Take advantage of low fees and competitive exchange rates when sending money to New Zealand.
TransferWise International Money Transfers
When you need to send money overseas, benefit from competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees with TransferWise.
- Fair service fees and mid-market rates — a major market differentiator.
- Next-day delivery to your loved ones and businesses.
- Trusted the world over, with five-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Compare international money transfers to New Zealand
Our comparison calculator lets you compare current fees, exchange rates, transfer speeds and other details about sending your money overseas. Enter the amount you’re transferring, and see how much will arrive to New Zealand.
Save money on your personal or business international money transfer today. Fill in the form and you’ll be contacted by a foreign exchange expert to have an obligation-free discussion about your options. With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
How do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to send money to someone overseas. Generally, you can choose a bank or transfer service to make the transfer, allowing your recipient to access the money online, in their bank account or in person at a specified location.
Back to topBanks vs. money transfer providers
Think the obvious way to send money abroad is through your bank? It may also be the slowest and priciest. With high fees and weak exchange rates means your recipient will get less New Zealand dollars.
You can save time and money by using money transfer companies that specialize in transferring money all over the world. They offer low fees, and most take a minimal cut of the exchange rate. You pay less upfront, and your recipient gets more NZDs down under.
Back to topSamantha sends money to New Zealand
Samantha lives in Oregon and wants to send $500 to Dunedin to help her nephew Liam fix his car. She calls her bank and is stunned by their fees and exchange rates for a wire transfer. After searching online, she finds a money transfer company that will let her help Liam for less.
| Bank | Transfer company | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 1.31 NZD | 1 USD = 1.41 NZD |
| Transfer fee | $45 | $0 |
| Transfer method | Bank account withdrawal | Bank account withdrawal |
| Transfer time | 2 business days | 1 business day |
| Total NZD received | 655 NZD | 705 NZD |
As the table shows, Aunt Samantha can send Liam an extra 50 NZD on the exchange rate alone by using the transfer company. And she’ll save the $45 transfer fee on her end.
Back to topHow to compare transfer companies when transferring money to New Zealand
You’ll want to consider costs, of course. But other factors can also affect your choice.
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate — the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves — and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Transfer fees. Find out whether the provider charges a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer. If you’re sending a large amount, ask whether you qualify for a fee-free transfer.
- Payment and delivery options. Some transfer companies allow you to pay with a credit card online, by phone or through an app. Others offer agent locations for cash payments and pickups. Also ask how your recipient can receive your funds: bank account, cash pickup, mobile wallet and more.
- Transfer speeds. If it needs to be there fast, companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow for quick cash pickups, often in minutes. If you have more time, you’ll get better rates and fees with an independent provider.
- Transfer limits. Your best option might depend on how much you want to send. For large transfers, weigh the best exchange rate —especially since providers encourage large transfers by offering low fees. For smaller amounts, consider the fees you’ll pay on top of the exchange rate.
- Flexible transfer options. Ask whether you can schedule payments ahead of time or protect your transfer against market fluctuations with a limit order or forward contract.
- Customer support. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. Most countries’ exchange rates are flexible, which means they can change from moment to moment. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
How to send money to New Zealand
Whether you send money through your bank, a money transfer provider or any other option, you’ll need to first register for an account with a provider, supplying your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and information about your selected payment method. Keep a record of any transaction reference number you receive so that you can review the progress of your transfer.
Ways to send money to New Zealand from the US
- Bank transfers. Many major US banks will allow you to send money to New Zealand.
- Money transfer providers. Providers like Ria and World First 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 the US to New Zealand.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas, obtained from your bank or US Postal Service.
Find a money transfer location near you
Back to topSending emergency money to New Zealand
You might need to send an emergency cash transfer to New Zealand — for example, if a friend traveling through New Zealand has a medical emergency. When you need to transfer funds urgently, your fastest possible transfer will often be your most expensive option. Carefully review the exchange rate and transfer fee against your needs so that you understand exactly how much it will cost you.
Picking up cash at a money transfer branch
Whether picking up funds in Auckland or anywhere else around the world, take a few simple safety precautions to prevent yourself becoming a target for thieves.
- Call ahead. Learn the company’s business hours and choose a safe time to pick up your cash. Daylight hours are best.
- Bring a friend. Carrying money when alone can be dangerous. Ask a friend to come along.
- Deposit your money immediately. The likelihood of losing your money to theft or simple carelessness grows the longer you have it with you. Go straight to a bank and deposit your cash as soon as possible.
- Keep your cash hidden. Place your money in your purse or wallet before leaving the office. Carrying cash out in the open could make you a target.
How safe is a money transfer?
When processed through a reputable provider, your funds are safely tracked until in the hands of your recipient. When sending money internationally, federal protections are in place that require banks, credit unions and money transfer companies to, for example, disclose all fees upfront and give you 30 minutes to cancel a transfer, assuming it hasn’t yet been picked up or deposited.
Bottom line
Overseas money transfers are easy, no matter which method you choose. But knowing how to compare your options gives you a leg up in terms of cost, rates and transfer speeds. An informed choice is your better choice.
Cash pickup locations in New Zealand
Auckland
Worldremit
Bank of New Zealand
Address: 330 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Phone: +64 800 275 269
ASB
Address: 119 Don Mckinnon Dr, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 9-306 3136
Customs Street Kiwibank
Address: 23 Customs St E, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 800 081 190
Moneygram
LOTUS FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Address: Westfield St Lukes Auckland
Hours: 8:45 AM – 9:15 PM
Phone: +64-1-98466637
LOTUS FOREIGN EXCHANGE – #HCB
Address: 166B Great South Road Hunters Corner Papatoetoe Auckland
Hours: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
Phone: +64-1-92774000
LOTUS FOREIGN EXCHANGE – #QNB – AUCKLAND
Address: 210 Queen Street Auckland Central Auckland, 1010
Hours: 8:45 AM – 7:15 PM
Phone: +64-1-93691723
Western Union
FEXCO 175 QUEEN ST
Address: 175 Queen St Auckland, Auckland 1010
Hours: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone: +64-1-800005253
QUEEN STREET CENTRAL POSTSHOP
Address: Queen Street Central Postshop 155 Queen Street Auckland
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +64-1-800005253
CITYFOREX NZ LTD.
Address: Shop No 3 Ground Floor, 44/ 52 Wellesley Street Auckland, Auckland 1141
Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: +64-6-9701040
Wellington
Worldremit
Bank of New Zealand
Address: 38 Willis St, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 800 275 269
ANZ Bank
Address: 215 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 800 269 296
Westpac
Address: 74-76 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 800 400 600
Moneygram
TRAVEL MONEY NZ CABLE CAR LANE
Address: 280 Lambton Quay Wellington Central Wellington, 6011
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +64-9520010000
TRAVEL MONEY NZ – MT MAUNGANUI – NZ WELL
Address: Flight Centre 120 Lambton Quay Wellington, 6011
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +64-44727360
PAYLESS MINIMART – WELLINGTON
Address: 241 Riddiford Street Newtown Wellington, 6021
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: +64-43891715
Western Union
KARORI CENTRAL POSTSHOP
Address: 245 Karori Rd Wellington
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +64-800501501
FEATHERSTON STREET POST SHOP
Address: 177-183 Featherstone Street Wellington, Wellington
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +64-0800005253
MANNERS STREET CENTRAL
Address: 2 Manners Street Wellington, 6011
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +64-1-800005253
Christchurch
Worldremit
Bank of New Zealand
Address: Shop No.56/256 Barrington St, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 800 275 269
The Co-operative Bank
Address: Shop 90, The Palms Shopping Centre, 11-21 New Brighton Rd, Shirley, Christchurch 8061, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +64 3-375 7770
SBS Bank
Address: The Estuary 23 Humphreys Dr, Woolston, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64 800 727 2265
Moneygram
QUALITY SPICES – CHRISTCHURCH
Address: Shop 12 Addington Mall Lincoln Road Christchurch, 8022
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: +64-211407933
LOTUS FOREIGN EXCHANGE – #CCB – CCB BRAN
Address: Westfield Riccarton Shop 41 Christchurch, 8041
Hours: 8:45 AM – 6:15 PM
Phone: +64-33433357
BLUE STAR FINANCE
Address: UNIT 5 – 243 Blenheim Road Riccarton Christchurch, 8011
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +64-33542554
Western Union
BISHOPDALE CENTRAL POSTSHOP
Address: 31 Bishopdale Court Bishopdale Christchurch, 8053
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +64-800501201
CASHEL ST POSTSHOP
Address: 111 Cashel Street Christchurch, 8011
Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +64-800501501
CHRISTCHURCH CONTAINER POSTSHOP
Address: 96 Oxford Terrace Christchurch, 8011
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +64-1-800005253
