Where should I setup a bank account in New Zealand?
We asked expats in New Zealand what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised...
"Before retiring in New Zealand, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the country's immigration and visa requirements. Additionally, expats should consider the healthcare system in New Zealand and whether they will need to purchase private health insurance. It is also important to research the tax system in New Zealand and any tax implications for expats. Finally, expats should consider the availability of leisure activities and the climate in the area they plan to retire in," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to New Zealand.
"We switched banks, there are no major American banks represented here. We found out through an expat forum that National Bank of New Zealand would open an account for us before we arrived in New Zealand, which was extremely useful. Other banks here may do this now, but 4 years ago we couldn't find any other bank that would do this for us. I don't know of any other special services that the banks here offer that would be useful to expatriates. We change all of our currency through either an online currency trading firms (xe.com), or through a local firm we've discovered here in Christchurch," commented one expat who made the move to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Get Quote
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to New Zealand?
- How do I find a place to live in New Zealand?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in New Zealand?
- What is the average cost of housing in New Zealand?
- Should I buy or rent a home in New Zealand?
- What should I pack when moving to New Zealand?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in New Zealand?
- Why do people move to New Zealand?
- What are healthcare services like in New Zealand?
- What are medical services in New Zealand like?
- What are typical rents in New Zealand?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Where should I setup a bank account in New Zealand?
If you live in New Zealand, newcomers to New Zealand would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.