Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Your US dollars can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls just like in the US. 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.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate is favorable to American visitors, as the US dollar is worth more than the New Zealand Dollar. Typically US$1 will buy about NZ$1.50. Because exchange rates fluctuate, be sure to check with your bank before traveling or use this currency converter http://www.xe.com.
How Much Does Stuff Cost?
Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items:
A hotel breakfast NZ$10- $25
Restaurant Dinner (no alcohol) NZ$20 - $50
Lunch snack/sandwich NZ$5 - $10
Cafe lunch NZ$10 - $20
Big Mac Hamburger NZ$4.50
Cappuccino NZ$3.50
Bottle of beer in a bar NZ$4 - $7
18 holes of golf NZ$10 - $100
Tipping and Service Charges
Unlike the US, tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their checks.
