The New Zealand dollar, denoted by NZD or sometimes NZ$, is the official currency used in New Zealand. The Kiwi (an informal term for the currency) is also officially used in the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau and the Pitcairn Islands. Each dollar can be subdivided into 100 cents. The NZD was introduced in 1967 to replace the New Zealand pound when the country decimalized its currency. New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents and $1 and $2. Notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Facts about the NZD:

• The $50 note is the only note featuring a Maori on the obverse.

• All the names of the birds on the reverse are in Maori, and all begin with a consonant.

• A majority of the banknotes feature men, but the $10 and $20 notes feature women.

• A majority of the banknotes feature deceased people, but the people on the $5 and $20 notes are still alive.

• The $20 note is the only note with a citizen of another country on the obverse.

• The $5 note is the only note to have a special object in the bottom left-hand corner.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, New Zealand Post shops, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.

Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Tipping and Service Charges
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service--even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.