Avoid 3%+ bank fees and poor airport rates. See the best cards (Wise, Revolut, Starling, Monzo), DCC traps, ATM tips, and how to save £150–£250 on a two week New Zealand trip.
New Zealand Travel Money - Best Cards & Exchange Rates for UK Travellers
Updated 31 October 2025
Summary
- New Zealand attracts around 200,000 UK visitors annually, from backpackers and working holiday makers to families visiting relatives.
- While the pound appears to be low against the USD and EUR, it's relatively strong against the NZD at present, typically buying between NZ$1.90 and NZ$2.30.
- However, New Zealand can be expensive, and the costs add up, especially if you're there for two weeks or more. For this reason, managing your travel money wisely can significantly impact what you spend and what you experience.
- The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), represented locally as "$" or "NZ$" to distinguish it from other dollar currencies.
- Most New Zealanders, like Brits, prefer card payments. Cash use is declining rapidly, with contactless payments accepted almost everywhere. Any business taking cards will accept Mastercard and Visa, and increasingly, American Express (per this research).
To help you understand the options, and maximise your sterling in New Zealand, our guide covers:
MoneyHonesty Founder Christopher Walsh shares his comments about travelling to New Zealand and the costs:
"New Zealand prices can be deceptive for UK visitors. When you see NZ$30 for lunch (about £12 to £14) or NZ$70 for an activity (around £33), it seems reasonable. However, these costs accumulate quickly - especially in hotspots like Queenstown, where a basic burger and two drinks can cost NZ$50 (£24), gondola rides cost NZ$75 (£36), and a jet boat experience costs NZ$165 (£79).
However, this comes at a cost - with a weaker currency, things in New Zealand can feel cheaper than they actually are. A typical day in Queenstown can easily burn through NZ$400-500 (£190-240) without being extravagant - just accommodation, meals, and one activity. Even budget-conscious travellers report spending 30-40% more than planned.
This isn't meant to discourage you - New Zealand is absolutely worth it. However, setting realistic expectations about costs and saving money on unnecessary bank fees through smart card choices means you'll enjoy your trip without the shock of overspending and missing out on the best the country has to offer".
Our table below outlines the leading options outlined in this guide, covering the FX fee, ATM limit and other must-know features:
| Card | FX fee (headline) | ATM limit (free) | Exchange rate used | Other perks / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise (Debit) | Mid-market rate + small conversion fee (≈0.33%) | 2 free withdrawals/month up to ~£200 total; then 1.75% + £0.50/withdrawal | Mid-market (real) rate | Hold 40+ currencies; local NZD account details; instant freeze; virtual cards. |
| Revolut (Standard) | 0% on weekdays within ~£1,000/month allowance; +0.5% weekend markup (higher tiers reduce/remove) | Up to £200/month free; then 2% (min £1) | Interbank/Mid-market (plan rules apply) | Virtual cards; analytics/budgets; higher paid tiers increase allowances. |
| Starling (Debit) | 0% bank fee | No Starling fee for overseas withdrawals (standard card limits apply) | Mastercard rate | Real-time notifications; no foreign usage fees from bank (local ATM fees may apply). |
| Monzo (Debit) | 0% bank fee | £200 per 30 days free outside EEA; then 3% (higher on paid plans) | Mastercard rate | Good travel UX; paid plans increase ATM allowances. |
| Chase (Debit) | 0% bank fee | No Chase fee; up to £500/day and £1,500/month abroad | Mastercard rate | Up to 1% cashback in year 1 (category caps/terms apply). |
| Typical big bank (e.g., Barclays/HSBC) | ≈2.75%–2.99% non-sterling transaction fee | Often an extra cash withdrawal fee (e.g., 2% with min/max) | Visa/Mastercard rate + bank fee | Always check your bank’s tariff before travel. |
Notes: Features/fees can change. Weekend markups and fair-usage allowances may vary by plan/tier. Local ATM operators may charge their own fee. Figures are indicative as at late-2025.
Option 1: Cash in New Zealand
There are a few options to get NZD cash before you arrive in New Zealand
- Airport bureaux de change: Travelex and other operators at UK airports offer convenience but poor rates. You'll typically lose at least 5-10% compared to mid-market rates, which is a very expensive way to start a trip to New Zealand.
- UK banks: Most high street banks have stopped offering foreign currency. Those that do (like HSBC's travel money service) require advance ordering and offer uncompetitive rates - we suggest avoiding this service.
- Post Office: Offers NZD, but rates are typically 5% below the mid-market rate, plus potential delivery fees may apply. We suggest the Post Office is best avoided, given the poor rates, which means your pounds buy less NZD.
Once you're in New Zealand, there are options:
- Airport and Bank ATMs: Available nationwide 24/7 (and at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown airports), there are fees, depending on the card and account you have. Standard UK bank debit cards will typically charge 0-3% foreign transaction fee, £1.50-£5 per withdrawal and offer poor exchange rates (1-3% markup)
Using Cash in New Zealand - Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Useful for small vendors at farmers' markets and honesty boxes - however, many vendors take cards, so cash is not always needed
Good for budgeting
Cons:
- Increasingly unnecessary (almost every retailer and service provider in New Zealand takes cards)
- You raise the risk of misplacing or theft when carrying large amounts
- Very poor exchange rates at bureaux de change kiosks cost you money by way of less NZD for your pounds
- There is a risk you're left with unused currency, which you'll need to convert back to GBP or another currency, often at bad rates and subject to fees
Our View: Given the risks and limitations of cash, this guide focuses on bank-issued, debit and prepaid cards. All cards listed below allow you to withdraw New Zealand dollars from an ATM.
Option 2: UK Bank Debit Cards
Most UK banks charge high standard fees when you use your card abroad. Here's what you're typically facing:
The Big Banks' Debit Cards and Foreign Transaction Fees:
- Barclays: At least 2.99% on every transaction + ATM withdrawal fees for most accounts
- HSBC: 2.75% per transaction for debit cards and 2.99% per transaction for credit cards + ATM fees for most accounts
- Lloyds and Halifax: Up to 2.99% on credit and debit cards (but some accounts and cards waive this fee), plus ATM fees
- NatWest and RBS: Up to 2.75% on credit and debit cards (but some accounts and cards waive this fee) + ATM fees
- Santander: Up to 2.95% on credit and debit cards (but some accounts and cards waive this fee) + ATM fees
- TSB: Up to 2.99% on credit and debit cards (but some accounts and cards waive this fee) plus ATM fees
Alternative Banks' Debit Cards and Foreign Transaction Fees:
The good news is that not all UK banks are solely focused on generating revenue from overseas payments. These options charge nothing for overseas spending:
- Fees: None for spending or ATM withdrawals anywhere
- Exchange rate: Mastercard rate
- Limits: None on spending, unlimited free ATM withdrawals
- Fees: None for spending
- ATM: Free up to £200/month, then 3%
- Exchange rate: Mastercard rate
- Premium option: £15/month for unlimited free withdrawals
- Fees: None for spending
- ATM: Free up to £500/month
- Exchange rate: Mastercard rate
- Bonus: 1% cashback for the first year
What about Travel-Friendly Credit Cards?
- While some UK credit cards offer excellent overseas spending rates (Halifax Clarity, Barclaycard Rewards, they involve borrowing money, credit checks, and potential interest charges.
- For a comprehensive comparison of travel-friendly credit cards, including 0% foreign transaction options, see MoneySavingExpert's UK Travel Credit Cards Guide. This guide focuses on debit and prepaid options where you're spending your own money upfront.
Our View: There are Risks and Limits of Using Your Main UK Bank Card(s) in New Zealand and Anywhere Overseas
Using your primary UK bank card abroad exposes your main financial lifeline to unnecessary risks:
- Card compromises can lead to disruption: If your UK debit card gets skimmed at a dodgy ATM, your wider UK banking is frozen while you sort it out. This may affect direct debits if they're linked to a card. One compromised card shouldn't torpedo your entire financial life back home.
- The bank fraud call problem: Banks' fraud systems are notoriously trigger-happy when it comes to overseas transactions. A reader reported to MoneyHonesty that it took two hours of Barclays chats and calls to resolve a card issue, all while travelling on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to the West Coast of New Zealand and being distracted while doing so. That is a nuisance, and the reason we suggest travellers have a stand-alone travel money card and use their UK cards as a backup.
- Data breaches can affect you: Data breaches continue to happen; using a travel money card makes your details more anonymous and avoids the risk of linking a card to your salary, savings, and bills.
- Free banking limitations: Some UK banks offer accounts with no foreign transaction fees, but these are still your primary UK accounts. If something happens to your card, you won't have a backup and will need to sort it out while away in New Zealand. Furthermore, some of these bank accounts have ongoing fees or high income requirements.
Know This: Instead of exposing your main banking to foreign merchants, ATMs, and potential fraud, using a separate travel money solution has many benefits:
- Isolated Risk: If compromised, only your travel funds are affected
- Better Rates: Purpose-built cards like Wise and Revolut offer mid-market rates
- Load What You Need: Transfer only your travel budget (or top it up as you go) - you can keep funds in GBP and transfer the money you don't spend when you return to the UK
- No Impact on UK Banking: Your mortgage, power, gas and phone payments remain untouched, and your bank account isn't subject to dips from overseas spending
- Instant Freeze: App-based cards such as Wise and Revolut can be frozen immediately if something goes wrong, so you're in control at all times
Important: UK banks make a lot of money from foreign transaction fees and, arguably, have no incentive to give you a better deal, just like forex kiosks at the airport that routinely offer poor rates.
Their "travel-friendly" accounts are designed to keep you within their ecosystem, paying their fees and ensuring you stay loyal. Meanwhile, dedicated travel cards were specifically designed to solve the problem of spending money abroad safely without hefty fees.
Understanding Dynamic Currency Conversion - The Tourist Trap
The single biggest rip-off awaiting you in New Zealand (or anywhere outside of the UK) is "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC). Here's how it works:
- You pay by card at a restaurant, shop, or hotel
- The terminal asks: "Would you like to pay in GBP?"
- You think, "Yes - I'll know exactly what I'm paying"
- You've just cost yourself 5-8% extra because the transaction uses a bad exchange rate
How to Avoid DCC:
- ALWAYS choose NZD when given the option
- Look for phrases like "Pay in local currency" or "Continue without conversion"
- If the receipt shows GBP before you've signed or entered your PIN, e.g. contactless, ask them to void and reprocess in NZD
- Hotels are notorious for this globally, and while the issue isn't so common in New Zealand, you'll need to be especially vigilant at check-out
How does DCC work?
How it works is quite simple - you have a restaurant bill of NZ$200
- Actual value at Wise or Revolut rate = £90
- DCC "convenient" GBP price shown: £98
- You just lost £8 on one transaction for no added value
Credit Cards vs Debit Cards for New Zealand Travel
Because rental car companies and some hotels insist on credit cards to secure payment, it's helpful to bring a credit card to New Zealand. However, you can bring one credit card for car rental holds and pay the final bill with Wise or Revolut.
By doing so, you also avoid returning to the UK with a substantial debt and, unless repaid on time, incurring high interest costs. If you want to look at travel-focused credit cards, see MoneySavingExpert's UK Travel Credit Cards Guide.
Option 3: Travel Money Cards
While traditional prepaid travel cards from Travelex and the Post Office still exist (and should be avoided given the fees, as we outline below), a new generation of multi-currency cards has revolutionised travel spending.
The UK market has three standout options worth considering. MoneySavingExpert's research highlights Wise, Revolut, and Trading 212 as fee-free options. However, Trading 212 is primarily an investment platform (with very low FX fees), it's not built for travel spending the way Wise and Revolut are. For this reason, we're focusing on the two purpose-built travel money solutions that consistently deliver the best value for New Zealand travel. However, many MoneyHonesty readers like how low the fees are when using Trading 212 for travel - you can read more about their card on the Trading 212 website.
Option 1: Wise Debit Card - The Market Leader
- Exchange rate: Real mid-market rate (the Google rate)
- Conversion fees: Around 0.32%
- ATM withdrawals: Free up to £200/month, then 1.75% + £0.50 per withdrawal
- Card fee: One-off £7
- Multi-currency account: Hold 40+ currencies, including NZD
- Key feature: Convert GBP to NZD in advance when rates are good
- More details: Visit Wise
Why Wise Wins: Transparency - you see exactly what you're paying, when you're paying it. No surprises, no hidden margins, no weekend markups.
Option 2: Revolut - The Feature-Rich Alternative
- Exchange rate: Interbank rate on weekdays
- Fees: Free on weekdays (Standard account), 0.50% markup on weekends (5pm Friday and 6pm Sunday, Eastern Time)
- ATM: Free up to £200/month (Standard), then 2%
- Card fee: Free (Standard), £4.99 delivery for physical card
- Unique features: Disposable virtual cards, spending analytics, and bill splitting
- Weekend Warning: Revolut adds 0.50% to NZD transactions at weekends. For £1,000 weekend spending, that's an extra £5-10.
- Revolut also offers premium plans (Plus, Premium Metal, Ultra) with varying monthly ATM allowances - you can see the details on the Revolut website.
- More details: Visit Revolut
Option 4: Traditional Prepaid Cards
These fee-heavy travel money cards still exist but offer what is arguably terrible value. We outline what you need to know:
- Loading fee: Around 2%
- Exchange rate: 4-7% worse than mid-market
- ATM fees: Free
- Inactivity fee: £2/month after 12 months
- Our verdict: An expensive way to spend GBP, when compared to Wise and Revolut
- Exchange rate: The cross-border fee is set at 3% of the transaction amount.
- ATM fees: 3.50 NZD per withdrawal
- Loading fees: If you load your card with pounds sterling (GBP), a load commission fee of 1.5% will apply. The minimum fee is £3 and the maximum is £50.
- Inactivity fee: £2/month after 12 months
- Our verdict: Convenient locations, inconvenient fees and bad forex rates
- Exchange rate: 1-3% markup
- ATM fees: Ranges
- Dormancy fees: After 12 months
- Our verdict: Better than Travelex, worse than modern alternatives
Important: On £2,000 of New Zealand holiday spending, using Wise or Revolut costs you £6-13 total, while a standard UK bank card can cost £100+, and Travelex and the Post Office may incur costs of over £200. That £190+ difference is real money - hence our interest in travel money cards.
Must-Know New Zealand-Specific Money Tips
We highlight what you need to know for travelling and spending when you're in New Zealand:
1) Understand the difference between EFTPOS and Contactless
- New Zealand has its own EFTPOS system, in addition to Visa/Mastercard.
- International cards work fine with payWave/contactless, but may not be compatible with older EFTPOS-only terminals (rare, but still found in some dairies and small shops).
2) Working Holiday Banking
- A Wise Debit Card gives you the option of a free New Zealand account with a bank account number - you can get paid into this account, and make payments from it.
- It doesn't offer direct debits or standing orders (known locally in New Zealand as "automatic payments"), but it does provide a helpful starting point. You can transfer funds efficiently to any bank account via a Wise account.
- If you're working in New Zealand, you may want to consider opening a New Zealand bank account: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac all offer accounts to UK citizens with valid New Zealand visas.
- You'll need an IRD number (similar to a NI number) for employment, which you can register for on the IRD website.
3) Card vs Cash in the Regions
- New Zealand has become increasingly cashless, but there are some unique places where cash is king.
- Examples include honesty boxes (where fruit and vegetables are sold on unattended roadside stalls by farms that only accept cash), some barbers (although most accept cards), and purchases made via Facebook Marketplace.
- Please note that some locations may accept payment by card, but this does not necessarily mean they also accept credit cards. This can be problematic, which is why it's best to have some cash on hand.
- Credit card surcharges may be applied; however, as of 2026, a law change will likely ban these (pending final approval), as outlined on the government's website.
- Nevertheless, some retailers may (knowingly or unknowingly) continue to keep them in place after the law comes into effect.
4) Tipping and Service Charges
- Unlike the UK's occasional 10-12.5% service charge, tipping is not expected in New Zealand.
- Some restaurants may invite you to add a tip via the card machine, but locals typically do not oblige.
5) Typical Costs
- New Zealand is, for the most part, expensive for locals. While a relatively strong pound may help make it more affordable, costs can add up.
- Supermarket prices are significantly higher compared to those of Tesco, Lidl, and other UK supermarkets, and the selection is limited.
- Be prepared for high costs.
Our View and Final Thoughts
For UK travellers to New Zealand, the choice is clear:
- Primary card: We suggest considering the Wise Debit Card for its transparency, real exchange rates, and free ATM withdrawals up to £200/month
- Backup option: Revolut or a fee-free UK bank card (Starling Bank or Monzo, for example) topped up with GBP
- Cash: Minimal - NZ$100 to $300 for emergencies only
- Avoid: Airport bureaux de change, Post Office travel money, bank travel money, traditional prepaid travel cards that charge high fees, and paying in GBP when offered on a card machine while in New Zealand.
Know This: On a typical two-week holiday, spending £2,000, using Wise instead of a standard UK bank card saves approximately £50-60 in fees and exchange rate differences. If you avoid using airport, Post Office and/or bank travel money services, you'll likely save another £100 to £200 as well.
Many New Zealanders are familiar with Wise and use it internationally, to the extent that Wise was offering free coffee at Sydney Airport to those with a Wise card - it's a helpful card to have and members of our research team have used them in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Europe and beyond.
If you do order a Wise card, we suggest you do it 2-3 weeks before travel. You will probably want to:
- Test the card with a small in-person and/or online purchase
- Convert some GBP to NZD when rates are favourable, or keep your balance in GBP
- Enable instant app notifications
- Notify traditional banks of travel dates (for if and when you use your debit or credit card)
Next Steps: Whatever you decide to do, New Zealand will blow you away. By sorting your travel money properly - a simple Wise or Revolut card - you're freeing up hundreds of pounds for what actually matters - that helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier, that wine tour in Marlborough, or simply more time exploring Middle Earth. Don't let banks and Forex kiosks give you less money for your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the current GBP to NZD exchange rate, and is the Pound strong right now?
The rate typically ranges from 1.90 to 2.30 NZD per Pound. We suggest checking the latest rates using Wise, which shows you how much NZD you'll receive for your Sterling. While in New Zealand, the rate you get depends on your payment method and whether or not you have loaded NZD in advance or keep your balance in GBP (or another currency).
Should I exchange money before leaving the UK?
We suggest you don't. Airport bureaux and UK providers (banks, Post Office, forex booths) offer poor rates relative to far better options such as Wise or Revolut card, and you can withdraw NZD from ATMs on arrival, or simply pay for a purchase by card.
Are UK credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard universally. Amex at major retailers and hotels. Always pay in NZD to avoid dynamic currency conversion charges.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, both are widely accepted wherever you see the payWave symbol. It's best to link your Pay account to your Wise or Revolut card (as an example) for the best rates.
Is New Zealand a safe place to use cards?
New Zealand has relatively low crime rates compared with the UK, although any area can occasionally experience opportunistic theft. We suggest you enable instant notifications on all travel money cards, use virtual cards for online bookings, and keep photos of your cards (front only) in secure cloud storage.
What should I do if my card is lost or stolen in New Zealand?
You will need to freeze the card via your app (Wise, Revolut and Monzo, for example, all offer instant freeze), and then:
- Report it to the local police (if stolen)
- Order a replacement to your New Zealand address or next destination
- Use virtual cards (Wise, for example, offers this), and pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay in the meantime, which can be linked to a virtual card.
When should I order a travel card?
We suggest ordering a travel money card at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your travel to ensure timely delivery. It's best to load some GBP, test the card with a small local purchase (in GBP) e.g. at Tesco or a shop, and an online purchase (in any currency, including GBP) to ensure everything works as expected.
Related Guides and Resources
- Coming Soon