New Zealand Currency

Q: What is the currency in Wellington?

The currency in Wellington is the New Zealand dollar. Each New Zealand dollar is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in New Zealand you’ll see the symbol $ written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code NZD used in exchange offices.

Find out what currency is used in New Zealand, tips and tricks for New Zealand currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise New Zealand dollar card.

Learn about the New Zealand dollar card

What is the currency in New Zealand?

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar. Each New Zealand dollar is divided into 100 cents.

When you’re buying currency for New Zealand, look out for the currency code NZD. And once you’re in New Zealand, you’ll see the symbol $ used to show prices.

You’ll find New Zealand banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100. There are also 1 and 2 dollar coins.

The cent comes in coins of 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise New Zealand dollar card to spend in New Zealand currency.

The Wise New Zealand dollar travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to New Zealand dollar to spend when you’re in New Zealand. You’ll get the best rate for spending in New Zealand dollar - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the New Zealand dollar card

Tips for exchanging currency in New Zealand.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, New Zealand dollar - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in New Zealand dollar, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in New Zealand.

Paying by credit or debit card in New Zealand

You can pay by credit or debit card pretty much everywhere in New Zealand.

ATMs in New Zealand

ATMs are very common in New Zealand. Find them at most supermarkets, near banks and in petrol stations.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in New Zealand, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.