Lee Lee

Hi we're visiting NZ really soon and are wondering how easy it is to change travellers cheques over there. Can we use them in shops and restaurants or would we have to take them to the bank to get them changed? Also is there a charge for getting them changed? Cash or cheques - what would you advise?

simonmarkellis

It's simpler and easier to cash them at banks and they'll be subject to whatever the current rates of exchange are...

sparkie down under

Why can't you use your switch card?

nero

If you can use an ATM that would be the way to go - last time we tried to use travellers cheques we experienced huge problems and had to go to the bank each time. Alot of people did not know what they were!
A Nationwide debit card was what we used and this did not incur any costs for us!

dave77

How about credit cards? Are Master cards widely accepted in NZ?

Will have to cheque I don't get hammered for using it tho!!

nero

Yes they are - although most Kiwis use Eftpos cards which are the same as Switch cards / Debit cards

dave77

thanks for the advice! I think I'll be transferring my money into my nationwide account and using debit card!

Gail5

Hi Lee Lee,

Have you visited yet? If so, how did you get on - did you use traveller's cheques or your Nationwide card?

Hope you had a good time.

Gail

Jo-Chris

You might want to check about using your Nationwide debit card abroad. They used to be great as they were one of (if not the only) bank that did not charge you for using it abroad ......... however I think they have recently changed there T&Cs and are now the same as all other banks and you will probably be charged.

Gail5

Hi,

I contacted Nationwide to ask about their card - you get charged when you use it outside Europe.

Gail