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About New Zealand >
New Zealand Travel Tips
New Zealand Travel Tips
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Passports and Visas All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after their intended departure. A visa is not required for most visitors travelling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3 months. You should check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest information. Climate New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is December to February whilst winter is June to August. Average summer temperature is 22° Celsius (72° Fahrenheit) and winter 9° Celsius (48° Fahrenheit). Clothing In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. A jacket is recommended only for those intending to visit a better restaurant or evening show. A waterproof jacket and umbrella is advisable. Currency New Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Current exchange rate is approximately 1USD =NZ$1.60 Please check with your bank for current exchange rates. Travellers cheques and most major international credit cards are accepted. Banking and Business Hours Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and are closed on public holidays. Increasingly, stores in major cities are extending their hours through to Saturday and Sunday. Those stores catering largely to visitors are open every day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day. Please Note: You MUST remove your riding helmet when entering a bank or other official/financial office, otherwise you may cause a security issue. GST All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services tax. This is usually included in the price, although some hotels and restaurants may quote prices excluding GST. Best Time to Visit New Zealand Summer - December through February - usually the best weather. Autumn/Fall - March to May - fair and settled weather - the roads are quieter except for the Easter period. Winter - June to August - can be wet and cold - roads are quiet, with beautiful crisp air and scenery. Spring - September to November - weather is mixed - fresh smells and great air. Electricity Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 240 volts via a slant 3 pin outlet (plugs are common with Australia). If you are coming from anywhere other than Australia, you will need a plug adaptor. These can be purchased before you come to New Zealand but are also readily available from electrical supply stores. Hotels often provide a 110 volt socket for electric shavers only. For all other equipment, an adaptor and a voltage converter are necessary. Internet Access Internet Cafes are widespread throughout New Zealand. These provide email and web browsing services at very reasonable rates. Phones Phone connections (for computer modems etc) use a 6 pin plug that is common with the UK. You will need an adaptor cable that can be purchased from computer supply stores. Most New Zealand ISP's have a global roaming agreement with major overseas ISP's. Mobile Phones There are 2 mobile phone networks, Vodafone which operates a GSM system, and Telecom. If you have a GSM compatible phone, your phone should work in New Zealand. Telecom have roaming agreements with a number of overseas mobile networks. It is advisable that you check with your mobile phone provider before you leave. Telecom's network coverage is more extensive than Vodafone's, especially in remote areas. International Roaming cell phone calls can be expensive. To avoid a nasty surprise when you return home, it is best to check rates with your mobile phone provider before you leave. Medical and Emergency Facilities Medical and emergency services are available but not free to visitors. Please arrange for insurance coverage before your departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Road Rules New Zealand road rules follow international standards. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road (the same as in the UK and Japan, and opposite to the USA and Europe). See Driving Tips. Petrol (Gasoline) Averages around $2 (NZ$ and subject to change) per litre throughout New Zealand. Tipping New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention. Departure Tax A departure tax of approximately NZ$25 is payable by anyone (over the age of 12) departing via the three international airports. This fee can be paid by credit card and varies depending on your departure airport. Customs Allowances and Quarantine Please check with your airline for current information about what restrictions apply.
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