Know before you go: NZ Edition ✈️🇳🇿

Hi there! Since posting about my New Zealand itinerary [(part 1 here) and (part 2 here)], I thought it would also be good to shed some light into the pre-trip planning, and some of the necessary items you need before jetting off! 🛫

1. New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZ ETA)

As a Singapore passport holder, you will be able to enter New Zealand using a NZ eTA without applying for a visa! 🥳 You will need to provide your passport details, an email, as well as a photo during the application process.

This document costs NZD17 if applied through the app, and NZD23 if applied through the website. There is also an additional NZD35 international visitor levy (IVL) to be paid together with your application. 💵 While the website states that most applications will be processed within 72 hours, it could take longer depending on individual applications. In my case, it took less than 2 hours on a weekend! Do apply early to avoid any inconveniences to your travels. 🕒

2. Travel Insurance

This is not specific to New Zealand, but to any country you travel to! I bought the Tiq travel insurance through Heymax-Singsaver, where there was a 4mpd promotion + 700 Max miles 🤩 The plan selected had sufficient coverage for a decent price too, definitely worth it’s price point and all the freebies we got.

3. Physical SIM / eSIM

You would definitely want to stay connected when overseas for navigation and remaining contactable with your friends and family back home! 🏠 I bought my physical SIM from Shopee, from a seller called Echo Networks. I’ve used their SIMs for previous trips (Japan, Taiwan) and had not much issues, hence I decided to make a repeat purchase again! 🤭 I got the 20GB for 20 days at around SGD38 each after discounts and delivery fee. In hindsight, the 20GB was a bit of an overkill as I barely used half of it. Connectivity wise was alright except in a few areas with no signals at all (eg: Milford Sound), but that is to be expected!

4. No restricted items

New Zealand has extremely strict laws on what can be brought into the country to protect their environment.🌱 Do the necessary research on what can be brought in as you would have to declare these at the immigration clearance at the airport. If you are unsure, it’s always better to be safe and declare, than to get caught and risk a fine or prosecution! ⚠️ They do a very thorough check based on your declaration information, which is something that I have never really experienced before when travelling to other countries.

I hope this information helps with your trip planning to New Zealand, happy travels! ✈️🫡

#travel #travelrecommendation #travelrecommendations #travelplanning #traveltips #newzealand