Planning Your Trip from the USA to Paradise

Key Things to Know Before You Arrive

Here are a few practical tips to make your transition to the Kiwi way of life even smoother when you've booked a stay at Casa Playa de los osos.

Money & Payments in New Zealand

New Zealand was one of the world's first truly "cashless" societies, and you'll find paying for things incredibly easy.

• Cards are King: Your credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and multi-currency cards like Wise will work everywhere, even in the most unlikely small towns and with mobile vendors.

• "Paywave" (Tap-to-Pay): Contactless payment is very common across the country.1 Here in the Far North, most of our key businesses like the Four Square supermarket, liquor store, pharmacy, butcher, cafes, and bars all have Paywave. Due to transaction fees, some smaller shops may not, but this is rapidly changing as new government legislation is about to remove these fees for consumers and businesses.

• Cash on Hand: While you likely won't need it often, we do recommend carrying a small amount of New Zealand Dollars (NZD) in cash for specialty stalls at local farmers' markets or for small purchases if you're exploring very remote areas.

Tipping & Taxes (It's Simpler Here!)

• All Taxes Included: The price you see on any tag or menu is the final price you pay. Our Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15% is already included. There are no surprise sales taxes added at the register.

• Tipping is Not Expected: Tipping is not a required or customary part of our culture.2 Service staff are paid a full living wage. However, for truly exceptional service at a restaurant or for a private guide, a tip of 10% is considered a very generous gesture and will be gratefully received.

Power Plugs & Adapters

New Zealand uses a Type I power plug (the one with two or three flat prongs angled in a V-shape).3 The electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz. Your American appliances (which run on 110V) will require a converter, but most modern electronics like laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage and will only need a simple plug adapter. We recommend buying one before you leave the U.S.

The New Zealand Sun (Very Important!)

Due to a thinner ozone layer, the sun in New Zealand is much stronger than in North America. You can get sunburned in as little as 15 minutes, even on a cloudy day. Please follow the Kiwi motto: Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap!

• Slip on a shirt.

• Slop on plenty of high-SPF sunscreen.

• Slap on a hat.

• Wrap on a pair of sunglasses.

Emergency Number

The emergency number in New Zealand for Police, Fire, and Ambulance is 111

Your Journey to Casa Playa de los osos