Tipping In New Zealand: A Guide to New Zealand Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of New Zealand to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get NZD in cash in New Zealand, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in New Zealand?

Tipping in New Zealand is not as common as in other parts of the Anglosphere. While tipping is certainly appreciated, it is not a cultural practice and is not expected. If you choose to do so, you can consider a 10% gratuity.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in New Zealand, you won't need to tip your wait staff, although they will appreciate it. A 10% tip for excellent service would be considered very generous.

When visiting bars and cafes, the same custom applies. It is not common to tip at cafes or bars in New Zealand, although it is a nice gesture to round up the bill.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in New Zealand?

For hotel staff in New Zealand, tipping is not mandatory but much appreciated by service staff. It is a nice gesture to give a porter, valet, or housekeeper a small tip of a few Australian dollars.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in New Zealand

For taxi drivers in New Zealand, tipping is not customary. However, it is common to round up to the nearest dollar.

Tour guides in New Zealand will also not expect tips. If your tour was informational and enjoyable, you can consider a 10% tip, or write a positive review and spread the word.

Practical Tips for Tipping in New Zealand

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in New Zealand, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in New Zealand.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in New Zealand, you'll be prompted to pay in NZD or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (NZD) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to New Zealand:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.