Sending money to New Zealand or planning to travel there soon? It’s a good idea to learn more about New Zealand’s currency before you hit send or head across the Pacific.
Here’s a practical look at the New Zealand dollar (NZD), including the currency’s history, how much it’s worth, and local customs that might come in handy while you’re there.
What is the currency in New Zealand?
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar. It’s represented as “NZD” on global exchange markets. You might also see “NZ$” in international contexts to avoid confusion with other dollar-based currencies.
Locals refer to a New Zealand dollar as a “kiwi” or a “kiwi dollar.” You can get banknotes in five denominations: $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. .
Kiwi banknotes are colorful and uniquely Kiwi, featuring national icons, including pioneering scientists, conservationists, explorers, and Māori leaders like Sir Āpirana Ngata. Each note reflects the country’s unique identity with designs that celebrate native wildlife, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage.
History of the New Zealand dollar
Money in New Zealand has evolved significantly over time. During colonial times, people used a mix of British pounds and various foreign coins. and began printing its own money.
The most notable change in New Zealand’s currency came in the late 1960s, when New Zealand shifted from pounds, shillings, and pence to dollars and cents and adopted the decimal system.
Today, the New Zealand dollar is one of the strongest .
How much is the New Zealand dollar worth?
A New Zealand dollar is equivalent to about 60 US cents as of mid-2025. New Zealand currency can fluctuate based on inflation and other economic factors, so use Western Union’s currency calculator to keep tabs on the latest exchange rate.
7 tips for exchanging US dollars to New Zealand dollars
Here are seven tips to keep in mind when converting USD to NZD. The value of New Zealand currency shifts daily, so knowing best practices for converting money can help you get the most value.
1. Research and compare exchange rates
Before using a service to exchange money in New Zealand, research and compare exchange rates. Banks, online exchange platforms, and airport kiosks typically charge different fees and offer varying exchange rates. A little research upfront can save you more than you think.
2. Notify your bank ahead of traveling
Another tip is to notify your bank before you travel to New Zealand. A quick call or online message can help prevent your card from being flagged for unusual activity. That way, you can spend your money freely in New Zealand without surprise blocks or holds.
3. Avoid exchanging money at airports, hotels, and tourist areas
It’s tempting to exchange money at an airport kiosk when you arrive in New Zealand, but those services often offer poor exchange rates. Instead, consider using your local bank or a trusted service like Western Union to exchange USD for NZD before traveling.
If you’re not sure where to exchange currency once you’re in the country, ATMs at major banks can be a better option for getting New Zealand currency at a fairer rate.
4. Consider commissions and fees
Sometimes exchange services advertise rates that look great on the surface but then sneak in high commissions and fees at checkout. When getting currency in New Zealand, look at the total cost of your transaction to ensure you’re getting the best value.
5. Opt to be charged in New Zealand currency when withdrawing money from ATMs
If you withdraw money from an ATM in New Zealand, opt to receive it in New Zealand dollars. This is one of the best ways to exchange currency while traveling because it allows the bank to handle the conversion. This helps avoid extra fees tied to dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which is when a foreign card terminal converts your purchase into your home currency on the spot.
6. Understand that exchange rates vary depending on the day
Exchange rates fluctuate regularly due to various economic factors, such as inflation and market conditions. Get the most bang for your buck by tracking live exchange rates with the Western Union® app. That way, you’ll know when it’s a good time to exchange USD for NZD.
7. Use reputable exchanges
When converting US dollars to New Zealand dollars, use a reputable currency exchange service. Banks, well-known online platforms, and licensed exchange bureaus are generally safe options.
When comparing exchange services, prioritize companies with security features like data encryption, transfer tracking, PCI DSS compliance, and Touch ID security. Western Union, for example, offers all these. And you can use the service online or at an agent location in New Zealand.
Using money in New Zealand
Using money in New Zealand is straightforward. You can withdraw New Zealand currency from an ATM or simply use cards wherever you go. Here is more information about using money in New Zealand, including details on its tipping culture.
Can you use US dollars in New Zealand?
Most businesses expect payment in New Zealand dollars, not US dollars. It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of New Zealand currency along for your travels, or you can use an ATM to withdraw NZD when you arrive.
Either way, you won’t need to have a ton of cash on hand since you can use cards almost everywhere in New Zealand. In fact, less than 10% of in-store transactions in New Zealand involve cash.
Tipping etiquette in New Zealand
restaurants or hotels. You generally don’t have to tip hotel staff or bellhops at hotels. Restaurants typically include up to 15% surcharges in their prices and pay waitstaff a fair wage. However, it is common to round up taxi fares to the nearest dollar.
Send money to New Zealand with Western Union
Whether you’re sending money online, through the Western Union app, or at one of 80-plus agent locations across New Zealand, getting money to loved ones is simple. Choose the option that works best for you—digital or in-person.
Explore more currency guides
Planning other overseas trips? Check out our guides to learn about currency in other countries.
- Japan currency guide: The Japanese yen (JPY)
- Australia currency guide: The Australian dollar (AUD)
- Indonesia currency guide: The Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
- Thailand currency guide: The Thai baht (THB)
- Vietnam currency guide: The Vietnamese dong (VND)
FAQs
The best currency to take to New Zealand is New Zealand dollars. It’s unlikely that a hotel, restaurant, or other business will accept US dollars in New Zealand.
As of mid-2025, you can exchange 1 US dollar for between approximately 1.60 and 1.70 New Zealand dollars. Use Western Union’s currency converter to check up-to-date exchange rates.
