The Best Ways to Buy Currency in New Zealand Before Travelling Overseas

At The Currency Shop, we keep things nice and simple. Because every company has different exchange rates and fees, finding the best deal can be a minefield. That’s where we step in. We bring together all your options, highlight the fees and rates per provider, and show you the best possible deals.

5 Better ways to get travel money before your trip

Online

This is usually the cheapest way to buy currency, but you need some time. You even pick it up at the airport before you head off.

Money Tips

  • Buy in bulk. During promotions, you can often get a better exchange rate when you order over $2,000
  • Don't pay by card. There is card processing fee you can avoid by using Bill Payment
  • There is a maximum amount of $5,000 per transaction

Money Changers

This is the best way to get currency quickly. You will find them in major shopping centres and towns.

Money Tips

  • The exchange rates are better in your city. So it can be worth going there if you're exchanging more than $2,000
  • Always ask for a better rate. We've found you can often get a better deal just by asking, particularly if you're buying more than $100
  • Call ahead. Sometimes they may not have enough stock in-store.

Bank

Most banks do exchange currency. The issue is that they often have high fees, and don't offer very good rates. It's always better to compare rates elsewhere before deciding, but as a standard rule it's best to avoid your bank. Especially for a popular currencies.

Airport

Yes, you can buy currency at the airport. But that doesn't mean you should. While it's convenient, it's also very expensive.

Money Tips

  • Ordering it online and picking it up at the airport is much cheaper than buying it in person
  • If you've run out of time before your trip, it's definitely better to buy currency when you get overseas, or use your debit card instead

We compare New Zealand's most trusted brands

Our most frequently asked questions

How does it work?

It’s pretty simple. Whether you need travel money or would like to transfer money overseas we just need a little info to point you in the right direction. First, you tell us what you are looking for then we compare hundreds of providers to find the best deal for your current situation. We’ll highlight all the available options and recommend the best one for you. You can then decide which option you prefer, and click through to their site to secure the deal.

Is it safe?

Yes. The Currency Shop holds an AFSL (462269) and is a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We closely vet our providers and only partner with the largest, safest and most trusted money transfer companies in the world. That just makes sense.

What does it cost?

The Currency Shop does not charge you. Instead, we receive a referral fee from the banks and money transfer companies that we are partnered with. This does not affect the price you pay.

Want to find the best time to buy?

Simply use our free email alerts to track the rate daily. Or set the rate you want and we'll email you when it's time to buy.

Your currency knowledge centre

New Zealand Dollar Forecasts for 2019 Compared

Forecasts for the New Zealand Dollar from bank experts are revised throughout the year. This article looks at the different outlooks and is updated regularly.

How to Buy Currency: Online Versus In-Store

Buying travel money online is one way to reduce stress and potentially save time – but are there any disadvantages you need to be aware of?

The Ultimate Guide to Currency Exchange in New Zealand

There is no single way to exchange currency that is always the cheapest. It really depends on what currency you are buying, how much and where you are.

Ileana Ionescu
Author
Ileana Ionescu
Content manager
With a background in business journalism, Ileana is an experienced content manager, creating content for Exiap that helps its audience make informed decisions about their finances.
Read more
Last updated
April 5th, 2023