Buy New Zealand Dollars (NZD) before travelling to New Zealand
As you prepare for your trip to New Zealand, it’s essential to learn about local customs and, most importantly, the local currency. In many situations, you’ll be able to pay by credit card, but in others, you’ll need cash in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), the country’s official currency. Before exchanging SEK to NZD, be sure to check the rates in advance to get the best deal. As a first step, it’s helpful to review the recommended daily budget to ensure you bring enough travel money in cash before departure.
Practical tips for planning your budget
Tipping isn’t mandatory in New Zealand, but it’s common to leave at least 10% of the bill if you wish to show appreciation. Plan for an average daily budget of 143 NZD to cover accommodation in a mid-range hotel, two restaurant meals, and public transport. If you’re hoping to experience New Zealand’s culinary delights, expect to pay around 22 NZD per meal at a restaurant.
80 NZD
Average cost of accommodation per night
42 NZD
Average daily food budget per person
Good to Know
Indicative prices in New Zealand
3.40 NZD
Public transport ticket
3.40 NZD
Cup of coffee
28.80 NZD
Entry to Auckland Museum
4.20 NZD
A meat pie
3 NZD/km
Taxi fare
Free
Entry to Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington
Suggestions for your trip to New Zealand
- Mount Cook offers dramatic landscapes with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and fresh mountain air.
- Abel Tasman National Park, located on the northern tip of the South Island, is ideal for hiking or kayaking while enjoying breathtaking scenery.
- Waitangi is a historic beach paradise with turquoise waters and is the site where the Treaty of Waitangi—New Zealand’s founding document—was signed.
- Take a scenic cruise to Milford Sound—you won’t regret it. This spectacular fjord is renowned for its majestic landscapes.
- Cathedral Cove, voted the most beautiful beach in New Zealand and featured in The Chronicles of Narnia, is an absolute must-see.
When do you need cash in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a country where card and contactless payments are widely accepted. However, it is still useful to have NZD in cash in certain situations during your stay.
You will find small local farmers’ markets or roadside stalls throughout the country, where cash payments are strongly preferred.
In some remote areas of New Zealand, network coverage can be poor, making card terminals unusable. Having cash on hand therefore allows you to make purchases without relying on the internet.
Finally, carrying New Zealand dollars in cash is an excellent way to maintain control over your budget while limiting unnecessary spending. Paying exclusively by card often makes it difficult to have a clear overview of total travel costs, so using cash is a good habit to adopt. Don’t forget to exchange your SEK to NZD before departure to benefit from the best exchange rates!
A few facts about the New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Denominations of the New Zealand Dollar
Banknotes: 5 NZD, 10 NZD, 20 NZD, 50 NZD, and 100 NZD
Coins: 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, 1 NZD, and 2 NZD
Before the New Zealand Dollar was introduced, alternative names like “kiwi” and “zeal” were proposed to avoid confusion with the US dollar.
The NZD officially replaced the New Zealand Pound on 10 July 1967.
Why buy New Zealand Dollars (NZD) from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has been in business since 1992, with numerous exchange offices located across key areas in Sweden. We offer a wide range of over 60 foreign currencies, including even the rarest ones—among them, the New Zealand Dollar. When exchanging your planned amount from SEK to NZD, make sure to check the live rates on our website for the best deals with 0% commission. We highly recommend purchasing your New Zealand Dollars before you travel to avoid unnecessary stress and added costs at your destination.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to NZD
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/NZD exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to NZD in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your NZD at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your NZD at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your NZD online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many NZD you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
- I have placed an order but I did not receive a confirmation e-mail, what should I do?


