New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). There are coins with values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2, and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Banks are open from 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. They are usually closed on weekends and public holidays. Some banks are opening in the main centres on Saturday.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in shopping 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 and let them know about your travel plans. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at most banks, some hotels and bureau de change kiosks. You can find these at international airports and in most city centres. Traveller's cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

You may open a bank account very easily in New Zealand. You do not have to be a resident but you do need to have a permanent address, a hotel or motel is not acceptable.