Money culture

There’s no need to carry large amounts of cash with you anywhere in New Zealand. In fact, many New Zealanders hardly carry cash at all and use their bank cards (known as debit cards) to pay for everything.

Remember to keep your bank card safe and don’t tell anyone your PIN number. Many users do most of their banking online or use an app on their phone. All New Zealand banks offer online banking.

Tip: You can use your bank card from your home country at most New Zealand ATMs. Just be aware that their exchange rates are often higher, and you might have high fees too. You'll save money by joining a bank here.

Before you leave home

You can open an account with most major New Zealand banks from outside New Zealand. You can Apply online and find information on how to do this on each bank's website:

Once you arrive

To activate an account once you arrive in New Zealand, you may need to make an appointment with the bank. You will usually need to show:

- your passport
- proof that you are a full-time student—such as your Offer of Place
- a residential address in New Zealand, or an Offer Letter from your hall of residence
  - If bank require Proof of Address letter from the university, email international-support@vuw.ac.nz ,we can provide you the letter if you are fully enrolled
- your Tax Identification Number from every country that you are a tax resident.

ATM machines are available in the city close to Pipitea and Te Aro campuses.

If you are a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship student, your bank account will be set up before you arrive in New Zealand. The International team will help you activate this once you are here.