Heading to Fiji soon, or just got back from soaking up the sun? There's a major update to Fiji currency you'll want to know about before exchanging your Fijian Dollars to Australian Dollars (FJD to AUD) or converting AUD to FJD for a future trip.
Fiji is officially waving goodbye to its old paper banknotes for good.
From 1 January 2027, the old paper Fijian Dollar notes will no longer be legal tender in Fiji. So, if you've got any tucked away in a drawer, a suitcase pocket, or leftover holiday cash, here's exactly what you need to do.
What's changing with Fiji currency?
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has introduced a brand spanking new series of banknotes, edging away from the old ‘paper’ notes (they’re technically a cotton-linen blend) to sleek polymer (plastic) notes with a simpler, more modern design.
Here's the quick low-down:
- Old paper FJD notes are being phased out and will stop being legal tender in Fiji from 1 January 2027.
- New polymer FJD notes are the ones you want in your wallet. These are more durable, harder to counterfeit, and feature the updated design.
- Travel Money Oz stopped issuing the old paper notes back in February 2026. So, if you've exchanged currency with us recently, you should already have the new polymer notes.
Key dates to remember
- Now – 30 November 2026: We can still exchange your old paper FJD notes for Australian Dollars in-store at Travel Money Oz. After 30 November, we unfortunately can’t accept the old notes.
- 1 January 2027: Old paper FJD notes are no longer legal tender in Fiji.
If you've got paper Fijian Dollars sitting around from a previous trip, don't wait! Bring them in and exchange them for Aussie bucks before the cut-off date.
How do I know if I’ve got the new Fijian banknotes?
From a quick glance it can be hard to tell what the different is between the old and new notes. But side by side, it’s easier once you know what you're looking for.
The old notes feature Fiji's flora and fauna across busier, more detailed artwork, orchids, parrots, and local landmarks worked into the design.
The new notes are identifiable by:
- A simpler, cleaner design on the front of each note
- A vignette-style illustration on the reverse, showing scenes like a Fijian craftsman, a woman by the shore, or kids planting a tree
- A clear window shaped like a shell and the Fiji Islands, which is a security feature you can't fake with paper
- A plasticky polymer feel – slightly waxy, water-resistant, and tougher to tear than the old notes. No more soggy paper notes after accidentally jumping in the ocean with change in your pocket!
There’s another thing worth flagging: Fiji isn't carrying the $5 note into the new polymer series. If you're changing money for a Fiji trip, don't expect to see a new-style $5 – that denomination is being phased out altogether, not just redesigned.
Got questions? Pop into Travel Money Oz
Don’t be shy! Currency changeovers can be confusing, especially if you've got cash from a few trips ago sitting around. Our team is always happy to help you check what you've got and sort out your FJD to AUD or AUD to FJD exchange before you travel.
For full details on the banknote changeover, you can also visit the Reserve Bank of Fiji's official update.
Quick FAQ: Fiji's New Banknotes
When do Fiji's old paper banknotes stop being legal tender?
Can I still exchange old Fijian paper notes for Australian Dollars?
What do the new Fijian banknotes look like?
Are Travel Money Oz stores already using the new notes?
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