Currency

Name                              New Zealand Dollar

Symbol                           NZ$

New Zealand's banknotes all feature eminent people from the country's history and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.

The New Zealand dollar is made up of 100 cents - there are coins in denominations of 10 cents (copper coloured), 20 and 50 cents (both silver coloured) and 1 and 2 dollars (gold coloured). They all feature various emblems, flora and fauna - the kiwi adorns the one dollar coin.

Changing Your Money

The currencies of Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Japan are all easily changed in New Zealand. Moneychangers (bureaux de change) can be found in most major tourist areas and airports. You'll have no trouble with the major travellers cheques and credit cards are commonly accepted. Banks will give cash advances on Visa and MasterCard, but for American Express card transactions you must go to an American Express office. Most ATMs offer access to overseas savings accounts via networks such as Cirrus, Maestro and Plus.

Money Tips

It's possible to travel economically in New Zealand. Budget travellers can expect to get by on less than US$40.00 a day if camping or staying in hostels and self-catering. Motor camps and motels all have kitchens for guests' use, so staying in these also gives you the option of doing your own cooking. One of the main reasons people come to New Zealand is to participate in the activities the country is known for. Some cost nothing - tramping, swimming, birdwatching - but as so many enjoyable activities are expensive, they can end up being a major part of your travel budget. If you stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and spend money on rafting, bungy jumping and the like, be prepared to outlay about US$100.00 a day.

Sample Price Guide

glass of local tap beer

                                       NZ$ 3.80

litre of petrol

                                       NZ$ 1.60

small bottle of water

                                       NZ$ 2.50

small bottle of beer

                                       NZ$ 3.50

souvenir t-shirt

                                       NZ$ 20.00

meat pie

                                       NZ$ 3.00

cup of coffee

                                       NZ$ 3.50

movie ticket

                                       NZ$ 15.00

motel/hotel double

                                       NZ$ 100.00

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more widespread in New Zealand, principally in the major centres where there's been more foreign influence. However, it's certainly not expected in any restaurant. You should tip 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant (not in a simple café) if you feel you have received exceptional service.