Page 8 - New Zealand Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

CURRENCY Local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), divided into 100 cents. Most businesses accept MasterCard and Visa, and while Diners PAGE 3 Club and American Express are also widely accepted in the main tourist Population | Time | Visas centers, they might have limited acceptance elsewhere. Traveler's checks History TIPPING and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change and PAGE 4 some hotels. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities. Gratuities are not expected in Language restaurants and service charges are not applied to bills, but it is acceptable to PAGE 5 CHANGING MONEY Climate As a general rule, it's cheaper to convert money in New Zealand than at tip at your discretion. PAGE 6 home. While currency exchange will probably be available in your Airport porter/hotel bellboy: The Land arrival airport, it's wise to bring enough foreign currency to last the first 1-3 days of your trip. Typical bank hours in New Zealand are Monday $1.00 - $ 2.00 US per bag. PAGE 7 through Friday 9:30am-4:30pm, and major banks include Bank of New The People Your tour guide: Zealand (BNZ), Westpac Trust, Australia and New Zealand Banking $10.00 - $ 12.00 US per person per day. PAGE 8 Group (ANZ), and ASB Bank (ASB). Currency | Credit Cards Changing Money | Tipping Driver/assistants: Safety & Crime When changing money abroad, try to go only to banks or currency $ 6.00 - $ 7.00 US per person per day. depots that have at most a 5% margin between their buy and sell prices. PAGE 9 Since you lose money with every transaction, convert large sums Communications | What to Pack (unless the currency is depreciating rapidly), but no more than you'll INSURANCE Health & Vaccinations need. You should not assume your U.S. or PAGE 10 other existing health insurance will Shopping | Customs | Etiquette If you use traveler's checks or bills, carry some in small denominations cover you while traveling abroad. (the equivalent of US$50 or less) for times when you are forced to Since the standard of emergency PAGE 11 exchange money at disadvantageous rates, but bring a range of treatment is not always as high as in Food & Drinks denominations since charges may be levied per check cashed. the West, it is advisable for travelers to PAGE 12 take out an additional travel policy Culture & The Arts | Religion that includes evacuation in addition to CREDIT CARDS their normal medical insurance. Credit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand. SAFETY & CRIME New Zealand has a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the world, however sensible precautions against petty theft are still advised. S O U T H P A C I F I C 8