New Zealand Currency

Tips and useful info on using credit cards,EFTPOS and cash !

New Zealand Currency is in New Zealand dollars and cents. We have colourful notes for $5,$10, $20, $50 and $100.

Our coins are 10 cents,20cents,50 cents, $1(dollar),$2(dollars)Our New Zealand coins have recently been downsized and New Zealand currency no longer has a coin smaller than 10 cents.

PAYING WITH CASH

Due to the 5 cent coin being taken out of circulation , if you are paying with cash, most shops will either round the price up or down.If it is more than 5 cents they will round it up so you will pay more than the quoted price.If it is 5 cents or less they will round it down.The idea being you average out over time.The 5 cents could go either way but most vendors are looking for return customers!

Many people prefer not to have cash rattling around in their pockets or weighting down their bags these days so the use of New Zealand currency is not as high as it was.Cards are very much the usual form of payment.

EftPos machines are everywhere. New Zealander's are quick to latch onto new technology.Every bank has Eftpos machines either outside on the street, or just inside their doors.You will find them in some supermarkets and all large shopping malls.New Zealanders use less cash these days.I must confess to rarely having any cash at all.I use my credit card for everything - even a $5 transaction.

Supermarkets and most shops,in fact any vendor unless very small, will have an EFTPOS facility at their checkout.

Check with your bank,before you leave home, to ensure your credit card/EFTPOS card will be suitable to use in New Zealand.If you have a suitable credit card this is a good means of getting cash out as you require it.Or paying directly for purchases.Travellers cheques are almost a thing of the past.In fact they are talking of no longer issuing travellers cheques in New Zealand banks.

You can also readily pay with a credit card in most shops, restaurants, supermarkets, paying for tours, car or motorhome rentals,accommodation etc.

NOTE: Each merchandiser may only take certain credit cards.The bigger the place the more options they will offer you.Mastercard and Visa are usually safe bets.

Small merchandisers outlets may not have credit card or EFTPOS facilities.I wouldn't for example, expect that a Bed and Breakfast would have this.Although some will.

Small shops may offer EFTPOS but will not do credit card transactions.Some shops will not service certain credit cards.(Our Amex was declined recently). Usually because they have had a problem in the past, or the fees are very high.

Many shops will allow you to take out extra cash if you are already making an EFTPOS transaction, rather than using New Zealand currency. Unless small and perhaps rural,Supermarkets always do and will often ask if you wish to withdraw cash.

Small businesses may do this for you, but would normally only let you withdraw small sums.They do not usually have enough cash to do give you larger amounts.

The most common credit cards would be

• Master card

• Visa

• Amex -( not all stores will service American Express)

• Diners Club

The most common banks in New Zealand are

• Kiwi Bank

• Westpac

• BNZ - Bank of New Zealand

• ASB - Auckland Savings Bank

• ANZ - Australia New Zealand bank

• National Bank

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