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- Moving to New Zealand
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HSBC understands the banking challenges faced by our international customers in establishing their finances in a new country. Our network of offices in New Zealand is ready to help you prepare for your new life here and deliver high value, quality services. Whether you want to arrange your banking affairs before your arrival or want to know more about the country, our Global International Banking Centre is more than happy to help you.
As a HSBC Premier customer in another country, you will automatically qualify for HSBC Premier status in New Zealand. However you will need to maintain your HSBC Premier status in one country at least.
- Visa and Process
On your preparation for a trip to New Zealand, tourist visa is exempted for certain passport holders. Therefore, prior to your departure check and make sure of the visa requirement and process.
For more information on Tourist Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, Work Permits, and Residency please visit Immigration New Zealand website at www.immigration.govt.nz. - At a Glance
Explore New Zealand before you arrive - click here to visit New Zealand's official visitor website. - Getting there
With many options available for your trip to New Zealand and journey within the country, find out more about transportation available that best suits your trip experience.
For more information, please visit:
Air New Zealand
Qantas
Pacific Blue
- Arranging your finances
Contact the HSBC Global International Banking Centre in your country of origin in order to organise your finances prior to travelling to or investing in New Zealand.
If you plan to stay in New Zealand, you will have to arrange Tax Residency. Visit the Inland Revenue Department in order to arrange an IRD Number necessary in order to obtain work as well as find out tax rates for investment income.
Also note that any currency to the value of NZ$10,000 or more must be declared at Customs when entering the country. - Driving in New Zealand
If you hold a driving licence from your country of origin or an international driving permit, you are eligible to apply for a driving licence in New Zealand. The following documents are required for local driving licence application:
- Completed "Driving Licence Application Form"
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Your driving licence in your country of origin
- If your original licence is not in English, a translation of your original licence into English
If you are not holding a driver licence, you are required to take a written and practical driving test before being granted a driving licence. Check out more information at New Zealand Land and Transport Safety Authority here
- Embassy Registrations
It helps to register with the Embassy or the representative office of your home country prior to arrival in case of emergency.
- Weather in New Zealand
New Zealand typically enjoys a temperate climate, though this varies seasonally with a cool, rainy winter and a warm, humid summer. Regionally, there are contrasts, snow is common in the South Island while it is very infrequent in the north. Note that New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, in that summer is from December to February. For current weather conditions in New Zealand, click here. - Using a mobile phone in New Zealand
Mobile/cellular phones are available through either Telecom on WCDMA network and Vodafone on GSM. Mobile phones through either network are readily available throughout New Zealand, in malls, department stores and specialised mobile phone outlets.
Solution 1 Top-up-cards
It's easy to buy a New Zealand SIM card at most mobile phone suppliers within department stores or their own outlets, and to substitute that for your regular SIM card. Both Telecom and Vodafone offer convenient pre-paid mobile plans. Top-up cards are widely available, from convenience stores, grocery stores, petrol stations and anywhere with an assortment of telephone cards.
Solution 2 Registered user
You can connect to the mobile phone network as a registered user, which requires more effort - you will have to visit a Vodafone or Telecom mobile store in order to obtain a mobile phone contract.
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Finding a Job
New Zealand offers a number of exciting employment opportunities across a wide range of industries.The online version of The New Zealand Herald or recruitment websites like Seek, Search4Jobs, Trade Me are some good places to start your search. - Finding the right place to live
There are a range of accommodation options available from hotels to serviced apartments to rental properties and more. You can book a hotel room for a short stay while you look for long term options..
Our International Banking Centre will be able to provide you with more information.
- Children's education
If you are moving to New Zealand with your children, you will no doubt aim to ensure the continuity and consistency of your children's education. In most cities, children of expatriates can enter either local or international schools for primary, middle school and high school education.
For more information you can visit websites such as http://www.educationpages.co.nz/ - Family healthcare
New Zealand has a number of hospitals and many new international health clinics served by highly-trained medical staff.
You can find more information from websites such as http://www.nzs.com/health/medical/
Please note: This information is provided for your reference only, and does not construe any form of legal, financial or other professional advice. The information contained herein is derived from sources we believe to be reliable, but which we have not independently verified. HSBC makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not responsible for errors of transmission of factual or analytical data, nor shall it be liable for damages arising out of any person's reliance upon this information. This document does not constitute an offer, solicitation, advice or agreement, and is not legally binding over any party. Please refer to the Service Guide.
