What To Bring?
Since the question often comes up, we've
decided to try and answer it: Just what should you bring with
you and what should you leave behind? Answer: We have no idea.
- Think warm and waterproof. We
suggest bringing at least one waterproof item from home with
some warm layers to put underneath it. The weather changes
so rapidly here, you'll want to be ready for anything.
- Buying at home will save you money in the
long run. Everything--and we mean everything--is a lot more
expensive over here, even with the exchange rate.
Furthermore, once you get off your country's currency,
you'll see more of an impact on your wallet.
- Bring a copy of your car insurance
history to take advantage of the great rates over here.
- Shoes, sneakers, and sandals are
expensive. Buy at home first.
- Don't worry if you don't have camping
gear to bring over. Prices are comparable here with the
exchange rate. (Of course, not without.)
- If you like hot sauce, bring it.
- If you're bringing over electrical
appliances, don't forget to get some converters and adaptors
as well.
- If you have a cell phone, bring it with
you. You can easily get a plan transferred over to your
existing hardware. Otherwise, expect to pay $$ for another
phone.
- A digital camera or lots of film. You'll
need it. Expect to pay $10+ to develop a roll of film.
(Digital is the way to go!)
- Do bring shorts and T-shirts as well.
NZ is quite casual in terms of dress code. Shoes are
not mandatory!!!
- Bring the phone numbers and contact
information for every company, and contact that you had back
home. You never know who and what you will need.
- The best way to manage bills you leave
behind is to sign up for online banking with your local bank
(if they offer it, all the major ones do now.). You can then
manage and pay for your overseas bills online.
- Furnished apartments are available with
everything you need. However, if you are planning on
staying on a more permanent basis-bringing your things from
home is probably more cost efficient in the end once you
have converted all your original currency.
- In terms of how much money to bring.
We did quite well with bringing 600 dollars New Zealand and
using our debit card to get out more NZ dollars as needed.
We got the best exchange rate as well.
We'll keep adding more as we come up
with it. Good luck with your planning. |
