Useful Tips

This Market New Zealand link provides general country information in terms of culture, holidays, luggage restrictions, and appropriate attire.

Always ensure you have multiple options to accessing your funds while overseas!

Before you leave

Photocopy your Passport, details of Travellers Cheques and foreign cash conversions, and all other important documents. Keep secure (and separate) to access, in case of loss or theft. It is also a good idea to keep details of credit cards somewhere safe, i.e.: card numbers. Expiry dates, the way the name is embossed on card etc.

Credit Cards & Travellers Cheques

MasterCard and Visa widely accepted, however, they can be restricted in some countries’ regional areas. Therefore, it is wise to consider taking an additional card option in case of card loss.

Ensure all cards are signed. Take note, that cards can have signatures removed and re-signed by fraudsters.

• Loading your card with credit prior to leaving will allow you access to more than your card limit

• Increase your card limit for the duration of your travel

• Use Telephone and Internet banking to transfer funds to your card while away overseas

• Please remember with Phone Banking – You cannot use 0800 numbers outside NZ.  Make sure you have direct dial numbers with you for international toll dialling.

Do not let your credit card out of sight during transactions; it is possible for merchants to multi-swipe, leading to fraudulent transactions.

Losing your Cards

American Express has a 24 hour replacement for credit cards through loss or theft and also for American Express Travellers Cheques.

Be sure to take a copy of the credit card company phone number with you and keep with your photocopy records.  Keep the serial numbers and details of cheques cashed separate to the cheques so that you can provide details in case of loss or theft.

Credit Card Insurance on Gold Cards - look out for cancellation for relative 80 years plus – you would not covered.

American Express Travellers Cheques

Again, widely accepted, but with limitations outside of main centres. Make sure you take some cash in the denomination that will be accepted in the country you are visiting.

Foreign Cash

Make sure you have some of your destination currency prior to arriving.

NZ Debit Cards

Limited to ATMs indicating the Maestro/Cirrus symbol (Blue/Red overlapping circles)

Cards in general

• Check that your cards have Pins for use in ATMs

• Check that the Pin Works before you leave the country

• You have daily defaults on your cardsDebit Card - $800 ATM and $1500 Eftpos NZD!!  If this is insufficient, have the limits raised before you leave the country.

• Credit Card – usually $1500 NZD via ATMsCheck with your credit card before you leave the country, and lift the limits if you need to.

Also, remember that Friday evening New Zealand to Monday Morning New Zealand - counts as one day – this may be a different time zone to where you are, and your daily default limit may kick in at a most inconvenient time.

What funds should I take?

United Kingdom - GBPStirling
Ireland - Euros
Scotland - Euros
France - Euro CASH - NOT travellers’ cheques
Germany - Euro t/chqs and CASH
South America - USD Travellers cheques and cash of country
Australia - Debit card/Credit Card/AUD T/cheques and cash
Canada - CAD Travellers cheques and CASH
Italy - Euros

Check bank-opening hours – they vary across the globe

Hotels/Bureau de change/airports – rates usually higher

Be aware of fees for cash advances on credit cards.Fees are charged for cash withdrawals from an overseas ATM

Extended Stays

Consider opening a Bank Account in UK/AustThat can be done before you leave home. Accounts can be opened once there, however, keep in mind that funds will need to be applied to the account. You may take a Draft with you for deposit, but this is subject to up 1 month’s clearance – in some cases longer.

UK Requires opening deposit of $5,000You may wish to arrange a Telegraphic Transfer prior to leaving NZ, and have signed instructions left to that effect.

Ensure you are aware of your bank’s requirements for instructions you send whilst overseas – refer to your personal banker

Consider a Power of Attorney to act on your behalf in your absence.

Laptop bags/cases

Look for after market computer accessories, including lightweight laptop bags which are roomy enough for your laptop, files, a book, and a few personal effects but is also strong and durable.

Surge protectors

This is a good idea for the many countries where power supplies are poorly regulated. Most laptop power adaptors can handle minor voltage fluctuations, but not surges.

Charging your laptop

Many airlines now provide charging outlets for laptops (usually only business and first class), but you must have a different type of charger.  Pick up a product suitable for charging from a car cigarette lighter or airline socket.

Charging your PDA

Some PDAs require a charger, though USB chargers are becoming increasingly available.

Charging your cell phone

Many cell phones are able to be used with adaptors enabling them to be charged from the USB port on your laptop.

Transferring files