Travel
The below information are some key points that you may like to consider/read prior to travelling to New Zealand.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ Dollar). 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 most city centres. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Exchange Rates – Banks should be able to tell you what the current exchange rate is with the NZ Dollar. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand website provides a monthly online summary of the NZ Dollars average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.
You can calculate the approximate value of about 30 currencies in NZ Dollars on the Bank of New Zealand website. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.
Banking – 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 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.
Goods and Services Tax – All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. 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.
Electricity/Computer Hook Up
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors/hairdryers only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. It is each delegate's responsibility to bring their own adaptor to use throughout the meeting.
You will need a RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply. Again it is each delegate's responsibility to bring their own adaptor to use throughout the meeting.
Mobile Phones
Mobile Telephones in New Zealand operate on the digital system; therefore mobile telephones from countries that operate on the analogue system, unless the phone is tri-band GSM, will not work.
Phone Card
You may wish to purchase a prepaid phone card to use when placing calls home. It will help you to avoid the higher rates and access fees charged by the hotel. Be sure to contact your calling card supplier to get the international calling access code.
Smoking
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.
Tipping and Service Charge
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service – even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.
Water
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets. Bottled spring water is available for purchase through the hotels or any supermarket in Auckland.