Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Generally they’re closed at weekends and on public holidays.  Some banks are opening in the main centres on Saturday.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in shopping malls.

International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

You can open a bank account very easily in New Zealand. You don’t have to be a resident but you do need to have a permanent address. A hotel or motel isn’t acceptable.