Send money to New Zealand with XE
XE has fast transfers with no fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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Send money to New Zealand
Take advantage of low fees and competitive exchange rates when transferring money to New Zealand.
Because it’s a popular country, you’ll have plenty of transfer options if you want to send money to New Zealand. So before you get started, compare fees and exchange rates of top providers to be sure you’re getting a good deal.
Instantly compare international money transfer services to send money to New Zealand
Use the table below to sort through money transfer services and compare your options. You can search to find the most competitive fees or exchange rates, or simply put in how much you want to send and then see how much will typically arrive with each service.
What's in this guide?
What’s the best way to send money to New Zealand?
Online money transfer providers typically offer the strongest exchange rates and lowest fees on money transfers to New Zealand. Some offer cash pickup in as little as a few minutes, while others seamlessly transfer to bank accounts. Sending money through PayPal or your bank is also an option, but you’ll typically face higher fees and weaker exchange rates when going that route.
Digital money transfer services
Companies like XE specialise in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. Most offer transfers directly to your recipient’s New Zealand bank account, often in as little as a day or two.
Cash transfers
Services like WorldRemit and Western Union allow you to transfer cash for pickup at a local branch in New Zealand – often in 15 minutes. While it’s a fast way to send money, you’ll pay for the convenience in weak exchange rates and high fees.
Banks
New Zealand dollars are a relatively popular currency for Ireland, so your local bank should be able to exchange them. If your bank does support New Zealand dollars, beware of high fees and wide margins on the exchange rate compared to digital and other options when sending a wire transfer to New Zealand.
Let’s crunch the numbers: Sending €1,000 to New Zealand
Let’s say you need to send €1,000 to family in New Zealand. Here’s what you might face as far as fees and exchange rates as of 17 November 2020.
| Digital money transfer service | Cash transfer | Bank transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | €0 | €3.99 | €20 + additional correspondent bank fees |
| Exchange rate | 1 EUR = 1.71 NZD | 1 EUR = 1.68 NZD | 1 EUR = 1.61 NZD |
| Transfer speed | 1-2 day | Minutes | 2-5 days |
| Amount received | NZD 1,715 | NZD 1,681 | NZD 1,612 |
| Verdict |
|
|
|
The bank option ends up being both the slowest and gets the smallest amount of money to your recipient in New Zealand. If you go with the digital money transfer service, your recipient ends up with NZD 103 more than the bank offers. If speed is crucial, a cash transfer can typically have your transfer to New Zealand in as little as 15 minutes, just make sure there is a cash pickup location near your recipient before sending.
How to send money to New Zealand online
Sign up and send money with a digital money transfer specialist in four steps:
- Sign up for a free account. Pick a provider and sign up for a free online account using your contact information, proof of ID and preferred payment method.
- Provide transfer details. Submit your recipient’s contact information and pick a delivery method. If transferring to a bank, you’ll need their New Zealand bank account details.
- Confirm transfer details. Double check your payment method, expected fees and destination.
- Save your receipt. Record your receipt’s confirmation number to track the progress of your transfer to New Zealand. Some money transfer providers send a text or email when your transfer is complete.
What are the ways that I can send money to New Zealand
- Bank transfers. Many major Irish banks will allow you to send money to New Zealand.
- Money transfer providers. Providers like Ria and Wise can help you quickly and easily transfer your money online.
- Providers with cash pickup. Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to send funds for cash pickup at agent locations.
- PayPal. Electronic payment giant PayPal allows you to send money from Ireland to New Zealand.
- Cheques and postal orders. Although not a quick option, you could send one of these overseas.
How to get the most out of your money transfer to New Zealand
Weigh costs and fees against convenience to learn how to compare money transfer providers that send to New Zealand to best meet your needs:
- Exchange rates. The EUR-NZD relationship fluctuates often, so using a service that allows you to lock in exchange prices may help you save money down the line if the New Zealand dollar rises against the euro.
- Transfer fees. Transferring money overseas nearly always requires fees, but they might be hidden in the exchange rate. When sending large amounts, it may be cheaper to pay a flat fee to secure a stronger EUR-NZD exchange rate.
- Transfer limits. How much you can send varies by company, and different amounts can attract higher or lower fees. Shop around for the best deal on the number of New Zealand dollars you’re sending to New Zealand.
- Turnaround. Transferring money through a local bank can take a business week or longer. If you need the funds delivered quickly, look for a digital specialist that offers instant transfers to New Zealand.
- Sending limits. Comparing prices for one large transfer instead of many small transfers is typically easier, so picking the service you use based on how much you’re sending is a valid strategy for saving money.
- Transfer methods. Whether you want money sent to a New Zealand bank account or picked up as cash at a local agent, narrow down a company that matches your preferred delivery method.
How to send an emergency cash transfer to New Zealand
When urgency trumps cost to get your money to New Zealand quickly, look for money transfer companies that support cash pickup in minutes. You can pay with a credit or debit card for fast pickup, but fees are higher than other methods.
How to send money to New Zealand without a bank account
If you don’t have a bank account, you can still use cash transfer services to send money to New Zealand. Similarly, a recipient can get the money with a cash transfer if they don’t have a bank account. These services are widely available around the world and although they’ll typically not be the cheapest available, they can be fast and convenient.
New Zealand’s exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another country’s currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weaker currency. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
Documents needed for sending to and receiving money in New Zealand
To send money to New Zealand from Ireland, you’ll need government-issued ID and other documents, while documents needed to pick up money in New Zealand may be different by company.
Documents to send money from Ireland
To send money from Ireland to New Zealand, you’ll need documentation and details that include:
- Identification. Most services require a driver’s licence, passport or other government-issued ID.
- Payment method. Your service may accept credit or debit cards, cash, bank accounts or personal cheques.
- Recipient information. Submit your recipient’s name as it appears on their ID, along with their phone number and New Zealand bank account information.
Documents to receive money in New Zealand
To pick up money in person, documentation can include:
- Transfer number. The person sending you money can forward the transfer’s confirmation details – called a PIN, a MTCN, a reference number or a tracking number, depending on the company.
- Government-issued ID. A New Zealand passport, New Zealand ID or similar official ID may be required to pick up your transfer.
- Amount sent. You may need to know how much was sent, usually within 10% of the total.
- Sender’s information. Take along your sender’s full name, the sending country and their address, if known.
Bottom line
It shouldn’t cost a fortune to send money to New Zealand. Compare money transfer companies that specialise in foreign transactions for the strongest rates, lowest fees and flexible delivery. For transfers to other countries, rely on our country specific guides the next time you need to make a transfer.
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