14 top tips for planning the ultimate budget-friendly trip to Fiji

Famous for being the private island playground of the rich and famous (some resorts secretly pride themselves on being where billionaires go to escape the millionaires), Fiji doesn’t typically come to mind as a budget-friendly destination. Fortunately, a trip to the islands is very doable without breaking the bank.

With a little planning and local knowledge, a comfortable pair of shoes, and your own snorkeling gear, you’ll enjoy a trip rivaling that of a big spender.

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When it comes to experiencing Fiji on a budget, this is what you can expect to spend on essentials, along with some key insider tips that will save you money.

1. Read the fine print when it comes to resort stays

If you’re traveling to an outer island in Fiji and plan to book a resort stay, be sure to read the fine print on how much it will truly cost. You’ll often be required to purchase a mandatory meal plan and boat transport through the accommodation, which can add a huge extra cost to your trip. Before you commit, compare a handful of options to find the real budget winner.

2. Take the bus

Most Fijians get around Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s two largest islands, by bus. The public bus service is very affordable, with fares starting at around FJ$1 Fijian Dollars (US$0.43) per journey. An hour-long trip typically costs around FJ$4 (US$1.72). These buses tend to have open windows and make frequent stops. For longer trips, it’s worth traveling with Sunbeam or Pacific Buses, which are air-conditioned, and each passenger is guaranteed a seat. Taxis start their meter at FJ$2 (US$0.86) and cost around FJ$15 (US$6.47) for a 15-minute journey.

Many Fijians also get around the island by minibus, another affordable option. However, many minibus drivers are notorious for driving above the speed limit – consider whether it's worth the risk.

3. Limit your island hopping

For each island you visit, you’ll lose not only time but money. Once you leave Viti Levu, a boat transfer or flight is required to get to the next island. If you’re set on seeing as much as possible, base yourself within the Mamanuca or Yasawa islands and stay wherever the Yasawa Flyer – a high-speed catamaran with hop-on-hop-off passes – services.

4. Ask for a multi-day discount from tour companies

Some travel companies in Fiji offer a variety of tours. South Sea Cruises, for example, offers trips to private island day clubs, day cruises onboard catamarans and monohulls, snorkeling tours and more. If you book a second tour with them during your trip, you can save up to 20%. Many other tour, scuba and cruise companies offer repeat visitor discounts that are not widely advertised – it’s always worth asking.

5. Use the transport included in your day trip excursions

Most tour companies on Viti Levu will provide free transportation within a certain radius from their departure point, saving you money on taxi fares. You can often use this to your advantage if you wish to be picked up at one spot and dropped off at another. For example, perhaps you’re staying at a resort that isn’t within walking distance from where you’d like to have dinner.

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6. Skip the grocery store and shop at the market

Stroll through any of Fiji’s markets, and you’ll find piles of freshly picked fruits and vegetables neatly stacked on colorful plates.

In Fiji, it’s normal to sell produce by the heap rather than the item. The produce found within the local markets is incredibly good value compared to the fruits and veggies sold at grocery stores, which are often stocked with imports. Similarly, the markets are where you’ll find handmade souvenirs, spices, Indian snacks, Fijian treats, sandwiches and even kava at just a fraction of what they sell for the store down the street.

7. Activate a local SIM card for cheap wifi

Mobile internet data is relatively cheap in Fiji compared to most parts of the world. The two major cell phone networks (Digicel and Vodafone) often run promotions for tourists at the airport, where you can get your first one or two GBs of data for free. At full price, expect to pay around FJ$65 (US$28) for 100 GB, valid for 15 days.

Internet access at hotels is often free, but on the outer islands, it will cost around FJ$20 (US$8.65) per day with strict usage limits. Compare internet coverage maps between the providers based on your trip, as reach is limited in some areas of Fiji. Even better, switch off and fully embrace island life.

8. Pack your own snorkeling gear

With your own mask, snorkel and fins, you have a free activity you can do any time and from any island. Without your own gear, you’re at the mercy of rental shop hours, gear quality and availability, and prices. Snorkeling gear is included as part of your stay at some resorts but can run up to FJ$25 (US$10.80) per day at others.

9. Skimp on accommodation, splurge on activities

Fiji is generally considered to be an expensive destination. When it comes to value for money, it can work out best to stay in budget-friendly accommodation and splash out on day trips. A private island resort can run to thousands of dollars per night and incur hefty food and transport costs. You’ll get more for your money by staying in a hostel or boutique hotel on Viti Levu and paying for day trips to private island beach clubs or resorts. Most of these tours span eight hours, giving you a full day of luxury and adventure at a fraction of the room rate.

10. Book your trip outside of Australia and New Zealand school holidays

You can make big savings by timing your trip carefully. Most visitors to Fiji hail from Australia and New Zealand, and accommodations climb in price during their school holidays. Prices also spike during peak season, from June to the end of August, as well as at Christmas time.

Affordable Fiji holidays often coincide with the cyclone season, which lasts from November to April. This may feel like a gamble, but prices are much more affordable, and you'll likely have pleasant weather in between short-lived rainstorms.

11. Arrange excursions outside of the resorts

If you're staying at a large resort, they'll usually use a major tour company for any excursions. These companies are often more expensive than the local family-run companies, which typically run smaller group tours and excursions.

Local operators can be found through social media sites and by asking locals for personal recommendations. Finding Islands Tours and Joji Tamani Adventures organize tours throughout the islands, catering to small groups without a high price tag.

10. Take the ferry instead of a domestic flight

If you’re traveling to islands such as Ovalau, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni, a ferry ride will typically cost around 10% of what you’d pay for a domestic flight. This is an ideal option if you have plenty of time and flexibility in your schedule – ferry timetables often run behind schedule and are dependent on weather. Pack plenty of snacks and wear comfortable clothing if you do opt for the ferry.

13. Drink local or BYO booze

Locally made coconut rum, gin and beer means you can drink affordably during your island escape. If you wish to have a glass of wine or an imported spirit, expect a hefty tab at the bar. Alcohol is heavily taxed in Fiji, and the best place to stock up is at the duty-free shop on arrival. Each adult passenger can bring up to 2 liters (67.6 fl oz) of spirits, 4 liters (135 fl oz) of wine or 4 liters of beer.

14. Remember, cash is king in Fiji

International credit cards incur a whopping 2-5% extra charge on most purchases throughout Fiji. Pulling cash out of an ATM typically has a high conversion cost, as well as an FJ$10-15 (US$4.30-6.50) added fee. All ATMs in Fiji have a daily withdrawal limit of FJ$2000 (US$863) regardless of your bank’s daily limit. Withdrawing the maximum out at once is the best way to keep your per-transaction costs down.

Daily costs

• Hostel room: FJ$60-92 (US$26-40) for a dorm bed

• Basic room for two: FJ$280-550 (US$116-238)

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from FJ$500 per night (US$216)

• Public transport ticket: FJ$1-3 (US$0.43-1.30) for short bus trips, FJ$16-20 (US$6.90-8.63) for bus trips between Nadi and Suva

• Taxi: FJ$5-10 ((US$2.15-4.31) for short trips; FJ$120-200 (US$52-86) for trip between Nadi and Suva

• Coffee: FJ$7 (US$3)

• Fresh coconut: FJ$2 (US$0.86)

• Roti stuffed with curry: FJ$3 (US$1.30)

• Dinner for two: FJ$30-70 (US$12.95-30)

• Beer/pint at the bar: FJ$8 (US$3.45)