Are credit cards widely accepted in New Zealand?

Yes credit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand, the most popular being Mastercard and Visa. American Express is accepted but in far fewer places. They work in a similar way to Australia where you need your 4 digit pin to authorise the purchase.

Can I use Australian dollars in New Zealand?

No you can not use Australian dollars in New Zealand. Best to take some New Zealand Dollars in cash, a debit or prepaid card and a credit card instead of Australian dollars.

Does ANZ card work in New Zealand?

Yes it does. ANZ does not charge for ATM withdrawals but they offer very poor exchange rates for New Zealand dollars and an overseas transaction fee of 3%. If you use your ANZ debit card in New Zealand expect to pay an additional 10% for your spending.

Can I use an Australian debit card in New Zealand?

Yes and we recommend the best Australian debit cards to take to New Zealand which include Macquarie, Up Bank, ING, HSBC and Citibank. However if your Australian debit card charges for overseas ATM withdrawals fees and international transaction fees you can expect to add 10% to the cost of your trip to New Zealand.

Do you need a travel card for New Zealand?

Yes, as it will save you lots of money. If you only take your Australian debit card to New Zealand, up to 15% can be eaten up by fees including overseas ATM withdrawals, international transaction fees and poor currency exchange rates. This includes ANZ cards, they do not charge if you withdraw from an ANZ ATM but their currency exchange rates are some of the most expensive in the market for New Zealand currency.

What is the advantage of a travel money card?

The advantages of a travel money card include increased security as no one can access your cash without your 4 digit pin code. In addition you can report your card stolen or lost quickly to stop unauthorised spending. Finally, it’s less bulky than carrying large amounts of cash in your wallet.