[mmcguire2020]

Hi, I need to send my fiance money to NZ. I was wondering if I can send her a personal check from a Bank of America account? would she have a problem depositing the check at Kiwi Bank? Thank you,;)

[Ana&Steve]

Hey neighbor:)
A check may not be the best way if she needs the money quickly. If she has a Kiwibank acct it could take weeks to clear. If she doesn't I am unsure if it can be cashed at all. I would suggest transferring the $ from your acct to an NZ one. If you/she doesn't have one it's fairly easy to set one up. We have an ASB acct we opened from here. You can use a company like HiFX to send $ or for smaller amounts you can use your bank. Ask if they have a reduced rate if you set up a recurring transfer. I hope that helps.

[BkyMonster]

You can also send money via http://www.tranzfers.com. Costs about $5 USD to send money from US to NZ and fairly quick to set up if your bank documents are in order.

[mmcguire2020]

Thanks for the help everyone. Nice to see people from Escondido interested in NZ, it feels good knowing I'm not the only one from San Diego County making the move:nice1

[ers99w]

I just moved here from San Diego in July. ...and I just got my work permit today. Hurrah for Californians moving to NZ!

[Ana&Steve]

I just moved here from San Diego in July. ...and I just got my work permit today. Hurrah for Californians moving to NZ!
Congratulations!:cheers
You can also send money via http://www.tranzfers.com. Costs about $5 USD to send money from US to NZ and fairly quick to set up if your bank documents are in order.
Good to know, thanks!

[dkilgo00]

I too am from So Cal and moving to Auckland in a month...can't wait and great to hear others have done the same.

For any of you that have already made the move, do you have any suggestions as to what to bring? My finance and I aren't shipping anything, just packing extra bags and paying the excess baggage fee...

[Oregonkiwi]

For any of you that have already made the move, do you have any suggestions as to what to bring?

If you ever use any OTC medications (Advil, Tylenol, or whatever) - bring lots!! Much more expensive here and in tiny little packets too.

[Mexican in NZ]

I would bring 'good quality' shoes and clothes with you, since they are pricey here. Auckland is a great lifestyle city. you will love it ;-)

[tigerlily]

On the original topic, banks give terrible exchange rates (or Westpac does) for personal US cheques

[ortiz34]

Why not send a travelers Check/

[M-Squared]

Just get a US currency account, and get a wire transfer into it. :) It takes about a week to get mail, and then at least 2 weeks to clear the cheque. If you get the US currency account, you can then choose when to move it over into NZ$. Thought now is an extremely good time... US$1.00 currently buys NZ$1.50. Woah!

[mmcguire2020]

Thanks I just wired the money, but the travelers check idea is great. I never thought of it:o Thanks so much everyone:clap

[timeanzbound]

Just get a US currency account, and get a wire transfer into it. :) It takes about a week to get mail, and then at least 2 weeks to clear the cheque. If you get the US currency account, you can then choose when to move it over into NZ$. Thought now is an extremely good time... US$1.00 currently buys NZ$1.50. Woah!

What banks in NZ offer a US currency account? I will have Westpac but I can change if needed?