How to Transfer Money from USA to New Zealand
USA to New Zealand Guide
Summary
New Zealand and the United States are partners in a number of trade agreements and negotiations that seek to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the countries. Two of the highest-profile initiatives are the US - New Zealand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which seeks to expand job creation and create economic growth throughout the Asia Pacific region and in the US. Currently, there is no limit for American citizens who wish to trade USD to NZD and transfer money from USA to New Zealand.
Visas, work permits and residency
American citizens planning to visit New Zealand for less than three months do not need a visa to do so. For American citizens who plan to work in New Zealand either temporarily or permanently, a work visa is required. There are several types of work visas, including the Skilled Migrant visa and the Residence from Work visa. Both of these visas allow the holder to live and work in New Zealand for a set period of time.
US citizens who wish to apply for permanent residency must apply for New Zealands Citizenship by grant program. They must also meet specific requirements to qualify, including planning to stay in New Zealand if granted citizenship. They must also prove that they have lived in New Zealand for at least five years with residence status before applying for permanent residency. For more specific information on visa and residency requirements, please refer to the New Zealand embassy website.
Buying Property in New Zealand
For both residents and non-residents, purchasing real estate in New Zealand is straightforward and can often be accomplished in a matter of weeks. However, there are a few important things to take note of when entering the New Zealand real estate market.
It’s often easiest to find properties and navigate real estate laws by working with a real estate agent. It’s important to choose an agent who is registered with the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board. This helps to ensure that they are reputable and licensed. An agent will provide a list of properties and will help the buyer to identify an acceptable offer. In New Zealand, the agents receive their commission from the seller of the property, not the buyer.
Once a property is agreed upon, the real estate agent will provide the buyer with a standard sales contract to sign. The buyer must also submit their offer formally in writing. This formal offer is conditional and is often based upon standard agreements, such as an independent property evaluation or the approval of financing for the purchase. Once all legal steps have been taken, the buyer can then arrange to transfer money from USA to New Zealand to fund their real estate purchase.
Studying in New Zealand
American citizens who wish to study full-time in New Zealand for less than three months do not need a student visa. For study programs that last longer than three months, however, a student visa is required. There are currently no restrictions for American students who wish to send money to New Zealand to help fund their education.
Taxation
American residents living abroad must declare their earnings and file tax forms annually. They may owe the US government taxes on their worldwide earned income. Currently, the US and New Zealand have a tax treaty agreement in place, meaning US citizens can receive credit via a foreign income tax offset for any taxes paid in New Zealand. For US citizens who wish to transfer money from USA to New Zealand to pay for taxes, there are no restrictions on international funds transfer at this time.
Heathcare
American citizens who are temporarily traveling in New Zealand are strongly recommended to take out a travel insurance policy or acquire a short-term health policy.
Although New Zealand has a state-run, publicly-funded healthcare system, it is only available to citizens and permanent residents of the country. Permanent residents are defined as an individual owning a Returning Resident’s visa, or an individual holding a current Residence permit who has lived in the country for at least two years. Private health insurance is recommended for those who do not meet these requirements, as well as a supplement for those who are eligible for the state-run system.
Voting
US citizens living in New Zealand are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in American presidential, general, and primary elections. They must register for absentee balloting with the last state precinct in which they voted, and will then receive absentee ballot by email from their precinct.
Importing from the US to New Zealand
The United States and New Zealand currently maintain a partnership in two major trade initiatives: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which seeks to expand job creation and create economic growth throughout the Asia Pacific region and in the US, and the US - New Zealand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which seeks to strengthen strategic trade and investment partnerships between them. In 2012, two-way US dollar to New Zealand dollar trade of goods and services between the two countries totaled $10 billion. US goods imports into New Zealand totaled $3.2 billion in 2013, led by aircraft, machinery, vehicles, and electrical machinery. Foreign direct investment and money transfers from the US into New Zealand totaled $9.5 billion in 2012, a 19.4% increase 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 USA to New Zealand. 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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