Where should I setup a bank account in New Zealand?
We asked expats in New Zealand what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised...
"Before retiring in New Zealand, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the country's immigration and visa requirements. Additionally, expats should consider the healthcare system in New Zealand and whether they will need to purchase private health insurance. It is also important to research the tax system in New Zealand and any tax implications for expats. Finally, expats should consider the availability of leisure activities and the climate in the area they plan to retire in," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to New Zealand.
"We switched banks, there are no major American banks represented here. We found out through an expat forum that National Bank of New Zealand would open an account for us before we arrived in New Zealand, which was extremely useful. Other banks here may do this now, but 4 years ago we couldn't find any other bank that would do this for us. I don't know of any other special services that the banks here offer that would be useful to expatriates. We change all of our currency through either an online currency trading firms (xe.com), or through a local firm we've discovered here in Christchurch," commented one expat who made the move to Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to New Zealand?
- Where should I setup a bank account in New Zealand?
- Will I be able to find a job in New Zealand?
- What is life like in New Zealand?
- What do expats in New Zealand appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in New Zealand?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in New Zealand accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in New Zealand like?
- What are healthcare services like in New Zealand?
- What are medical services in New Zealand like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in New Zealand?
- What are emergency services like in New Zealand?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in New Zealand?
- How are local medical facilities in New Zealand?
- As a foreigner living in New Zealand, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Where should I setup a bank account in New Zealand?
If you live in New Zealand, newcomers to New Zealand would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of InternationalTravel.ai and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.