[thejoz]

We are coming to Auckland in September and of course will need a bank account. We have very limited funds (a few grand) and will need to change it into NZ dollars. I know nothing about transfering money etc.

Should I just get a NZ bank account and then send my money through to it from my UK bank? Or should I be thinking about transfering it another way?

Thanks in advance.

[Chiba]

We just brought NZ dollar travelers cheques and then opened a bank account with them. That way you can cash some if need be, even before you open your bank account.

[Familyofmonkeys]

You will proabably get a better rate with a currency exchange company such as Moneycorp or hifx. They will often charge less to transfer your money as well....I think we paid something like £15 in total.

http://www.moneycorp.com/
http://www.hifx.co.uk/

[Mr Brillo]

Don't use travellers cheques for anything other than a small amount - the rate of exchange you will get will be terrible.

[BkyMonster]

I'm using http://www.tranzfers.com. So far pleased with them.
I'll be sure to update if anything happens to my money!

[Clappy]

When I have been transferring small amounts (£500 to £1000) I have just paid a cheque from my UK account into my ANZ one.

They tend to give a rate which is half-way between the rate you get for changing cash and the rate you get from a transfer specialist.

ANZ have started charging $5 for doing this now (they never used to).

If you are changing large amounts then the rate is very important, small amounts less so.

But I have no idea how long it actually takes these cheques to clear though and how soon you are able to draw on the money, so it might not be the best way, but is possible!

[M-Squared]

BNZ has a good migrant banking scheme, and you can just do your transfer through them. :nice1 All you need is here: http://www.bnz.co.nz/Personal_Solutions/1,1184,1-8-700,00.html :)

[Philip10]

TNTForex are great for small amounts up to £5000, they give a good rate of exchange and only charge £7 (sometimes free). I opend a KiwiBank account via the internet very easy, and transfered some money into the account by online banking from my UK account.

[AlexUK]

£5k is small amounts, are you all rich!

[thejoz]

Thanks to everyone :nice1