Travel tips

A checklist to get you started.

New Zealanders sure like to travel and we enjoy helping them on their way. If you're planning to explore another part of the world, here are a few tips to help you get ready, so you'll be better off.

Before you leave

Foreign currency

Try to get the right currency for the places you're visiting. If we don't sell the exact local currency we can suggest the next best alternative. We'd normally recommend:

• Wider Europe - Euro
• Americas, Africa or Asia - United States dollars
• Australia, Pacific Islands - Australian dollars, Pacific Island currencies or New Zealand dollars.

Cash or cards?

If you're heading overseas it's a good idea to take a mix of travel money, such as:

• A small amount of local cash for things like taxis, coffees, and tipping
• A Cash Passport for your larger requirements
• A debit card or credit card for back-up.

Order online, it's easy

You can order foreign cash online and let us know which BNZ store you'd like to pick it up from. You need to order five business days before you wish to collect.

Keeping your money and possessions safe

• Visit your local BNZ store to get your PIN loaded onto your debit or credit card.  You can then  use it in an ATM¹
• If you have a Visa card you can use it at any ATM¹ that displays the ‘Plus' symbol on the back of your card
• When you get back home remember to use your cards in one of our ATMs as soon as possible so the security information can be automatically updated, which helps prevent fraud
• Leave your NZ cash safely at home, it's not widely accepted overseas
• Remember that cash can't be replaced if it's lost or stolen, but we do protect you against most cases of fraud on your debit and credit cards
• Don't forget to organise comprehensive travel insurance such as BNZ TravelCare for you and your belongings
• If you're using padlocks, go for combination locks so you don't have to worry about losing keys.

Passport, visas and travel documents

• Check that the expiry date of your passport is well after the date you plan to get home
• Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is still valid for a certain length of time, so check this out for all the countries you plan to visit
• The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website safetravel.govt.nz has updates on travelling to other countries and information about visas, passports and working holidays
• Get all the visas and other important documents you need well before your departure date
• Photocopy all your travel documents - keep one copy in a safe place, and leave another with a contact at home
• It might be easier to scan these documents and email them to an address you can access from overseas, such as hotmail or yahoo, in case you need them at an overseas bank or embassy.

Let people know where you're going

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home so you can be contacted in an emergency
• Give someone at home a list of everything you're taking with you to make any insurance claims easier
• Let your bank know your travel plans and contact phone numbers in case you need to be contacted about suspected credit card fraud.

Medical

• If you're going to developing countries, make sure you get the recommended vaccinations for each one
• Take a summary of your medical history as well as details of current medications, dosages and allergies.

Keeping safe and healthy while you're away

• Never leave your possessions unattended
• Use inside pockets and money belts for security
• To reduce jetlag, avoid alcohol on the flight, drink lots of water and stretch regularly
• In developing countries drink bottled water only, avoid ice and ice-creams, and be careful about hygiene.

Next steps

Foreign exchange rates