Banks and Banking
Most high-street banks in New Zealand charge you for writing cheques, making cash withdrawals, etc. To avoid their charges, you must keep significant sums of money in your account(s) or have a mortgage with them.
The KiwiBank and TSB Bank offer completely free banking, provided you keep $4,000 - $5,000 in your account.
Most banks open at 9.00am and close at 4:30pm. The Kiwibank is part of New Zealand's post offices and opens earlier than other banks.
Cash machines are everywhere. You can also use telephone banking or internet banking (my personal favourite).
When paying for goods in shops, most people use credit-cards or EFTPOS cards. Paying by cash or cheque is less common.
When you use your EFTPOS card, money is transferred out of your bank account straight into the shop's bank account.