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New Zealand Currency

Currency/Payment Information

Our unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2.  Notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and in most city centres.

All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand.

Travellers Cheques are accepted at some hotels, banks and some stores – note that NZ$ travellers cheques are not available and travellers cheques in other currencies will be subject to exchange rates at time of exchange.

You can convert currency at the the XE website www.xe.com

Banks

Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in shopping malls.

International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Credit Cards with ‘Smart Card’ technology

Smart cards are payment cards that carry an embedded microchip allowing them to store encrypted, confidential information, and carry multiple applications from different industries alongside debit, credit, or prepaid payment applications. Please note these cards, which often have no magnetic strip, are not accepted everywhere in New Zealand. You may experience problems using these cards, and we therefore recommend you contact you card provider for further information before arriving in New Zealand.

Goods and Services Tax

All goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back. If a supplier ships goods to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged, but you may be liable for import duty in your home country.

Tipping and Service Charges

Tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor, it is not obligatory. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.