Businesses will no longer be required to accept Fiji’s old flora and fauna banknotes as payment after December 31, 2026, as the Reserve Bank of Fiji moves to complete the transition to the country’s new polymer currency.
The RBF said the old-design banknotes have now been gazetted for demonetisation, effective January 1, 2027.
This means the old notes can continue to be used for payments until the end of this year, but businesses will not be obliged to accept them for goods and services from January 1.
The move follows the introduction of Fiji’s new polymer banknotes into circulation on January 2 this year.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali said a significant proportion of the old currency had already been removed from circulation.
As of July 31, 72.3 per cent of the old banknotes in circulation had been recalled.
Ali acknowledged members of the public for supporting what he described as a smooth and gradual transition to the new polymer notes.
He said recalling old banknotes was an important process for central banks as it helped prevent public confusion, maintain the quality of banknotes in circulation and reduce counterfeiting risks.
The RBF has reminded people who still hold old flora and fauna banknotes to take note of the December 31 deadline.
The demonetisation forms part of Fiji’s transition from the previous flora and fauna series to the new polymer banknotes introduced at the beginning of 2026.
