Cost of Travelling in Fiji (Easy Guide to Budgeting Your Island Getaway)
Want to know the cost of travel to Fiji with unforgettable experiences? We can give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll spend on your dream holiday. Here’s a budget plan for a four-day getaway for two Australians departing from Sydney in peak season, considering both budget-conscious and luxury options:
Budget-conscious Option:
Transportation:
Round-trip flights for two: $1600 – $2400
Airport transfers: $50 – $100
Total: $1650 – $2500
Accommodation:
Budget hotel: $80 – $120 per night
Total (3 nights): $240 – $360
Meals:
Breakfast: $10 – $20 per person per meal
Lunch: $15 – $30 per person per meal
Dinner: $20 – $50 per person per meal
Total (4 days): $500 – $1200
Activities:
Sightseeing tours: $50 – $100 per person per tour
Water sports (snorkeling, diving, etc.): $50 – $200 per person
Cultural experiences: $20 – $50 per person
Total: $240 – $700
Miscellaneous:
Souvenirs and gifts: $100 – $200
Tips and gratuities: $50 – $100
Total: $150 – $300
Total estimated budget range for a four-day getaway for two (budget-conscious option): $2780 – $5060
Luxury Option:
Transportation:
Round-trip flights for two (business class): $5000 – $8000
Airport transfers (luxury car service): $200 – $400
Total: $5200 – $8400
Accommodation:
Luxury resort: $500 – $1000 per night
Total (3 nights): $1500 – $3000
Meals:
Fine dining: $100 – $200 per person per meal
Total (4 days): $1600 – $3200
Activities:
Exclusive tours and experiences: $200 – $500 per person
Spa treatments: $100 – $300 per person
Total: $600 – $1600
Miscellaneous:
High-end souvenirs and gifts: $200 – $500
Luxury services and amenities: $200 – $500
Total: $400 – $1000
Total estimated budget range for a four-day getaway for two (luxury option): $9300 – $18200
This comparison highlights the significant difference in costs between budget-conscious and luxury options for a getaway to Fiji. Depending on your preferences and financial situation, you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
Overview of Travel Costs in Fiji
When planning your trip to Fiji, it’s essential to be aware of the daily expenses and the role of the local currency. Keeping this in mind will help you create a realistic budget for your adventure.
Budgeting for Your Trip to Fiji
To accurately plan your finances for a Fiji getaway, consider the type of travel experience you’re aiming for. Budget travellers might spend an average of FJ$3,500 for two weeks, while those preferring a mid-range trip should expect costs around FJ$7,000. For a luxury vacation, the costs can surge to about FJ$10,500. Daily costs in Fiji are approximately FJ$388 per person, which covers accommodation, meals, transportation, and typical tourist activities.
Average Costs:
Accommodation: FJ$473 per night for hotels
Meals: FJ$87 per day
Local Transportation: FJ$20 per day
Activities: This will vary based on personal interests and choices
Bear in mind these are average figures; your expenses will fluctuate based on your selections and the prevailing economic conditions.
Understanding the Fijian Dollar
The Fijian Dollar (FJ$), Fiji’s official currency, is crucial for your expenses while in Fiji. Currency exchange rates can affect your budget, so keep an eye on the current exchange rates and factor this into your planning. For simplicity’s sake, you might want to exchange some currency beforehand to avoid any inconvenience upon arrival.
Here’s a quick reference for typical costs:
Meals: Casual dining ~ FJ$10–30, Fine dining ~ FJ$50 and up
Transportation: Buses and minibuses are an affordable way to travel, while taxis and rental cars will cost more.
Activities: Prices vary widely, with free or low-cost options like beaches to more expensive guided tours or water sports.
Always use the current exchange rates to estimate your costs in your local currency.
Accommodation Options
When planning your holiday in Fiji, you’ve got a blend of accommodation types to suit your budget and style. From lavish luxury resorts to cosy budget hotels and hostels, or even independent stays, the islands cater to all.
Luxury Resorts
Fiji’s luxury resorts offer exquisite amenities and unparalleled service. Picture yourself in a beachfront villa with private plunge pools, spa services, and gourmet dining. Prices for a luxury stay can reach up to FJ$10,500 for a lavish experience. These resorts often include perks like complimentary breakfast and potential room upgrades.
Budget Hotels and Hostels
For travellers keeping an eye on their expenses, budget hotels and hostels in Fiji present a surprisingly affordable option. You can find comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank; a one-week stay can cost around FJ$1,347. Hostels provide a social atmosphere and are perfect for backpackers or solo travellers looking to meet fellow adventurers.
Independent Travel Stays
If you crave a more personalised or secluded holiday, consider an independent stay. This could be a rental apartment, a secluded cottage, or a homestay with locals. This accommodation choice allows you to explore the Fiji Islands at your pace and provides a more authentic experience of Fijian life.
Eating and Drinking
While travelling in Fiji, you’ll find a delightful range of dining options, each catering to different budgets and tastes. From upscale restaurants to local markets, the choices are diverse, ensuring your culinary journey is as rich as the Fijian culture.
Restaurant Meals
Dining at local restaurants often provides a mid-range option for experiencing Fijian cuisine. At breakfast or lunch, you might spend approximately FJ$30-FJ$50. For dinner, the price tends to be higher, especially if you’re ordering seafood or a dish with international flair. Don’t forget to try a traditional Fijian lovo feast, which is a little pricier but a must-try experience.
Sample restaurant prices (per person):
Breakfast: FJ$15 – FJ$30
Lunch: FJ$25 – FJ$50
Dinner: FJ$50 – FJ$100
Cocktail: FJ$20 – FJ$30
Wine/Beer: FJ$10 – FJ$20
Local Street Food
Embrace the flavours of Fiji with street food, an affordable way to enjoy authentic Fijian fare. Starting at around FJ$5, you can indulge in a variety of snacks or a light meal. Sipping on a soft drink or bottled water while exploring the street food scene will often cost you less than FJ$5.
Street food prices (approximate):
Snacks/Small meals: FJ$5 – FJ$15
Soft drink/Bottled water: FJ$2 – FJ$5
Groceries and Cooking
If you’re staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, visiting a supermarket to cook your meals can be a budget-friendly option. Basic groceries for breakfast or lunch might cost around FJ$20-FJ$40 daily. Local markets are a treasure trove for fresh produce, offering you an insight into Fijian life while saving on costs.
Grocery costs (daily estimate):
Breakfast/Lunch groceries: FJ$20 – FJ$40
Beer (six-pack): FJ$15 – FJ$25
Bottle of wine: FJ$20 – FJ$50
Getting Around Fiji
When planning your travels around Fiji, considering how you’ll get from one stunning location to another is as important as choosing your accommodations. You have various transport options ranging from budget-friendly buses to more private rental vehicles, right through to the necessary arrangements for island hopping.
Public Transportation
Public buses in Fiji are a reliable and economical choice for getting around the larger islands like Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The fares are often as low as FJ$0.70 and typically do not exceed FJ$20. You’ll find that these buses provide a genuine Fijian experience, as they are a common choice for the locals.
Bus Routes: covers the coastline and inland areas
Fare Range: from FJ$0.70 to about FJ$20
Experience: a chance to immerse yourself in local culture
Rental Cars and Taxis
For greater flexibility, you might consider renting a car. Rental car services are available at the Nadi International Airport as well as other locations on the major islands. The cost of rental varies with the type of vehicle and length of rental period. Taxis are also readily available, especially in tourist areas, and can be a convenient, though more costly, mode of transport.
Car Rental: varies, check local providers for accurate pricing
Taxi: metered in urban areas; negotiate fare beforehand in rural areas
Inter-Island Travel
To reach the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, or any of the other surrounding islands, there are several options available. You can take a domestic flight if you are pressed for time or need to get to a distant island like Taveuni. Alternatively, for transport to ports such as Port Denarau, consider using ferries which offer a stunning view of the Pacific and are perfect for those on a mid-range budget.
Flights: quick, for distant or remote islands
Ferries: scenic, cost-effective, connect to major islands such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas
Activities and Attractions
Exploring Fiji offers an array of activities and attractions, from the serene to the adventurous. Get ready to immerse yourself in everything from diving in pristine waters to discovering rich cultural heritage.
Beaches and Water Sports
Fiji’s beaches are renowned for their powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Snorkelling and diving are must-do activities, allowing you to get up close to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Consider visiting famous spots like the Yasawa Islands, where the conditions are perfect for water sports.
Snorkelling: Experience the abundant sea life at Coral Coast.
Surfing: Catch world-class waves at Cloudbreak.
Kayaking: Paddle around the calm waters of Mamanuca Islands.
Nature and Wildlife
The rainforests of Fiji are as inviting as its beaches. Trekking through lush landscapes, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and fauna unique to the region. For a truly breathtaking experience, visit the Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni Island, which is also known as the ‘Garden Island’ of Fiji.
Hiking: Explore the trails of the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.
Wildlife Watching: Spot exotic birds and reptiles within Fiji’s protected areas.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Your trip to Fiji wouldn’t be complete without delving into its rich cultural tapestry. Villages throughout the archipelago offer cultural experiences that include traditional Fijian ceremonies and dances. Historical landmarks such as the Levuka town on Ovalau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, give you a glimpse into Fiji’s colonial past.
Village Tours: Engage with local customs at a Fijian village.
Historical Exploration: Visit the Fiji Museum in the capital city of Suva for insights into the country’s history.
