Money in New Zealand
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- NZDNew Zealand dollar
- Symbol
- NZ$
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in New Zealand
Cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Tipping is not expected.
- Cards
- Widely accepted
- Cash
- Tipping is not obligatory, and hotels and restaurants do not add service charges. Cash purchases are rounded to the nearest 10 cents.
- ATMs
- ATMs are at bank branches, on main shopping streets and in malls, and four-digit PINs are generally needed. Frommer's says some remote areas, such as Stewart Island and Great Barrier Island, have none.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange is available at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are at international airports and most city centres.
- Watch out for
- Cash of more than NZ$10,000 in or out of the country needs a Border Cash Report, per New Zealand Tourism. Frommer's says some banks charge 1% to 3% on overseas card purchases.
Tipping in New Zealand
Tipping isn't expected, though some leave 10% for exceptional service.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: New Zealand Tourism (newzealand.com), Frommer's, Trafalgar, Time Out Australia, Lonely Planet.
Convert to and from NZD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.78 NZD | 1.99 NZD | 2.38 NZD |
| 10 | 17.77 NZD | 19.90 NZD | 23.84 NZD |
| 50 | 88.83 NZD | 99.51 NZD | 119 NZD |
| 100 | 178 NZD | 199 NZD | 238 NZD |
| 500 | 888 NZD | 995 NZD | 1,192 NZD |
What each amount is worth in NZD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does New Zealand use?
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD).
Do you need to tip in New Zealand?
Not expected. Tipping isn't expected, though some leave 10% for exceptional service.
Can you pay by card in New Zealand?
Widely accepted. Tipping is not obligatory, and hotels and restaurants do not add service charges. Cash purchases are rounded to the nearest 10 cents.
Are there ATMs in New Zealand?
ATMs are at bank branches, on main shopping streets and in malls, and four-digit PINs are generally needed. Frommer's says some remote areas, such as Stewart Island and Great Barrier Island, have none.