Fiji – often referred to as the South Pacific paradise. It is known for its friendly people, amazing tropical islands, and for its coral reefs.
The island nation is a popular honeymoon destination.
While many Americans, Australians & Kiwis (New Zealand) tend to visit Fiji (because of their proximity), love birds all over the world flock to this island nation.
If you hate beaches and swimming, Fiji is not for you. With more than 300 islands, you are bound to spend a lot of time at the beach or near crystal clear waters.
But, the nation is not known for being an inexpensive travel destination.
In fact, even getting there can cost you a lot of money.
If only there was a way to reduce costs somehow.
International roaming can be expensive and is often not worth it.
Luckily, you can buy a local SIM card, like a Fijian one, to enjoy local rates.
And I can tell you already, Fiji is one of the cheapest countries in the world for mobile data. It is the most affordable in the region.
But how expensive are SIM cards?
You can get a Fijian SIM card for free from Vodafone and Digicel. Vodafone may require you to top-up or buy a plan on the spot. Digicel requires you to do so. Digicel has three tourist SIM cards, ranging from 29 FJD (12.75 USD) to 99 FJD (43.53 USD). SIM cards are available at Nadi International Airport.
Free SIM cards!? Amazing!
Well, yeah, free – but SIM cards can be criminally expensive in Oceania. So let's be happy with this kind of free ;)
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Fiji. Let's go.
Original publication: 18th of December 2019. Last updated: 25th of September 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Fiji?
Anyone 18 years old or older living in or visiting Fiji can buy a Fijian SIM card from Vodafone Fiji or Digicel Fiji without restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Fiji).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Fiji?
You can get a Fijian SIM card in Vodafone and Digicel stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Nadi International Airport.
You can expect to pay the following for Fijian SIM cards:
- Vodafone Fiji: free, but top-up or plan purchase may be required
- Digicel Fiji: free, but top-up or plan purchase is required
The following operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Digicel Fiji: 29 FJD (Data Traveler), 49 FJD (Smart Traveler 49) & 99 FJD (Premium Traveler 99)
Can You Use Your Phone in Fiji?
Fiji uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Fiji. However, there is a 99% chance your phone supports GSM (if your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSM).
Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are three ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.
Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.
The Americas (North-, Central, and South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American Frequencies, which are different from the European Frequencies.
Fiji uses primarily European frequencies for 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE. However, they use a low-band frequency for 4G/LTE that is an American frequency (700 MHz on Band 28).
In comparison, the high-band frequency for 4G/LTE is 1800 MHz on Band 3 – the base 4G/LTE frequency for almost all nations in ITU Regions 1 & 3.
If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Fiji or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then you can get a SIM card from any mobile operator and use 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE.
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Fiji without (major) issues – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Fiji
Fiji has two mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Vodafone Fiji
- Digicel Fiji
The following frequencies are used in Fiji:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Fiji, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Fiji
5G NR is not available in Fiji of 2021, and the Fijian government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.
Back in 2015, Vodafone Fiji predicted 5G would be live in 2020. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
Best SIM Card in Fiji
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Fiji, I recommend going with Vodafone or Digicel. Both mobile operators have great coverage and about the same speeds. Vodafone is the best option in most aspects, but it is also the most expensive. Digicel is the cheapest, but the quality may be lacking at times.
Best eSIM in Fiji
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Fiji yet.
Note that the Fijian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Fiji.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the three best eSIMs for Fiji:
- Airalo's Fiji Vinaka Fiji eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (cheapest)
- Holafly Fiji eSIM with one 6 GB option (most generous data plan – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
- Nomad Fiji eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (most eSIM options – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Fiji, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Fiji, you better check out my Fiji eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Fiji
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Fiji. It will be done at the point of purchase.
Fiji Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
The Island nations in the Pacific, or Oceania, are remote countries.
Getting to and from there will always take a few hours, especially if you come from any other continent.
As a result, the cost of living is much higher there than in many other nations.
This also affects mobile data prices.
But also for Fiji? Surprisingly, not.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Fiji is 0.19 USD, far below the Oceanian average of 5.51 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
This actually makes Fiji the 3rd cheapest country for mobile data in the world.
While Fiji is better connected to submarine cables than other Pacific nations, Digicel Fiji has been the main driver for the low mobile data costs.
It was the first to be generous with its data allowances – giving you 120 GB for just 9.60 USD.
That is literally a steal!
Okay, mobile data is cheap in Fiji. Do you get amazing fast speeds too?
Not quite – but they are still reasonable.
Fiji's average mobile download speed is around 26 Mbps.
When you compare these numbers to the global average, it may not look impressive.
But, as I mentioned earlier, Fiji is rather remote.
While this did not really affect mobile data rates because of competition, it does affect speeds.
Even then, Fiji is still doing well and is lucky.
It is one of the few Pacific nations to be connected to intercontinental submarine cables.
Without it, speeds would be much slower, and Vodafone Fiji & Digicel Fiji would not be this generous with their data allowances.
Somehow, the average download speed has decreased a little compared to the year before.
While it is an insignificant drop, it is still remarkable.
Most other nations either saw a significant speed bump (especially where 5G NR got introduced), stable growth, or stable numbers.
Perhaps fewer people did speed tests on cellular networks because they had to work from home?
Who knows – all that matters is that speeds are decent here, and you can stream videos without resorting to 144p quality.
With free SIM cards, extremely low mobile data rates, extensive nationwide coverage, and decent mobile internet speeds, you should have a smooth network experience in Fiji.
Currency in Fiji
Fiji uses the Fijian Dollar with the symbol FJD (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed in $ or FJ$. For example, 25 FJD = $FJ$/$25 .
For reference, below are some exchange rates between FJD and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 FJD = 0.45 USD
- 10 FJD = 4.40 USD
- 100 FJD = 43.95 USD
For up-to-date FJD:USD exchange rates, search FJD to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Fijian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Vodafone Fiji & Digicel Fiji, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Fiji to offer to us.
Vodafone Fiji
Vodafone Fiji, just Vodafone, is the largest mobile operator in Fiji.
Although using the popular Vodafone brand name, this Vodafone is owned by the Fiji National Provident fund – not by the Vodafone Group.
Vodafone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Vodafone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Vodafone Fiji
Vodafone has the best coverage in Fiji.
4G/LTE is available on Viti Levu & Vanua Levu – Fiji's two largest islands.
The smaller islands have to deal with 3G or, if unlucky, 2G only.
Below is Vodafone Fiji's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Vodafone Fiji's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Vodafone Fiji
You can get a Vodafone SIM card for free in Vodafone stores. You may be expected to top-up or buy a plan on the spot. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Nadi International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get a Vodafone eSIM.
Note that the Fijian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Fiji (Vinaka Fiji) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you also get Fiji eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
TIP: check out my Best Fiji eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Fiji.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone Fiji
Vodafone top-up vouchers are sold in Vodafone stores and many other establishments, such as kiosks, gas stations, and grocery stores.
The following top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1 FJD – 4 FJD | 30 days |
| 5 FJD – 20 FJD | 90 days |
| 21 FJD – 35 FJD | 180 days |
| 36 FJD => | 360 days |
To top up your Vodafone SIM card, dial *555# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *555# to check your Vodafone balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the My Vodafone (Fiji) app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone Fiji
Vodafone has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- *555# Mobile Internet Data Plans
- *555# Giga Mobile Internet Data Plans
- *555# Mobile Internet Bundles
- Giga Plans (data)
All Vodafone plans can be activated by dialing *555#.
I will list all the prices in FJD (Fijian Dollar).
To convert FJD to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
*555# Mobile Internet Data Plans – Vodafone Fiji
The *555# Mobile Internet Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following *555# Mobile Internet Data Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *555#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 FJD | Super Hour | 1 GB | 1 hours |
| 3 FJD | Night Plan | 30 GB | 12 am to 5 am |
| 3 FJD | Giga 3 | 8 GB | 24 hours |
| 4 FJD | Giga 4 | 12 GB | 24 hours |
| 8 FJD | Night Plan | Unlimited | 12 am to 5 am |
| 8 FJD | Giga 8 | 20 GB | 7 days |
| 11 FJD | Giga 11 | 33 GB | 10 days |
| 15 FJD | Giga 15 | 60 GB | 15 days |
| 25 FJD | Giga 25 | 125 GB | 25 days |
| 35 FJD | Giga 35 | 200 GB | 30 days |
| 50 FJD | Giga 50 | 250 GB | 30 days |
*555# Giga Mobile Internet Data Plans – Vodafone Fiji
The *555# Giga Mobile Internet Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access)
The following *555# Giga Mobile Internet Data Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *555#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 FJD | Giga 3 | 8 GB | 24 hours |
| 4 FJD | Giga 4 | 12 GB | 24 hours |
| 8 FJD | Giga 8 | 20 GB | 7 days |
| 11 FJD | Giga 11 | 33 GB | 10 days |
| 15 FJD | Giga 15 | 60 GB | 15 days |
| 25 FJD | Giga 25 | 125 GB | 25 days |
| 35 FJD | Giga 35 | 200 GB | 30 days |
| 50 FJD | Giga 50 | 250 GB | 30 days |
*555# Mobile Internet Bundles – Vodafone Fiji
The *555# Mobile Internet Bundles are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following *555# Mobile Internet Bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *555#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 FJD | Giga 3 Data Plan | 8 GB | 24 hours |
| 8 FJD | Giga 8 Data Plan | 8 GB | 7 days |
| 15 FJD | Giga 15 Data Plan | 60 GB | 15 days |
| 35 FJD | Giga 35 Data Plan | 200 GB | 30 days |
Giga Plans – Vodafone Fiji
The Giga Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Giga Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *555#:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 FJD | Giga 11Data Plan | 33 GB | 10 days |
| 15 FJD | Giga 15 Data Plan | 60 GB | 15 days |
| 35 FJD | Giga 35 Data Plan | 200 GB | 30 days |
| 50 FJD | Giga 50 Data Plan | 250 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone Fiji
- Name: VF Fiji Internet
- APN: live.vodafone.com.fj
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Digicel Fiji
Digicel Fiji, just Digicel, is the other mobile operator in Fiji.
It ended Vodafone's monopoly in 2008 when it entered the Fijian market.
It gained a sizable market share with an aggressive pricing strategy.
Digicel, as a company, is active in the Caribbean, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Digicel Fiji
Digicel has extensive coverage in Fiji.
4G/LTE is available on Viti Levu & Vanua Levu – Fiji's two largest islands.
The smaller islands have to deal with 3G or, if unlucky, 2G only.
Below is Digicel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Fiji
You can get a Digicel SIM card for free in Digicel stores. However, you are expected to top-up or purchase a plan on the spot. The Data SIM costs 17 FJD with 2 GB valid for 1 month. SIM cards are also available at Nani International Airport.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
You may have to call 122 to activate your SIM card.
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Tourist SIM – Digicel's tourist SIM card.
If you get a SIM card at Nani International Airport, there is a possibility to get a free SIM card with 2 GB and 10 local/international minutes valid for 48 hours.
You can also get one of these three Digicel Tourist SIM cards:
| Price | SIM Card | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minute | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 FJD | Traveler 20 | 75 GB | Unlimited | 30 minutes | N/A | 7 days |
| 35 FJD | Traveler 35 | 175 GB | Unlimited | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 50 FJD | Traveler 50 | 225 GB | Unlimited | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 to Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom & the United States
Digicel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Note that the Fijian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM, you can go with the Fiji (Vinaka Fiji) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you also get Fiji eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
TIP: check out my Best Fiji eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Fiji.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Fiji
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Fiji
Digicel has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Prime Data Plan (combo). It includes data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in FJD (Fijian Dollar).
To convert FJD to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following Prime Data Plan are available, which you can activate by dialing *555#:
| Price | Plan | Data 1 | Social Data 2 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 FJD | 3 Day Prime Data Plan | 10 GB | 2 GB | $3 Free Credit | $3 Free Credit | $3 Free Credit | 1 day |
| 7 FJD | 7 Day Prime Data Plan | 20 GB | 5 GB | $7 Free Credit | $7 Free Credit | $7 Free Credit | 7 days |
| 10 FJD | 15 Day Prime Data Plan | 50 GB | 7.5 GB | $30 Free Credit | $30 Free Credit | $30 Free Credit | 15 days |
| 12 FJD | 30 Day Prime Data Plan | 30 GB | 15 GB | $24 Free Credit | $24 Free Credit | $24 Free Credit | 30 days |
| 15 FJD | 30 Day Prime Data Plan | 90 GB | 15 GB | $45 Free Credit | $45 Free Credit | $45 Free Credit | 30 days |
| 20 FJD | 30 Day Prime Data Plan | 125 GB | 20 GB | $80 Free Credit | $80 Free Credit | $80 Free Credit | 30 days |
| 25 FJD | 30 Day Prime Data Plan | 150 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | $100 Free Credit | $100 Free Credit | 30 days |
| 35 FJD | 30 Day Prime Data Plan | 250 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | $250 Free Credit | $250 Free Credit | 30 days |
1 for BiP hr of video chat.
2 for Data & Free Credit Rollover on each Prime Data Plan.
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Fiji
- Name: Digicel
- APN: web.digicelpacific.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Fiji
Getting a SIM card from Vodafone or Digicel would do you well when considering a Fijian card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Oceanian Countries
Visiting other countries in Oceania? Check out my Oceania SIM card buying guide, covering other Oceanian nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
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Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
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