The currency used in New Zealand is the NZ Dollar (NZ$). This is available in a number of different denominations including plastic notes (very handy for the beach!) and coins. As well as paying for items in cash you can use cards for payments in the majority of sales outlets. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard can be used or if you open a bank account in NZ you will use EFTPOS, which is the card facility available throughout New Zealand. A pin number rather than signature is used to verify the customer. Be aware that in some stores they very rarely get international cards using signatures and so on occasion they can get confused or give over the wrong receipts!
Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at booths in the major cities and banks nationwide. If your card has a Cirrus or Maestro symbol you will be able to withdraw money from a Bank cash machine. Be aware that some banks may charge you a considerable amount for this and so it is worth taking out a resonably large sum of money each time. Splitting this money across your person and baggage will be more secure - just remember where you put it!
If you are staying in New Zealand for more than six months its worth signing up for an NZ bank account so that you can use an Eftpos cash card and have all your money close to hand. There are a number of banks which will allow travellers to open accounts. Be aware that banks charge to have an account in NZ, this may not be the same as in your home country! For more information view our page on banks in New Zealand.
The currency used in New Zealand is the NZ Dollar (NZ$). This is available in a number of different denominations including plastic notes (very handy for the beach!) and coins. As well as paying for items in cash you can use cards for payments in the majority of sales outlets. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard can be used or if you open a bank account in NZ you will use EFTPOS, which is the card facility available throughout New Zealand. A pin number rather than signature is used to verify the customer. Be aware that in some stores they very rarely get international cards using signatures and so on occasion they can get confused or give over the wrong receipts!
