Destinations › Fiji › Nadi › Scams
Nadi, Fiji
8 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Nadi, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Metering is compulsory within town limits and routinely declared broken, with fixed fares quoted on the airport and Denarau runs.
The sword sellers of Nadi town: a friendly approach, your name carved into a wooden sword or mask without agreement, and then an aggressive demand for payment for a personalised item that cannot be resold.
Undisclosed service charges and per-person minimums added to bills in the resort strip.
Imported carvings and shell jewellery sold as Fijian handmade work at handmade prices.
Village visits arranged by unofficial intermediaries who collect a 'sevusevu' payment that never reaches the village.
Island-hopping and activity trips sold on the street or at the market rather than through accredited desks, with deposits taken for trips that do not run.
Theft from beach belongings and from rooms in budget properties.
Shortchanging on large Fijian dollar notes and change given at poor rates against foreign currency.
