NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR: EURO EXCHANGE RATE, BUYING ONLINE, AND KNOW-HOW
NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR: PLASTIC CURRENCY
According to Countryaah, the New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency in New Zealand. It is also used to pay in the Tokelau colony, in Niue and on the Pitcairn Islands. You can find out the current exchange rate at XE against the euro here and via our currency converter.
IT ALL STARTED WITH THE “DECIMAL CURRENCY DAY”
With the introduction of a new currency, New Zealand also switched to the decimal system, which is why the official changeover date, July 10, 1967, is still known today as “Decimal Currency Day”. While the NZD was initially pegged to the US dollar exchange rate, it has been freely traded since 1985.
ONE OF THE FEW PLASTIC CURRENCIES IN THE WORLD
The New Zealand dollar, also popularly known as the “kiwi”, is one of the few currencies in the world whose banknotes are made from polypropylene and thus from plastic.
BANKNOTES IN BRIGHT COLORS
A special feature of the New Zealand dollar is the strikingly colorful design of the five banknotes. For example, the 10-dollar note is an intensely shining blue and the 20-dollar note is entirely green, while the 100-dollar note is designed in a strong magenta color. On the one hand, the banknotes are dedicated to the typical animal world of New Zealand and, on the other hand, they are reminiscent of important people in the country’s history such as the first to climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, or Queen Elizabeth II, who is New Zealand’s head of state.
NEW SERIES “BRIGHTER MONEY”
Since October 2015, the previous banknotes have been successively replaced by new banknotes from the “Brighter Money” series. The motifs remain – but the notes have a stronger color scheme, improved security features and the integration of the Maori language.
COIN SYSTEM WITHOUT LOW DENOMINATIONS
Before a new series of coins was introduced in July 2006, New Zealand coins were among the largest in the world. With a diameter of over three centimeters, the 50-cent coin was not only unwieldy, but also relatively expensive to produce, which is why it was decided to redesign the coins. Since the abolition of the 5-cent coin at the end of 2006, the New Zealand coin system has also managed completely without the low denominations of 1, 2 and 5 cents.
TIPS ARE UNCOMMON
Cashless payments are widespread in New Zealand. Tips are usually not paid, neither in restaurants nor in bars. Nevertheless, if you are satisfied with the service, you can of course leave a small contribution. You can find more helpful tips for your next trip around climate, culture and more in our travel information about New Zealand.
EXCHANGE NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS ONLINE
You can conveniently buy New Zealand dollars (NZD) and many other currencies in the XE’s online shop. Simply select the type you want, use our currency converter to display the current exchange rate of the XE and order your travel money online. The currencies that you buy from us online will be delivered to your home within a few days. You can also change your travel money as usual in one of the many XE branches.
THE CURRENCY AT A GLANCE
1 New Zealand dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: NZ $, NZD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 NZ $. Coins are in circulation to the denomination of NZ $ 2 and NZ $ 1, as well as 50, 20 and 10 cents. 1 Cook Island dollar (same value as New Zealand dollar): banknotes are in circulation to the denomination of $ 20, $ 10 and $ 3; coins are available in denominations of 50, 20 and 10 cents.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE REGULATIONS
No import restrictions. The import of the local currency and foreign currencies must be declared for an amount of NZ $ 10,000 or more. The export of the local currency is only allowed up to NS $ 250, the Cook Island dollar is not allowed. The export of foreign currencies is permitted up to the amount imported (proof) and must be declared; a permit must be available for higher amounts.