ATMs in New Zealand: Credit cards and fees
Whether you’re heading to New Zealand on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or to set up your new home, you’ll need to find out how money works in the country....
How to buy a prepaid SIM card for New Zealand?
Getting ready for a trip to New Zealand? You’re probably already packing and planning the exciting things you’ll see and do. However, one practical thing you should also consider is how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re there.
To make the most out of your trip, consider swapping your UK SIM for a New Zealand SIM card. This will help you avoid additional expenses and also allow you to use translation apps and maps without having to search for Wi-Fi.
Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in New Zealand and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.
Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to New Zealand from the UK?
Using a local New Zealand SIM card during your holiday is a great way to save some money. Since international calls or data usage usually aren’t included in UK monthly plans, they’re going to be an extra expense. So, better to have a New Zealand SIM card than to get charged extra by your provider for using your phone abroad.
Another reason is that if you have a New Zealand SIM, it will be easier to stay in touch with friends and family. You’ll have better network coverage and be connected all day long, since you won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi. Also, having a New Zealand SIM card will allow you to use translation apps and maps whenever you need to, which is essential when travelling.
If you’re still not entirely convinced, you could rely on international roaming instead. Various networks, such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile, have global roaming packages that include New Zealand. Others, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, will have you pay roaming charges as you go.
How much does a SIM card cost in New Zealand?
There’s a range of options to choose from when buying a New Zealand SIM card. The unlimited SIMs cost up to £60, like the one at Spark. The best option for short stays is Skinny’s £9 unlimited plan.
When it comes to eSIMs, the prices start at a couple of pounds for low data and a week of coverage. One of the best options is Spark’s 50 GB package. It costs £30, but since you can share it with your friends via hotspot, it can be a good deal.
How to buy a prepaid SIM card for New Zealand?¹
Getting a New Zealand SIM card is quick and easy. You can get them at many places, such as official provider stores, supermarkets and gas stations.
If you have any questions about using New Zealand SIM cards, it’s best to buy one in an official provider store. The staff will be able to explain everything to you and give you any information you might need. New Zealand’s main mobile operators are One, Spark and 2degrees.
Make sure you bring your passport with you when buying a SIM. Once in the store, you can pay with cash, as well as your credit card or debit card.
Where can you buy a SIM card for New Zealand in the UK?
You can get a New Zealand SIM while you’re still in the UK, but your options will be limited and often more expensive. For example, you can order your card through SimCorner. They have two options - a 10 GB SIM for £25 and a card with 40 GB of data for £37³.
Can you buy a New Zealand SIM card at the airport?¹
Yes, you can get a New Zealand SIM card as soon as you land. Many major airports, such as Auckland Airport or Christchurch Airport have various SIM card selling points. You’ll find multiple stores and kiosks in the arrivals area.
Best prepaid SIM cards for New Zealand
Here are some of the best SIM card options for a vacation in New Zealand.
Spark⁴
Spark sells all-inclusive and data only tourist SIM plans called Travel Pack. The most affordable combo deal is the 10 GB travel pack. It includes unlimited local calls and SMS and 200 international minutes and messages. It costs around £23.
They also have a Travel Pack with unlimited data and local minutes and texts. You can get it for around £60 and use it for up to 90 days.
2degrees
At 2degrees, you can buy their Unlimited Travel SIM. It includes data, minutes and SMS and the price depends on the duration of your trip. However, even if you extend your trip, you can buy certain boosts that will allow you to use your SIM longer.⁵
The price deals are better for longer stays. For example, 7 days will set you back £16, 10 days is £24 and a month will cost you £45.⁶
Skinny⁷
Although Skinny has a travel SIM card, their regular prepaid plans are a better option, since they’re all contract free.
If you plan on staying for a week, their £9 unlimited plan might be the one for you. This plan includes texts and calls to both New Zealand and Australia. You also get endless data, but only 10 GB at maximum speed.
Best e-SIM cards for New Zealand
Getting an eSIM is the easiest and quickest way to stay connected in New Zealand, since you don’t even have to visit a store. You can even get one before leaving the UK and activate it when you arrive.
The most important thing is to make sure your phone is compatible with eSIMs. And if it is, here are some of the best eSIM cards for New Zealand.
One⁸
One offers four different travel eSIMs and they last up to 90 days. They include calls to the UK, in case you need to ring someone up while in New Zealand.
The 30-day plan costs £13.5, it includes 2 GB of data and 200 minutes and texts. They also have a 10 GB card for £23, a 40 GB plan for £32 and 100 GB for £46.
Airalo⁹
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers globally and they offer six different New Zealand plans at the moment. Keep in mind that the prices on their website are in US dollars, not New Zealand dollars.
The most expensive plan costs $44 with 20 GB of data and a 30-day validity period. The cheapest option is the $4.5 with 1 GB of data you can use in 7 days.
Spark¹⁰
Spark’s data only Travel Packs come in eSIM form. They have seven different options, ranging from 2 GB to 100 GB of data. With these eSIM packages, you can use your phone as a hotspot and share the data with your friends.
The 10 GB Travel Pack costs around £16 and it’s valid for 30 days. If you need more than that, their £30 package has 50 GB of data and the £42 pack includes 100 GB of data.
Spend like a local in New Zealand with Wise
While you’re picking a New Zealand SIM card for your trip, you’ll also want to check out options for holiday spending.
The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. Order a card for a one-time fee of £7, and you can spend and withdraw like a local in New Zealand and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.
With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.
Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.
Sources used:
- eSIM.net - How to buy a SIM card in New Zealand in 2024
- SimCorner - New Zealand SIM Card (10GB | 60 Days | One NZ)
- SimCorner - New Zealand SIM Card (40GB | 90 Days | One NZ)
- Spark - NZ Travel Packs
- 2degrees - Unlimited Travel SIM
- 2degrees - Travel SIM prices
- Skinny - Prepay Mobile Plans
- One - Travel eSIM
- Airalo - New Zealand eSIM
- Spark - NZ eSIM Travel Packs
Sources last checked on date: 15-July-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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