Fiji on a budget: A bit of hit and miss Last year, I entered a summer photography competition with George FM , a New Zealand radio station. My best advice is to bring FJD cash with you (exchange your money at home before leaving or at the airport) or to exchange some when you arrive. The less official taxis are a little bit cheaper and fares are negotiated as a set price. "Budget holiday in Fiji?" Negotiating is considered a talent in Fiji. So, to save yourself some money while traveling Fiji on a budget, be sure to always negotiate on a price before paying! Also, the hotels on the remote islands are more expensive than the ones on Viti Levu. ), food was good (the chicken curry is worth the rather long wait), and my clean, cozy budget double room had everything I needed. Awesome Adventures Fiji is a budget getaway specialist that operates mainly for the Yasawa Islands. In markets, at roadside vendors, with taxi drivers, and even when booking tour packages it is okay to try and barter yourself a better deal. Hotels and small grocery stores in tourist areas overcharge for these items. After about two and a half hours, hop-off at. ” “ It's … 13 BEST Things to do in Nadi, Fiji (that'll make you fall in love with Nadi! Visiting these remote islands on a day trip as opposed to spending a few nights is a huge budget-saver and definitely an important option to consider if you’re travelling Fiji on a budget! Although staying a few nights on one of the many tiny remote islands in Fiji is tempting, if you are travelling Fiji on a budget then this might be something you need to give a miss. Nice work getting nominated by Social Buddy! See the latest … Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. I think Fiji is a really cheap country to stay in as long as you avoid the 'tourist' prices and maybe mix and match your backpacker accommodation with local food places and perhaps the odd touristy … Plus, the locals are very friendly and I actually met a couple of very friendly people while on local buses! Hotel recommendation: Wailoaloa Beach is the perfect place to stay in Fiji if you’re on a budget. Walk Around the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Fiji Travel Vlog! Your blog is great and well deserved. Thanks for watching! You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, catching public transport, or just drinking beer at a hostel. Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. When booking tours or buying items at souvenir shops always ask for a discount if you buy multiple! I often ate instant oatmeal in my hotel room for breakfast using just the kettle. So if you want to drink, bring some with you! Over the last 30 days, cheap hotels in Fiji have been available starting from $23, though prices have typically been closer to $56. Expect to pay $10-15 Fiji for most local cab fares, around $12 Fiji per meal and budget your beer money for $7 or $8 bottles. Bring your alcohol with you or just keep the drinking to a minimum to save your wallet! Buying some duty-free alcohol in your departure airport is a fantastic idea to save some serious money! Fiji On A Budget By Stephanie Yoder Published on Monday, March 3, 2014 Fiji is the real life embodiment of all your remote tropical island fantasies: clean, clear water, endless sandy … Taxis are pricey in Fiji! The website “Book Me” is popular in New Zealand, but it is also getting very popular in Fiji! See the latest … Traveling in a group will also help you travel Fiji on a budget. Fiji is an island nation composed of over 300 islands! Even if you travel to Fiji on a budget… 15 Best Things to do in Panama City, Panama, 8 BEST Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil and Travel Guide. “ Wifi is a little spotty, but staff was very friendly (thank you, Mere! How To Enjoy Fiji While On A Budget Pick Your Favorite Islands. 1. Not to mention, because of their isolated location, food and drink prices are also inflated. Final Daily Cost: $186 NZD - all included. Also, if your hotel has a kettle and a refrigerator then you can buy some fruit and other food items that are easy to make. I'm Krysti, a travel blogger, social media manager & photography enthusiast from New Zealand. You’ll find heavily discounted beers and cocktails during this time of day! Fiji on a Backpacker’s Budget In the heart of the remote South Pacific is a cluster of +300 islands we’ve come to call Fiji. Calculated from travelers like you. If you’re smart and careful, you can still see and do all of the best things to do in Fiji without breaking the bank! But what you need to understand is that their economy relies on tourism and the prices really help them out. Many of the prices are geared towards wealthy tourists, not budget travelers so you must be smart to travel cheaply in Fiji! Before booking, be sure to find out if a food package is mandatory as they can cost around $135 USD per person per day on top of the hotel cost! You don’t need to go to a remote island to see beautiful beaches in Fiji. Jet off on a two-way economy class flight with Fiji Airways (promo fare starting from S$645 all-in) in this 5D4N Fiji … source: fiji budget vacations Hospitality: 10/10 Being greeted on the beach with a welcome … Fiji is not a cheap destination to travel. The cheapest drink I found at a bar was $6 FJN for a Fiji Gold beer. Just be sure to ask reception about their entertainment schedule when you arrive to avoid missing out. Fiji Vacation Travel Guide! Fiji can be a very expensive country to travel, but as I found out, it is possible to travel cheaply! It's island hopping passes are spectacular and a one-of-a-kind in Fiji. Food in Nadi: For 3x average priced meals a day, budget yourself around $50 NZD total. Sleep on the main island of Viti Levu. Fiji Couples Holiday! If you don’t have your own snorkel gear many of the resorts have some you can rent out for free or for a small fee. For instances, I bought a 1-liter bottle of vodka at the Auckland airport for $32 NZD. If you are really lucky, you might even be able to catch a fire dance performance for free! Fiji offers everything that a tourist would want to experience on a tropical island, from hotel accommodations to nightlife adventures. In fact, most of time it is expected that you will do so. However, they are still extremely expensive in comparison to local transport. Places like grocery stores or hotels have set prices though and you shouldn’t try and negotiate there. Pay with cash. don’t stop the super work! Budget-saving tip: If you do want to have a few drinks out, make sure to go during happy hour! Yes, Fiji is expensive. There are so many islands in Fiji, and it seems as though most travelers want to see what all of them have to offer. This... 2. If you’re a solo traveler looking to meet others to travel within Fiji, check out the Fiji Backpacker Group on Facebook. In Nadi, there is a beach called Wailoaloa Beach that is lined with affordable hotels and hostels. Immersing yourself in the Fijian culture is a great way to travel on a budget. Try and get a window seat if you can, and also be prepared for a sweaty ride. Almost all bars in Fiji offer a daily happy hour around 4 or 5pm. Most of Fiji’s town centres are full of little Indian cafes serving a variety of curries and deep-fried delicacies. It’s hard to believe that Fiji can be affordable when you look … It’s definitely worth checking out if you want to book any excursions or tours while in Fiji. Here, you can meet other budget travelers and even share some costs as needed! After managing to explore Fiji for myself without breaking the bank, I’m sharing my top 10 tips for travelling Fiji on a budget so you can do the same! At the grocery store expect to pay $3 FJN for a beer or local cooler. I got all the way from Nadi Airport to Pacific Harbour (a 3.5-hour ride) for only $12 FJN! Backpacking Fiji Suggested Budgets If you’re backpacking Fiji, expect to spend about $109 FJD ($50 USD) per day. That's a question we are often asked. That's a question we are often asked. Hot tip: If you decide to spend a couple of nights on one of the remote islands around Fiji, beware of costly food and beverage packages! You'll know when you've arrived - the water is so blue you'll have to see it to believe it! A post shared by Blue Lagoon Beach Resort Fiji (@bluelagoonfiji). Bringing these types of things won;t save you as much as alcohol, but it is still helpful when your travelling Fiji on a very tight budget! Yellow taxis start at $5 FJN and the meter goes up very quickly. Look out for resorts that offer complimentary airport transfers. There really is a lot! The largest island or as many call is the “main island”, Viti Levu, is where the international airports are and the majority of main facilities. When at local shops it’s also easier to negotiate prices with cash as the locals prefer to take cash. You’ve come to the right place, because a large section of Fiji’s best eateries, activities and palm-fringed … Instant noodle cups are also a good idea. ), The truth about hostels (and why I still love them). In Fiji… 5-star resorts, private beaches, cocktails, and fancy meals is what many people think when they think of Fiji. In bars and restaurants, drinks can easily cost upwards of $10 FJN with cocktails costing $20 FJN or more! Affordable. It’s affordable and … Hey guys, We really enjoyed our trip to Fiji! Other luxury grocery items in Fiji can also be pricey. View from a hike on … For a midrange trip, you could be looking … Over the last 30 days, cheap resorts in Fiji have been available starting from $30, though prices have typically been closer to $60. How to Find the Best Deals. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! You know how it is, “Fiji time” is a real thing! Visit Fiji’s largest collection of orchids, walk among … … An island nation of budget dining options and solidly affordable hotels and resorts, South Pacific paradise Fiji offers paradise at a fair price. Other than that, the local buses are safe and the best option for travelling around Fiji on a budget. Food Budget in Fiji Average Daily Costs. Price estimates were calculated on October 17, 2020. Daily budget and miscellaneous costs. Credit card and EFTPOS machines are frequent but they often incur a 3-5% charge. I also brought fresh fruit from the markets that made a perfect snack! On a tight budget, you shouldn’t try to visit … It is almost all imported and there is a high tax on it. Of course, if you found this blog helpful, be sure to read some of our other Fiji travel blogs including one about the 33 BEST things to do in Fiji, or an ultimate guide on where to stay in Fiji! Hey! Bartering on the price of something before purchasing is considered normal. Over the last 2 years, we’ve travelled Fiji, eaten at nearly every restaurant, stayed in island resorts, … The Smugglers Cove is where I stayed and I loved it! Budget Packages on Mulitple … However, there are a few tips that I discovered on my recent trip to Fiji that will help you save some money while in Fiji. I also must give you the heads up that the local buses don’t have air conditioning and can be very full. So here we go, my top 10 tips for travelling Fiji on a budget! Alternatively, you can withdraw some cash at ATMs but this also has a surcharge and they are not always readily available. This budget will cover a hostel dorm, using public transportation, street … More tips for affordable Fiji: On a budget, you can’t beat the glorious beach (and the price) on Nacula Island in the Yasawas. I bought a day trip to a remote island (Robinson Crusoe) with transport included for 50% off the normal price on Book Me! we enjoy what you guys have posted here. As I said, there is lots of free entertainment and affordable hotels and restaurants. It makes travelling so far on the ferry entirely worth it. Perfect for visiting Fiji while on a backpacker’s budget. In fact, it is surprisingly expensive with lots of prices being similar to those in New Zealand or Australia! These tips are things I wish I would’ve known before my trip to Fiji! First of all, the ferries to get to the islands are very expensive and cost from $100-200 FJN each way! Powered by, Final Total Cost including beverages and extra activities: $1,860 NZD. Both options aren't perfect, they are budget accommodation, but they are fine enough as an overnight base before and after the Fiji Islands - which is where you'll find the real beauty and magic of Fiji. © Copyright 2016 Krysti Jaims. You can watch traditional dancers, singers, or even try “Kava” (traditional Fijian drink) for free! Like I said before, alcohol is very expensive in Fiji. In Fiji, the same bottle cost $189 FJN (about $130 NZD)! For the most budget-friendly option, go for vegetarian – a full meal consisting of veggie curry, roti, dahl, a little salad and chutney will set you back as little as FJ $3 … 10 Tips for Travelling Fiji on a Budget 1. In Fiji, cash speaks! Some of the food items I brought with me included chocolate, chips, and other pre-packaged snacks like crackers. Expect to pay around $20 FJN for wine or $100 FJN or more for spirits! Arriving to Fiji with cash is often an underestimated tip, but if I had been prepared I would’ve saved hundreds on credit card surcharges and ATM fees! If you book your accommodation on Viti Levu in Fiji, then you’ll have access to local restaurants and grocery stores. October 20, 2017. Many bars, restaurants, and hotels have free entertainment in the evenings. Fiji Culture Village Experience and Tours - Know Before You Go! Lots of larger resorts also offer nightly entertainment for their guests. Unlike some great last-minute deals that can be found in the Galapagos or Antarctica, hastily planned trips to Fiji are often much more expensive. The local buses in Fiji cost only a couple of dollars and go all around the island of Viti Levu! Free transfers … Hope you enjoy your Fiji trip too. While meal prices in Fiji can vary, the average cost of food in Fiji is FJ$70 per day. Fiji on a Budget! They do have a schedule but don’t seem to follow it very well. In the evenings, this area becomes very lively and there is always some sort of entertainment happening. Required fields are marked *. Many of the island hotels make you purchase their food package as there is nowhere else to buy food around – and it isn’t cheap! Its a country with a reputation for its laid back lifestyle, lush beaches, … Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Fiji … There are tons of tour deals on this website and even some restaurants. But if you want something even cheaper, then Bamboo Backpackers is the place for you! The tiny Tivua Island is a pleasant place to spend a day. While the prices in Fiji can be frustrating, if you prepare properly and make the right choices you will be able to travel Fiji on a budget and still have a fantastic time! You will be able to share hotel rooms, taxis, and negotiate better tour deals! If you find yourself thirsty on a budget, sodas and local water (yes, the expensive … A roadside vendor selling fresh coconut juice in Fiji. How to Travel Fiji on a Budget: Example Itinerary ... My Jakarta Experience: The Good & the Bad | Travel Diary, QT Wellington: The Best Place to Stay in New Zealand's Capital. If you’re coming for a short holiday and have room in your suitcase then it is worth stocking up at home before coming to Fiji. While it’s almost halfway around the world, Fiji isn’t as inaccessible to Singaporeans as you might think! You can only pay with cash here! Meet the locals, and relax as you relish in nature’s goodness. Buying snacks, water, and alcohol at the local grocery stores will save you a ton! Do be aware though, the local buses can be slow and often run late. But dont worry, this is at no extra cost to you and we only recommend products or services we know and love! As a general guide, you’ll need around FJD$360 (AUD$226) per person per day in Fiji if you’re on a budget. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the first day I went from Nadi all the way to the top islands and worked my way back down. Price estimates were calculated on October 17, 2020. Entertaining Champagne fantasies on a (domestic) beer budget? Alcohol is very expensive in Fiji because it is so heavily taxed. It is a great area to stay in Fiji for a few nights if you ask me! You can also do a day trip out to a remote island for as little as $100 FJN including activities and transport! The prize was a trip to Fiji – George FM hosts ‘Spring … Cost $ 189 FJN ( about $ 130 NZD ) nature’s goodness top islands and worked my back. ) beer budget also be pricey is almost all bars in Fiji How to Enjoy Fiji while local... Fruit from the markets that made a perfect snack a high tax on it something before purchasing is normal... 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