Here is more information about using money in New Zealand, including details on its tipping culture. Another tip is to notify your bank before you travel to New Zealand. A quick call or online message can help prevent your card from being flagged for unusual activity.
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Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of New Zealand. Its symbol is usually written as $, and sometimes NZ$ is used to distinguish it from other currencies that use the same sign.
The CHF is the strongest and the NZD is the weakest as the North American session begins. The NZD is the strongest and the USD is the weakest as the North American session begins. The NZD benefitted from a surprise trade surplus of 427M vs -1310M deficit expected. Next week, the expectations are for a 25 basis point hike to 5.5%. Investors with risk appetite often buy the currency, while market fears and crises place negative pressure on the NZD.
Polymer bills are estimated to last four times longer than regular linen or paper banknotes. Also referred to as the Kiwi, the currency is also utilized in several Pacific islands, including Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Pitcairn islands, and Niue. If you cannot find your desired currency pair, it means that transfers to that specified currency are not supported by our services, but we are working on it! Do come back and check again as we are continuously updating our services.
Get to know the New Zealand dollar
The NZD code removes any ambiguity and is used in trading platforms, financial analysis and news, currency converters, and cross-border payments. The carry trade is one of the most popular trading strategies in the currency market. Executing a carry trade involves nothing more than buying a high-yielding currency and funding it with a low-yielding currency. Traders and investors have favored the New Zealand dollar as a carry trade currency because the country has had higher interest rates compared to other developed nations.
Use Western Union’s currency converter to check up-to-date exchange rates. It’s tempting to exchange money at an airport kiosk when you arrive in New Zealand, but those services often offer poor exchange rates. Instead, consider using your local bank or a trusted service like Western Union to exchange USD for NZD before traveling. Before using a service to exchange money in New Zealand, research and compare exchange rates. Banks, online exchange platforms, and airport kiosks typically charge different fees and offer varying exchange rates. A New Zealand dollar is equivalent to about 60 US cents as of mid-2025.
The CHF is the strongest and the NZD is the weakest as the NA session begins
Informal nicknames for the New Zealand dollar are ‘kiwi’ and ‘buck’. A kiwi is a bird indigenous to New Zealand and is featured on the $1 coin. If you’re not sure where to exchange currency once you’re in the country, ATMs at major banks can be a better option for getting New Zealand currency at a fairer rate. The NZD is considered as a carry trade currency given it is a relatively high yielding currency.
The NZD is one of the most traded currencies in the world and is respected for its stability. It is also commonly called the ‘Kiwi’ after the country’s iconic bird, which appears on the $1 coin. You might also see “NZ$” in international contexts to avoid confusion with other dollar-based currencies. In the world of forex trading, ISO codes are essential because many currencies use similar symbols, like the dollar sign.
Can you use US dollars in New Zealand?
Either way, you won’t need to have a ton of cash on hand since you can use cards almost everywhere in New Zealand. In fact, less than 10% of in-store transactions in New Zealand involve cash. Most businesses expect payment in New Zealand dollars, not US dollars.
Markets bounce back as trade fears cool
- During colonial times, people used a mix of British pounds and various foreign coins.
- Gross domestic product is a measurement of the value derived from a country’s production of goods and services over a specific period.
- The NZD, or New Zealand Dollar, is the official currency of New Zealand, as well as the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands.
- The card is compatible with GBP transactions, allowing you to make purchases in the UK without currency conversion fees, as long as your card balance includes GBP.
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of New Zealand currency along for your travels, or you can use an ATM to withdraw NZD when you arrive. NZD comes in a range of denominations that are practical for everyday cash transactions and reflect New Zealand’s unique culture and heritage. The NZD is issued and managed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), which acts as the nation’s central bank. If you’re an existing payments customer and do not have access to an online account, please speak to your account manager or get in touch with our team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from Bridgewater State University and helps develop content strategies. This is due to New Zealand being dependent on tourism as a sizable proportion of its economy.
The value of the kiwi is strongly influenced by agriculture and tourism, two of New Zealand’s largest industries, which play a major role in shaping demand for the currency on global markets. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the official currency of New Zealand. This is a result of New Zealand’s strong economy which is strictly connected with the tourism business. Moreover, New Zealand has a high growth rate with a strong GDP playing a leading role in a strong economy.
Whether you’re sending money online, through the Western Union app, or at one of 80-plus agent locations across New Zealand, getting money to loved ones is simple. Choose the option that works best for you—digital or in-person. You can withdraw New Zealand currency from an ATM or simply use cards wherever you go.
- Informal nicknames for the New Zealand dollar are ‘kiwi’ and ‘buck’.
- Either way, you won’t need to have a ton of cash on hand since you can use cards almost everywhere in New Zealand.
- It’s a good idea to learn more about New Zealand’s currency before you hit send or head across the Pacific.
- Executing a carry trade involves nothing more than buying a high-yielding currency and funding it with a low-yielding currency.
Kiwi banknotes are colorful and uniquely Kiwi, featuring national icons, including pioneering scientists, conservationists, explorers, and Māori leaders like Sir Āpirana Ngata. Each note reflects the country’s unique identity with designs that celebrate native wildlife, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. Here’s a practical look at the New Zealand dollar (NZD), including the currency’s history, how much it’s worth, and local customs that might come in handy while you’re there. The official name of the currency is the New Zealand dollar, but it’s universally abbreviated as NZD in international contexts, such as market analysis. Established in 1934, the RBNZ is responsible for maintaining price stability, issuing banknotes and coins, and ensuring the overall soundness of New Zealand’s financial system.
New Zealand’s banknotes are made from durable polymer, making them more resistant to wear and counterfeiting. The New Zealand dollar, has an interesting and relatively recent history compared to older global currencies. Equals Money allows bulk (batch) payments in 35 global currencies (including NZD). Gross domestic product is a measurement of the value derived from a country’s production of goods and services over a specific period. Australia ranks as New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner behind China.
The most notable change in New Zealand’s currency came in the late 1960s, when New Zealand shifted from pounds, shillings, and pence to dollars and cents and adopted the decimal system. The card is compatible with GBP transactions, allowing you to make purchases in the UK without currency conversion fees, as long as your card balance includes GBP. The New Zealand dollar is divided into 100 cents, which serves as its official currency subunit. Equals Money cards support 21 global currencies (including NZD), allowing you to make local currency purchases in New Zealand. However, your card balance must include the required amount in NZD. The kiwi also circulates in Tokelau, Pitcairn Islands, Niue, and the Cook Islands in addition to being the official currency of New Zealand.
This includes dairy prices as New Zealand is the largest exporter of whole milk powder in the world. When converting US dollars to New Zealand dollars, CMC Markets Review use a reputable currency exchange service. Banks, well-known online platforms, and licensed exchange bureaus are generally safe options.
New Zealand currency can fluctuate based on inflation and other economic factors, so use Western Union’s currency calculator to keep tabs on the latest exchange rate. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD, $) is the official currency of New Zealand, a country known for its stunning landscapes, strong economy, and high standard of living. Locally nicknamed the “Kiwi,” the dollar is an important part of New Zealand’s trade, tourism, and everyday life. The New Zealand Dollar was used from the 1800s but it wasn’t declared as an official currency until 1933 when New Zealand issued the first coins which were based on the British sterlings.