Setting Yourself Up In New Zealand: Working Holiday Visa

New Zealand was my first Working Holiday Visa, so I really had no idea what to expect when arriving in terms of how easy it would be to set up a life here. I was very fortunate that a family friend collected me from Auckland Airport and took me to her home in Hamilton for a few nights. This massively helped, especially in terms of overcoming jetlag and taking me around town to get all the important jobs done. The most important tasks when arriving in New Zealand are organising a proof of address, getting a sim card, setting up a bank account and then applying for an IRD number. The bank account will need to be done before the IRD, so make sure you factor this in.

Contents:

Surfing in Raglan, New Zealand, North Island

1. Proof of Address

2. Getting a New Zealand Number

3. Setting up New Zealand Bank Account

4. Applying for an IRD Number

5. ID Tip

6. What’s Next?

Proof of Address

To set up a bank account in New Zealand, you will need a New Zealand address. I was lucky that I could use the address of my family friend, but I know many hostels are used to being asked this question and will therefore let you use theirs. It is worth thinking about this in advance and asking your first accommodation if you can use them before you arrive, so you don’t get thrown off once you’re there. If you have a job already lined up, you could also ask them.

Getting a New Zealand Number

Next up you will want to concentrate on sorting out a New Zealand number. You can either go down the route of getting a SIM-only month-to-month contract if you already have a phone ready to use. Alternatively, you could get a phone and sim contract, but this is likely to be for a minimum monthly period so bear that in mind.

Make sure to shop around for the best provider and focus on which provider has the best coverage for the area you intend to stay the longest. I’d also recommend focusing on a good data plan, especially if you plan to do some road-tripping. I’ve been caught short many times with running out of data on the road because you’re using much more than normal. There is a handy link here to read about the best phone networks and SIM providers.

Setting up a New Zealand Bank Account

Once your phone is up and running you can call your bank of choice to organise a meeting. I would choose a bank based on whether there is a branch in your intended destination, as having a branch to access for queries rather than trying to call their customer service is much easier. To open your bank account, you will need your passport, your proof of address and a copy of your visa. It is typical for New Zealand banks to have some form of charge associated with them, whether that be a monthly charge or a charge per use, so shop around before setting up your meeting and find the one that best suits your needs. A flat-monthly fee is usually the best option if you plan to use a range of services.

Once you’ve chosen your bank, arranged a meeting, and been granted the account, make sure to ask for a letter stating your name, bank account number and that your account is active. You will need this for your IRD application. You will also be able to use this to transfer money in from your home bank account. I usually do this using Wise. If you use this link you will get a fee-free transfer of up to NZ$900 (or equivalent) when you sign up.

Applying for an IRD number.

The final step in the initial administration tasks is applying for an IRD number. This is your unique tax number granted by the Inland Revenue Department and is needed to ensure you are paying the correct tax on your income. You can apply online for this, and you will need your passport, your tax number from your home country (National Insurance number for UK citizens), your Immigration New Zealand application number and proof of an ‘active’ bank account as mentioned above. You can also apply by paper form, but this will be much slower and may result in you being mis-taxed if you haven’t got your number before starting work. Applying online can take as quick as 2 days and can be texted or emailed directly to you.

ID Tip:

New Zealand only accepts a New Zealand driving license, passport, or Hospitality New Zealand 18+ card as a form of ID, and trust me, they ID a lot. So, if you don’t want to be responsible for taking your passport out with you every time, I’d recommend getting one of the other forms of ID. I opted to get a driving license because I knew I would be purchasing a car, and you can only use a UK driving license for 12-months. However, the 18+ hospitality card is very commonly used with individuals who do not drive/choose not to have a license.

What’s next?

Once all the initial important stuff is out of the way, it’s time to start looking for jobs and accommodation if you haven’t already (most people haven’t, don’t worry, it’s much easier to do in person!). Make sure to subscribe along below for future blog posts on these very topics.