Take advantage of low fees and competitive exchange rates when sending money to New Zealand.
World First International Money Transfers
Most Convenient money transfers with excellent customer service. Send to 140+ currencies in 45 countries.
Special $0 fee offer for finder.com readers:
Because World First is a trusted partner of finder.com, you can send your money transfer overseas for free.
- Enjoy competitive exchange rates.
- Get even better exchange rates with forward contracts and limit orders.
- Receive weekly updates on market exchange rates.
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.
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 topFind the best provider for your transfer
Answer three quick questions and we’ll give you an instant recommendation for a money transfer service based on your needs.
Question 1 of 3
How much do you plan to send?
Question 2 of 3
Does your recipient have a bank account?
Question 3 of 3
When can they receive the money?
Based on your answers, check out:
WorldRemit International Money Transfers
Send money to 110+ countries for bank deposit, instant e-wallet, mobile top-up or cash pickup at 30,000+ agent locations worldwide. Your first transfer is free with the code FINDER.
- Low upfront fees and exchange rates.
- Easy to use with round-the-clock help.
- Get cash to family and friends in minutes.
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.
World First International Money Transfers
Special offer for finder.com readers Because World First is a trusted partner of finder.com, you can send your money transfer overseas for free. No fees: There are no online transfer fees for all finder.com readers.
- Enjoy competitive exchange rates.
- Take advantage of spot contracts, forward contracts and limit orders.
- Receive weekly updates on market exchange rates.
How 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.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES EXPLAINED
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.
See today’s US dollar to NZD exchange rate
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.
