Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moneychangers
Changing foreign currency or travellers cheques is usually no problem at NZ banks or at
licensed moneychangers (eg Travelex) in the major cities. Moneychangers can be found
in all major tourist areas, cities and airports.
Taxes & Refunds
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a flat 15% tax on all domestic goods and services.
Prices in this topic include GST. There's no GST refund available when you leave NZ.
Travellers Cheques
Amex, Travelex and other international brands of travellers cheques are a bit old-fash-
ioned these days, but they're easily exchanged at banks and moneychangers. Present
your passport for identification when cashing them; shop around for the best rates.
Opening Hours
Note that most attractions close on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Shops & businesses
9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm or 5pm
Saturday. Late-night shopping (until 9pm) in larger cities on Thursday and/or Friday
nights. Sunday trading in most big towns and cities.
Supermarkets
8am to 7pm, often 9pm or later in cities.
Banks
9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday; some city branches also open Saturday
mornings.
Post offices
8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday; larger branches also 9.30am to 1pm
Saturday. Postal desks in newsagencies open later.
Restaurants
noon to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 9pm, often until 11pm Fridays and
Saturdays.
Cafes
7am to 4pm or 5pm.
Pubs
Noon until late; food from noon to 2pm and from 6pm to 8pm.
Post
The services offered by
New Zealand Post
( 0800 501 501;
www.nzpost.co.nz
) are
reliable and reasonably inexpensive. See the website for current info on national and in-
ternational zones and rates, plus post office locations.
