Expat Advice: Financial Issues in Wellington, New Zealand
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Wellington
Which banks do you use? If you have a local account, which bank do you use? How do you like it? Do you also have an account in your home country? Which bank? Do they charge for ATM withdrawals? Do they charge a lot for international wire transfers? How has it been working with them from abroad? Do you use a special international wire transfer service? Do you use an online bank? If so, tell us about them.
No, it's a bank that any New Zealander would use.
Get Quote
Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote
What advice would you offer others about banking as an expat in your country? What do you wish you had known about banking when you first arrived?
Go in to the branch and ask every single question you can think to ask. Make the assumption that everything will be different from what you know. Then if it's the same you'll be pleasantly surprised. (most things will be different) Also talk to the country's tax dept. or a tax agent. Find out the laws!
What sort of challenges or frustrations have you encountered as an investor living overseas? Please describe.
I'm from the US, so I was used to "check-cashing" locations everywhere. One is unable to cash a check here without having a bank account. Special note: checks can be made to Cash as the payee, and then you may cash it at the bank of the payer.
Do you do your own taxes, use a local firm, an expat-oriented firm or does your employer handle this for you (i.e. via an corporate tax firm)?
I do my own in New Zealand. I let a firm do mine in the United States.
What advice could you offer others about doing your taxes as an expat?
Find out the laws as soon as you arrive. Don't wait until it's too late. Each country has their own financial year.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Wellington
- 7 Tips for Living in Wellington
- Pros & Cons of Living in Wellington
- Driving in Wellington
- Cost of Living in Wellington
- Health Care in Wellington
- Discovering the Best of Wellington
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in New Zealand
- Best Places to Live in New Zealand
- Real Estate in New Zealand
- Pros & Cons of Living in New Zealand
- Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
- Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to New Zealand