Upon arrival in New Zealand, what are the top three essential things to arrange first? (e.g., opening a bank account, applying for a tax number, getting a mobile SIM card)

Hello, and welcome to New Zealand! Just landed, feeling a bit excited and perhaps a little lost? No worries, let's get these three most important things sorted first, and then your life here will be much smoother. Think of these three as your New Zealand "newbie starter pack," essential and best done in the right order.

The Three Top Priorities Upon Arrival in New Zealand

Based on my experience, the optimal order is: SIM Card → Bank Account → IRD Number (Tax Number). Why this sequence? Because opening a bank account requires a local New Zealand phone number, and applying for a tax number requires your bank account information. Each step builds on the previous one.

First Thing: Get a SIM Card, Stay Connected (Get a SIM Card)

This is the first thing you need to do after landing, no exceptions! In New Zealand, whether you're contacting your landlord, looking for a job, or dealing with banking, you'll need a local New Zealand phone number. Otherwise, you'll be constantly searching for free Wi-Fi, which is very inconvenient.

• Why is it important?

  • Essential for contact: Helps you connect with others and receive various verification codes.
  • Foundation for subsequent services: Banks will ask for a local New Zealand phone number when you open an account.

• How to get one?

  • Where: You can purchase them at the airport, major supermarkets (Pak'nSave, Countdown, New World), convenience stores, or physical stores of network operators.
  • What you need: Usually, only your passport is required for identity registration.
  • Main operators:
    • Spark: Widest signal coverage, especially in remote areas, but slightly more expensive.
    • One NZ (formerly Vodafone): Good signal and network speed, with many plan options.
    • 2degrees: Good value for money, excellent signal in cities, a popular choice among young people.

• My Advice:

  • Start with a Prepay (prepaid) plan; it's quick to activate and simple. Once you're settled and have a better idea of your data and call needs, then consider a more cost-effective On Account (pay monthly) plan.

Second Thing: Open a Bank Account, Secure Your Funds (Open a Bank Account)

Once you have a New Zealand phone number, the next step is to sort out your banking. Without a New Zealand bank account, you won't be able to receive your salary or pay rent and bills (many require bank transfers), which will make daily life very difficult.

• Why is it important?

  • Receive salary: Companies deposit salaries directly into your bank account.
  • Daily spending: Electronic payments are very common in New Zealand; a local bank card (Debit Card) will make things much easier.
  • Prerequisite for IRD Number: Applying for an IRD tax number requires you to provide an activated New Zealand bank account.

• How to do it?

  • Main banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac are all major options, and their services are quite similar.
  • Process:
    1. Online application: First, fill out the online application form on the bank's official website.
    2. Appointment for in-person verification: After submission, the bank will contact you to schedule an appointment to complete identity verification at a physical branch.
  • Required documents:
    • Passport and visa
    • New Zealand local phone number
    • Proof of Address: This is the most crucial and often tricky part! You might not have one right after arriving. You can use your rental agreement, utility bills, or a letter from your employer/school.

• My Advice:

  • I highly recommend applying online before you depart! Many banks allow overseas applicants to open an account online first; once you arrive in New Zealand, you just need to go to a branch to activate it, saving a lot of time.
  • Regarding "proof of address," it's a "chicken or the egg" situation. You can discuss it with the bank manager; sometimes they are flexible, for example, accepting a hotel or Airbnb booking confirmation for temporary residence (though this is not always successful). The most reliable way is to sign a rental agreement as soon as possible.

Third Thing: Apply for an IRD Number, Become a Legal Worker (Apply for an IRD Number)

Your IRD Number (Inland Revenue Department Number) is your personal tax number. If you are working and earning money in New Zealand, you must have this number. Without it, your employer will have to deduct tax at the highest "no-IRD-number" rate (up to 45%), which means you'll lose a lot of money!

• Why is it important?

  • Proof of legal employment: Employers must have your IRD number before paying your salary.
  • Correct tax payment: Ensures you pay tax at the correct rate, avoiding over-deductions.
  • Tax refunds and benefits: This number is also needed for year-end tax refunds or applying for some government benefits.

• How to do it?

  • Online application: This is the fastest and most convenient method. Apply directly on the Inland Revenue website.
  • Required documents:
    • Passport and visa information
    • An activated New Zealand bank account (See why you need to open a bank account first?)
    • Your tax number from your home country (not mandatory, but good to provide if you have one)

• My Advice:

  • After submitting your application, the IRD will mail your tax number letter to the address you provided. However, if you need it urgently for your employer, you can usually call IRD customer service to get your number ahead of time within a few working days of your application being successful.

To summarize the rhythm:

So, the whole process is very clear:

📱 Get a SIM card → 🏦 Use your phone number to open a bank account → 🧾 Use your bank account information to apply for an IRD tax number

Once these three things are sorted, you can officially begin your new life in New Zealand! I wish you all the best!