How to Transfer Money from New Zealand to USA
New Zealand to USA Guide
Summary
New Zealand and the United States have solid political and economic ties, and these drive a steady volume of international money transfers between the two countries. Currently, there is no limit for those who wish to transfer money from New Zealand to the USA. Neither country places restrictions on incoming or outgoing capital flows, beyond reporting requirements under anti-money laundering laws. The US dollar (USD) and the New Zealand dollar (NZD) are both floating currencies; therefore, while the exchange rate may change, NZD may be freely converted to USD at market rates, and vice versa.
Visas, work permits and residency
Citizens of New Zealand who wish to live or work in the United States must apply for the appropriate visa and go through an in-person interview at an American consulate or embassy. Besides short-stay visas, there are also a variety of work visas of varying lengths of stay. The type of visa applied for typically depends on the type of work to be performed. For more information, please refer to the US Embassy website for specific details on visa types.
Buying property in the US
It is relatively easy to purchase property in the United Sates, as there are few restrictions on non-citizens who legally reside in the US and wish to own or rent property. However, there are a few key things to know before initiating a real estate transaction. Any buyer purchasing property in America must first provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in order to for the transaction to be authorised. To obtain an ITIN, the buyer must apply with the domestic tax authorities, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Because the ITIN may take five weeks or longer to receive, it is best to apply for it immediately when beginning a property search. Once an ITIN number is received and all the necessary documents have been signed, the buyer can freely transfer money from New Zealand to the US to fund the purchase.
It is also important to know that each state in the US applies its own set of real estate laws. Given the complexity of the legal landscape, it is recommended to work with a licensed real estate attorney or agent, who can advise you on regional and federal real estate laws throughout the process. It is common to use a licensed real estate agent when buying or selling property within the US.
Taxation
In 1983, the governments of New Zealand and the United States entered into a bilateral income tax convention to help citizens of both countries avoid double taxation if living and working in either country. Citizens of New Zealand who reside or earn money in the US must file and pay income taxes, but tax credits may be available with the New Zealand government for taxes already paid in the United States. Each case is different, so it is advisable to consult the relevant documentation and if necessary, obtain the services of a specialised professional. When paying taxes, keep in mind that there are no limitations if arranging to transfer money from New Zealand to the US.
Studying in the US
Before they can apply for a visa to study at an American institution, students from New Zealand must first apply for and be accepted to a US-based school or program. Once accepted, the student will receive the necessary documents from the school to apply for the student visa. Currently, the two student visas offered are the F-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1, the most common type of student visa, is necessary for academic studies at an approved school or accredited American university. Non-academic or vocational studies require the M-1 visa.
Voting
New Zealand citizens are not permitted to vote in American federal elections, nor are they permitted to vote in New Zealand’s general elections if they have lived abroad for more than three years. Currently, voting for US federal office is restricted to American citizens. Although states may allow non-citizens to vote, this is rare and limited to local elections in only a few places today.
Bilateral trade and investment
New Zealand and the United States are partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which aims to expand job creation and create economic growth throughout the Asia Pacific region and in the US. The two countries also take part in the US - New Zealand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which seeks to strengthen strategic trade and investment partnerships between them and to increase regulatory transparency. In 2012, two-way trade of goods and services between the two countries totaled US$12bn. New Zealand was the 57th largest importer of goods into the US in 2013, amounting to US$3.5bn, a 1.4% increase from 2012. Foreign direct investment and money transfers from New Zealand into the United States totaled US$1.7bn in 2012, a decrease of 1.5% from the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from New Zealand to USA. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
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