1. Documents & Legal:

   • Keep your passport, visa and arrival card handy.

   • Apply for an IRD (Tax) number (online) → needed to work or get paid. You will have to visit your local IRD branch to complete this process. 

   • If wanting to drive, confirm your licence is valid in NZ (12 months from arrival) and plan for conversion if staying longer. Please note that the process for getting a NZ drivers licence may differ depending on your country of origin. 

2. Banking & Money: 

   • Open a local bank account (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac or Kiwibank).

   • Set up internet banking and get an EFTPOS card (you’ll use this daily).

   • Learn about GST (15%) included in prices.

3. Housing: 

   • Start with short-term accommodation (Airbnb, hostel or temporary rental). 

   • Search on Trade Me, realestate.co.nz, or local Facebook groups for rentals.

   • Check that the house is insulated and heated.

   • NB: Pay the bond (up to 4 weeks’ rent) → held by Tenancy Services. Many people are not aware of the bond payment required and don't always budget for this. 

4. Healthcare: 

   • Enrol with a local GP clinic (so you pay lower fees). Please note that fees may differ depending on your residency status. 

   • Learn about ACC coverage for accidents.

   • Consider private health insurance if you want faster specialist care. As with many other countries, private health care is expensive. 

5. Transport: 

   • Buy a public transport card (AT HOP in Auckland, Snapper in Wellington and Metrocard in Christchurch).

   • If buying a car, check WOF (Warrant of Fitness) and rego (registration) are up to date.

   • You can use Uber and other local taxi services. 

6. Phone & Internet: 

   • Get a SIM card (e.g. Spark, OneNZ or 2degrees).

   • Prepaid plans are easy to start with.

7. Groceries & Daily Life: 

   • Supermarkets: Pak’nSave (cheapest), Woolworths and New World.

   • Farmers’ markets & Asian supermarkets are common in bigger cities.

Useful information:

• Refer to the Immigration New Zealand website - Setting up your life in New Zealand :: Immigration New Zealand
• Citizens Advice Bureau. The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, confidential, independent information and advice to anyone. They help people know what their rights are and how to access the services they need.