I'm moving to New Zealand for a year on a WHV and I don't know what to do with my money. I have a fair amount saved to get me started there, and I plan on starting work within 6 weeks of arrival, although we'll see....
Does anyone have any recommendations of how to access my money (dollars/American bank account) from New Zealand without paying ridiculously high withdrawl fees everytime I want to take money out of my account? I've done a fair bit of traveling and usually rely on ATMs abroad, sucking up the withdrawl fee, as I usually take out large quantities that last me for days at a time. In addition, NZ is going to be the most expensive (for me) destination I have ever traveled to, so I anticipate needing/using a lot of $$$$ from the start. I don't particularly care for travelers' checks and my credit cards charge for international usage (5% on each transaction) So basically I would rather not pay $5-$10 each time I use a NZ ATM....
What have other WHV participants done? A friend of mine suggested converting ALL of my savings to a more stable currency as the dollar is falling and the economy is rapidly declining, and then wiring the money to another account that I set up when I get there. Am I going to be eligible to open a bank account in NZ with the type of visa I have? Any ideas? Oh and I leave in a few days!!!!!! THANKS!
money and living abroad
4 posts • Page 1 of 1
- jordan22
- Thorn Tree Refugee
- Posts: 2
- Joined: May 10th, 2008
- Tags: living abroad, money, new zealand, whv, working holiday visa
There are probably others who are better able to handle most of your questions, but I'd suggest looking at a better credit card if you're going to live overseas. I believe Capitol One doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.
I use my American credit union for my money and just use an ATM to take out cash every couple of weeks and I'm not being hurt by fees too badly.
I use my American credit union for my money and just use an ATM to take out cash every couple of weeks and I'm not being hurt by fees too badly.
-

skobb - Mod Squad
- Posts: 3001
- Joined: April 28th, 2003
- Location: Nassau, The Bahamas
Capital One credit card...no fees
Bank of America ATM card....no fee when used at Westpac. I believe there are Westpac in NZ, but I've never been. I am sure someone will come along and clarify whether they exist and how easily it is or isn't to find one.
Bank of America ATM card....no fee when used at Westpac. I believe there are Westpac in NZ, but I've never been. I am sure someone will come along and clarify whether they exist and how easily it is or isn't to find one.
- halfnine
- World Citizen
- Posts: 1081
- Joined: December 5th, 2005
- Location: London or Chicago
We certainly do have westpac's here - they are very common and will be in basically every decent sized town, or there will at least be a westpac ATM.
Hope this helps,
Let me know if you need any help re: NZ.
Where are you planning to go?
Amanda
Hope this helps,
Let me know if you need any help re: NZ.
Where are you planning to go?
Amanda
- Dreamingkiwi
- Thorn Tree Refugee
- Posts: 3
- Joined: May 7th, 2008
4 posts • Page 1 of 1
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