Cash Is Queen

If, "cash is king," in America, then, "cash is queen," in Fiji.

American paper currency has the likenesses of former U.S. Presidents. Fijian paper currency has the Queen Mother of England's face on every bill. And, the bills are different denominations and colors. Paper dollars in Fiji come in $2, $5, $10, and $50. They are brownish-green, light blue, deeper blue, and pink in color. Coinage includes the .10 cent piece, .20 cent piece, the .50 cent piece, and the gold $1.00 coin.

While most major stores, filling stations, restaurants, and hotels take plastic, they will also tack on up to a 5% surcharge for accepting it. There is no such fee for using cash. Locals merchants will not take your plastic, so be armed with sufficient cash when shopping and going about town. And, it goes without saying for a tourist to protect the cash that is carried. Thieves and pick-pockets live not only in America, but even in a friendly and seemingly safe environment like Fiji.

Fijian exchange rates for the US dollar vary, but typically range from 1.59 to 1.76. The banks, of which New Zealand's ANZ Bank is the largest, give the best exchange rate. Hotels will also exchange your money, but at a far less percentage. And, when you leave, you can always convert any unused Fijian cash back to USD.

On any purchase made, there is a VAT or, "value added tax," linked to the item or service. And, most hotels and restaurants do not encourage tipping. If you try to tip servers or those who assist you, a strange look washes over their faces like you have just tried to bribe them out of the Fijian Crown Jewels. Don't tip. Just say, "Vinaka, Vaka Levu," which means, "Thank you very much." More about this in a later post.

Closely tied to the cash or plastic discussion is the matter of shopping.

Wal-Mart and Target are not in Fiji as yet. With McDonald's already here, these two retail giants cannot be far behind. In Fiji, there are department stores. Most of them are New Zealand or Australian based. Jack's, Proud's, Harrison's, and Tappoo are the largest department store chains with a presence there. These retailers would remind you of a Kohl's or Macy's, but offer a much more island-oriented merchandise presentation.

Chances are, if you're coming here, you'll wind up shopping mostly at "Mom & Pop" shops. They are everywhere, and they know you're coming.

Westerners need to know that when merchants see the white skin, especially when the merchant is Indian, they also see the cash. Prices immediately go up on unmarked items, and the chance to dicker for a better price goes down. But, dicker you must. It is expected, and can become a bit of a contest to see who is most savvy and willing to hold out to the bitter end. Offering a ridiculously low price for an item will not offend them. But, paying the sticker price for anything will enforce to them that you are one rich sucker.

Fijians counsel tourists to always ask for the, "local price." Evidently, there are two price lists for everything. One is distinctly tourist, the other - distinctly local. And, the local price is always the lower of the two. Stands to reason. Locals have far less money. And, even when there are no tourists around, merchants still need to move merchandise and collect revenue.

Islanders counsel unwitting kevalangi's to shop at either the very opening or closing moments of the business day.

The reasons are simple.

Indian merchants are more open to better pricing with the very first sale of the day, because it sets the tone for a good day of making money. Or, they are even more open to negotiation during the last sale of day, because it is their last opportunity to make a buck before closing their doors and heading home to a miserable evening of bad Indian food and strong tea.

Either way, when shopping in Fiji, know what you want, know when to go looking for it, know what the max is that you will pay, and don't budge an inch - just like your daddy counseled you when he went to the dealership with you to buy your first car.

You'll be surprised at how open Indian merchants are to giving you a deal, especially if you show the resolve to begin walking out the door without having agreed to the purchase. So, don't take the process personally, and don't be offended if they display a somewhat obstinate demeanor at the opening of the negotiation. Once you have shown them that you, too, are good at the game, they will soon be all smiles at having, at the very least, sold you something when the process is done.

And know, too, that the female Indian merchants are far less willing to deal with you than their male counterparts. They are edgy, hard-nosed and no-nonsense. Even if you try to charm a female Indian store owner or clerk, they will see right through it and not budge an inch on the deal. Avoid them like the plague.

In Fiji, just like any other place on earth, money drives the car. So, be smart, be wise, and carry plenty of the clacker when you go to "Bula-land."

You'll need it.

An average week of life for a tourist in Fiji, including hotel, rental car, eats, and incidentals will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $800-$900 USD. This sounds great! But, just remember, you've already spent about $1,500 in airfare, hotel and eats just to get here.

Sing it again...

Cash is queen.