Hi, Im going to Fiji in about a week. Without carrying too much cash, what is the best way to pay? Or is cash just the best option? Are there any eftpos cards that are free or does fiji regularly use eftpos facilities? If anyone can shed some light, please do so.
Thanks =)
Best way to pay in Fiji?
kimba88 on 10/01/2013 - 15:49
Comments
28 Degrees Mastercard
Any prepaid versions of that that is can get before the 20th of January?
Apply ASAP for a Citibank visa debit. It's probably (as far as I can see) the next best thing to a 28 degrees. I'm using one for my overseas trip in feb.
If your identity is verified online, it'll be faster. If you have a branch in your city, I guess going in there could help speed up the process if you feel you won't be able to get identified online (didn't work for me, had to go to a post office).
After I verified my identity (I think it was thursday or friday last week), I received the card on tuesday - but I'm still waiting for the pin (should come tomorrow). Account is open, so you could put funds in before the pin arrives, however you won't have internet banking until it does (to check balance and stuff).
Might be worth going to a branch and seeing how fast they can get it to you. You may have left it a little late :|
I would assume if you applied tomorrow and it was all approved, you could get it activated by the 20th with your pin, but you have to do it tomorrow so they can dispatch the card by monday, or it won't arrive in time!
You will need to take some cash if you want to buy something from the local souvenir huts that are scattered around just off the beach, best value.
The resorts charge more but accept card as does any shop in Suva.
ATMs are plentiful and will convert at current exchange rate, then charge you for doing so, usually about $5.
If your with a credit union they will give you a decent exchange rate and not charge you, MECU OR CUA.
With pre-paid credit cards be aware that it can take around three plus days for your money to appear in your account.Bula :-) I carried some Australian Currency along with me. But I would suggest you to use Credit Card which is a better option. Conversion rate is really much better on Credit Cards then encashing currency in Fiji. Trust me you will be better off with Credit Card use despite of 3.5% foreign currency conversion fee charged by bank.
Always keep some cash handy with you in Fiji. We were caught in extreme weather conditions and only option was Cash at that time.
Bon Voyage!
So, we went into commonwealth bank today and questioned them. They offered this http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/international/travel-mon… and because my boyfriend is technically still a student until he graduates in April, he got it free. So i think we've decided to take half cash and half on the card. We were able to get the card instantly as well. They charge $3.50 for an atm withdrawal overseas and 1% to reload the card. So, if Fiji have eftpos facilities and cash out options, i think we will do that to save on the atm withdrawal fee.
I would suggest one to use Charge card that is a superior alternative. Transformation rate is basically much better upon Credit cards then encashing forex with Fiji.
cash is best but you can find eftpos all over fiji … cash out will charge you usual rates…