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New Zealand

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

Emergency111All emergencies

Plug typesI230 V · 50 Hz CurrencyNZDNew Zealand Dollar

Drives on theleft

TippingNot expected

Local time–+64 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 5.32 million people live in New Zealand, on 268,021 km². The capital is Wellington.

Capital: Wellington
Population: 5,324,700
Area: 268,021 km²
Official languages: English and Māori

Land borders

No land borders

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in New Zealand?
Sockets take plug type I, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in New Zealand?
Call 111 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in New Zealand?
Not expected.
Which side of the road do they drive on in New Zealand?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in New Zealand?
Prices are in New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
What language do they speak in New Zealand?
Official languages: English and Māori.
How do I call a number in New Zealand from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +64.