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Banking in New Zealand |
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Once you have received your money card
(ATM card) you have immediate access to the cleared funds in your
account. Probably 95% of goods and services in New Zealand can be
purchased by using the Eftpos option on your money
card. Eftpos works by instantly deducting the amount from your account
when you swipe your card and enter your PIN number at the purchasing
counter. The amount you can spend is based on the funds available in
your account at the time of purchase (and the cards daily limit). Cash
can be withdrawn from ATM machines or withdrawn as an additional amount
when purchasing items.
Credit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand. Cheques are more commonly used for transactions requiring postal payments although some businesses will accept these. Your cheque limit depends on the funds you have available in your cheque account.
Most bank branches are open from 0900 to 1630
Monday to Friday and are closed at weekends and on public
holidays. Each bank has a few branches that have 'late nights' or
are open on weekends and all provide 24 hour 7 day call centre service.
You can calculate the value of your currency in
NZ Dollars using the currency
converter.
Set up a bank account
before you leave home
It will make your arrival in New Zealand much
easier if you open an account before you leave home as you will have
immediate access to your funds when you pick up your money cards. On
arrival, simply visit any branch of ASB Bank with two forms of
identification to start using your account.
ASB is one of the leading banks in New Zealand
with over 120 branches nation-wide. For people living in the UK, ASB
have a specialist London Representative Office who can work with you in
setting up your New Zealand accounts before you leave home.
Contact the ASB's London Representative
Office
and receive advice and guidance on transferring funds and
setting up accounts.
| Click here for contact details: | Website: | www.migrantbanking.co.uk |
| Phone: | 020 7710 3990 (London) |
To find out about our other Overseas Representative Offices throughout Asia click here
Open an account on arrival in New Zealand On arrival to your new home county, you can contact the ASB Migrant Banking Division who offer a specialist migrant banking service for new immigrants to New Zealand. Professionally trained staff are multilingual and experienced in dealing with your unique financial needs as a new migrant. You can open a bank account, obtain your ATM card, apply for a credit card and cheque book and receive guidance on other financial matters, including home loans and investments.
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