The Reserve Bank of Fiji has officially gazetted the demonetisation of its legacy flora and fauna paper banknotes, setting a hard deadline of January 1, 2027, for the currency to cease operating as legal tender. According to Fiji Global News, the transition follows the introduction of a new polymer banknote series that launched on January 2, 2026. Businesses will no longer be legally required to accept the older paper notes after December 31, 2026.
Counting Down the Final Months for Paper Currency
Time is running out for anyone holding older versions of Fiji’s cash. As Old Coin Online reports, December 31, 2026, stands as the final day commercial retailers and service providers must accept the traditional flora and fauna notes. Once the calendar turns to January 1, 2027, everyday transactions using those specific paper designs will officially grind to a halt.
The central bank has taken a deliberate, phased approach to this monetary shift rather than removing the old currency overnight. By allowing a transition period, the Reserve Bank of Fiji aimed to prevent the confusion that can occur when large numbers of people still depend on cash.
The Progress of the Great National Currency Recall
Central bank officials report that the public recall campaign has already made significant progress. According to Fiji Global News, Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali revealed that 72.3 percent of the circulating old banknotes had already made their way back into the banking system by July 31, 2026. He expressed gratitude to the public for facilitating a smooth transition.
That leaves roughly 27.7 percent of the older series still outstanding. According to Old Coin Online, a substantial quantity of older notes may still remain in wallets, homes, cash registers, savings boxes and collections both in Fiji and overseas.
Why Modern Polymer Replaces Nature-Inspired Paper
Central banks do not redesign money merely for aesthetic appeal. Governor Ali explained that removing older series notes is essential to prevent public confusion, preserve high banknote quality, and reduce the threat of counterfeiting, as detailed by Fiji Global News.
The newly minted polymer series—featuring denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100—delivers improved durability and enhanced security features compared to the ageing paper flora and fauna series.
What Happens to Leftover Banknotes After the Deadline?
For everyday shoppers, the directive is simple: spend or deal with remaining paper notes before the end of 2026.
As Old Coin Online notes, holders will not lose the face value of legitimate currency. Beginning January 1, 2027, commercial banks and retail outlets will no longer be obliged to take the paper notes, but the Reserve Bank of Fiji will continue to give value for them. Numismatists and casual collectors, meanwhile, view this upcoming demonetisation as a clear historical dividing line that closes the chapter on Fiji’s earlier Flora and Fauna currency generation.
