MarktheJock

Hi all,

new member here looking for advice. I'm going on an exchange to AUT from February to July and have a few questions. Firstly what are the NZ equivalents of Argos or Ikea? (to get stuff for my halls). Secondly how bad are the charges for taking out money at an atm or buying stuff in shops using UK debit/credit cards?


Thanks in advance for any tips and advice!

Debidoos

Hi there - welcome - it can get quite expensive using ATM using a credit card. I would recommend opening a NZ bank account and transferring some money via transfer wise

No Argos in NZ I think you can buy IKEA furniture somewhere in Auckland but it's not direct from IKEA shop as there isn't one in NZ. Depends what your wanting to buy someone from Auckland may be better to advise as I live in. Palmy.

JaneRiley

I think you should be able to get things for your halls from The Warehouse or KMart (Google them). Open a bank account - it will make life easier. I hope you have a great exchange - sounds like a wonderful opportunity.

jmh

It's worth trying second-hand and charity shops for furniture too. Agree with the bank account. Your home bank will charge you high forex fees. You can buy a top up card which allows you to store NZD and works like a debit card.

sr71

Argos would be similar to Farmers or The Warehouse (obviously not the catalogue based shopping)