The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). While a small number of tourism businesses may accept foreign currency, almost all transactions are made in New Zealand dollars. Credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted throughout the country, making it easy for most visitors to travel without carrying large amounts of cash.
New Zealand is a very card-friendly destination, and most travellers find they need very little cash during their trip.
Whether you're buying fuel, paying for accommodation, dining at restaurants or booking activities, payment in New Zealand dollars is the standard.
What is the New Zealand Dollar?
The New Zealand Dollar is abbreviated as NZD and is often represented by the symbol $.
New Zealand banknotes are issued in:
- $5
- $10
- $20
- $50
- $100
Coins are available in:
- 10 cents
- 20 cents
- 50 cents
- $1
- $2
All prices displayed in New Zealand are in New Zealand dollars unless otherwise stated.
Can I use US dollars, pounds or euros in New Zealand?
Generally no.
Most shops, restaurants, petrol stations and hotels only accept payment in New Zealand dollars.
In some major tourism centres, a business may choose to accept foreign currency, but the exchange rate offered is rarely favourable.
Using a credit card, debit card or exchanging money into NZD is usually a much better option.
Can I use credit cards in New Zealand?
Yes.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Supermarkets
- Fuel stations
- Visitor attractions
American Express is accepted by many businesses, although not as widely as Visa and Mastercard.
Contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also common throughout New Zealand.
Should I bring cash to New Zealand?
A small amount of cash can be useful, but most travellers don't need much.
Many visitors arrive with little or no New Zealand currency and simply withdraw cash from an ATM if required.
You may find cash useful for:
- Small purchases at rural locations
- Farmers' markets
- Some independent retailers
For most self-drive holidays, card payments will cover almost every expense.
Where is the best place to exchange money?
Many travellers find they receive better exchange rates by:
- Using an ATM after arriving in New Zealand.
- Using a travel-friendly debit card.
- Exchanging money through a specialist foreign exchange provider.
Airport exchange counters are convenient but often offer less competitive exchange rates.
For more detail, see our guide on where to convert money to New Zealand dollars.
Are there fees for using cards in New Zealand?
Some businesses apply a small surcharge for credit card payments.
This is typically between 1% and 3% and is most common for credit cards rather than debit cards.
Many retailers clearly display any surcharge before payment is made.