transaction or forex change.

      • Alan6984 on 21/02/2023 - 23:56
        +1

        That's a completely different thing though - you can do that pretty much anywhere in the world I would think.

        Gamzallup is saying that they are being blocked from doing the conversion, which is a very different thing than not having the option to setup a Fiji Dollar account / jar at all. They must be seeing it somewhere either in the Application on their phone, or on the website, but I can't see that option at all, and I guess from what you are saying, you don't see it either?

    • Pedro on 22/02/2023 - 07:57
      +1

      You don't have to/can't convert to Fiji Dollar beforehand. Just use your Wise card like you would any normal credit/debit card at an ATM or pay unit and it will convert any money you have loaded onto it into the local currency during the transaction.

    • Alan6984 on 21/02/2023 - 23:35

      I wasn't aware that Wise even had a Fiji Dollar option - where are you seeing that, and what exactly are you doing that it is refusing to allow you to do?

    • RSTH on 22/02/2023 - 16:35

      Yes, best to bring snack items with you from paknsave.

  • Gamzallup on 22/02/2023 - 08:21

    Thanks for that. I seen not be able to find fee on wise website for using wise card in fiji as nz resident with NZD. Does anyone know the fee to use wise card in Fiji as NZ resident with NZD in the wise account? Does it deduct any fee for using as a wise visa debit card for paying NZD in fiji?

  • Gamzallup on 22/02/2023 - 08:21

    What is the limit amount of FDJ you can withdraw from a wise card?

  • Gamzallup on 22/02/2023 - 08:46

    Great thank you

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