New Zealand Currency
Banking, Trading Hours and Retail.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into or taken out of New Zealand. But, every person carrying more than NZ$10,000 in cash into or out of New Zealand needs to complete a Border Cash Report, this is not optional it is a requirement.

New Zealand's currency is the NZ $. This is generally available in notes with values of:

• $5, five, $10, ten, $20, twenty, $50, fifty,
• $100, one hundred and $500, five hundred dollars

New Zealand does not have 1 cent or 2 cent coins, our coins are:

• 5¢, five, 10¢, ten, 20¢, twenty and 50¢, fiifty cents
• along with $1, and $2, dollars

Credit Cards

All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand, and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some retail outlets.

Smart Cards

Be Aware 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 your card provider for further information before arriving in New Zealand.

Currency Exchange

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.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand provides a monthly online summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.

The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.

Trading Hours

Banks
Most are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and are generally closed at weekends.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. That said we do suggest that you Check with your bank before leaving home.

Smart cards are not accepted everywhere in New Zealand please contact you card provider for further information before arriving in New Zealand.

Retail Shopping Hours
Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In resorts you will find most stores open in the evenings.

Government Tax

From October 2010 all purchases of Goods and Services made in New Zealand are subject to 15% Government Goods and Services Tax, (GST). The GST component is generally included in the price for most items and services.

Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.