Moving your finances to New Zealand

If you’re packing up shop it’s important to leave things in a good state and prepare well for your travel and arrival in New Zealand. Don’t forget to pack your finances too as that might be a lot easier to do while you’re still in the country.

A few things to think about before you jump on that plane back to good old Aotearoa:

Check if there are any bills coming up that you will need to pay from your overseas bank account, or if you have any other outstanding debts. What recurring payments come out of your account?
Make sure you cancel any contracts and tie up any loose ends, for example utilities, insurances, or gyms, so you won’t need to make any more payments after you’ve already left.
Find out what kind of insurance you might need during transit – for example if you have the right type of cover for your contents – and after you’ve arrived in New Zealand.
Do you have pension arrangements in the country you are currently living, and are you able to transfer them to New Zealand?
Also check whether you are expecting any funds to arrive in your overseas account after you’ve left, for example a tax refund or an insurance premium that you paid in advance.
Check with your bank what it takes to close off your account when you don’t need it anymore. If possible, do this while you’re still in the country, as this is often easier, and you’ll make sure you won’t be paying any fees going forward. Don’t forget to download any statements or documents you might need in the future.
If you can’t close your account right away, see if you can do this after you’ve returned to New Zealand. Make sure you are set up correctly for online banking and digital statements and notifications.
It’s possible to open a New Zealand bank account before you arrive, and transfer any funds you want to move over with you.
To make the process easier, make sure you bring proof of address for your most recent overseas address, for example a bank statement or utility bill.
Moving countries often comes with unexpected costs such as shipping or pet transportation – make sure you’re prepared.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the team at [email protected].

Note from the author:
The information in this article is provided for general purposes only. To the extent that any information or recommendations in this article constitute financial advice, they do not take into account your personal financial situation or goals. We recommend you seek advice specific to your circumstances from a financial adviser. Neither BNZ nor any person involved in this article accepts any liability for any loss or damage whatsoever which may directly or indirectly result from any information or recommendations contained in this article.