What are 10 things you should do when you arrive to live in NZ?

You got your visa , passport ready and .....you have pack your bag.  So What's next? Moving oversea and setting up a new life can be a huge issues sitting in your mind.Here I share with you 10 things to do when  you first arrived in NZ either for work, study or live permanently.

1. Buy sim card for your mobile.

This is easy. Once you landed on kiwi land, you can buy sim card at the terminal itself. You can choose either Spark (the best coverage and value for money), Vodafone or 2Degrees. Prepaid starter pack could cost you around $25.

2. Find accommodation.

Find a place to live. I started by staying at Airbnb for 2 weeks while searching online for rental property. You have a few options to choose: either cheap backpacker hostel, flatting with friend or hotel depending on your budget. There are a few online property website you can check such as trade me property, airbnb, or property agent website(such as Harcourt or Raywhite).

Once you found a rental house, then you need to setup all necessary utilities accounts such as power, water and internet.

Power – Genesis, mercury, energy online, pulse

Water – Normally property agent will sorted this

Internet – Unlimited internet, spark,skinny

3. Open a bank account.

There are several options to choose such as BNZ, ANZ, ASB, Kiwi Bank, Westpac. Some banks allow you to open an account even when you are still in Malaysia. You can also transfer your money without having to bring cash in hands. Most of transactions in NZ are via eftpos card. Kiwis doesn’t bring cash and eftpos is free & convenient.

4. Sort your Inland Revenue Department  (IRD) number for tax purposes.

It is super easy to apply, just fill up form and submit it at kiwi post. Form is available there or just follow this link IRD Form 

5. Transport

This depend on where you live and plan to work. My experience is specific to Auckland as I work and live here.If you are going to live in CBD, you may survive without owning a vehicle as most of the things like supermarket (countdown, warehouse, new world) are nearby. You can commute via Bus, train or ferry to CBD. You may purchase  a AT Hop card to take bus, train or ferry in Auckland. You can purchase AT HOP at authorized dealer such as dairy (kedai runcit). AT Hop card functions like TouchNGo card in Malaysia.

Other than city, I reckon you need to buy your own car. The transport facility in NZ is not as advanced as in Malaysia and buying car is cheap in NZ. All cars are imported mainly from Japan. You can purchase car at Cars Market, Ellerslie if you are in Auckland or any second hand cars dealer. Else, you may search online too ( trade me motors). Nak beli BMW, Mercedes pun boleh.

FYI, motor insurance is not compulsory in NZ. You only need WOF (warrant of fitness) and Rego (Road Tax).

6. Apply for an 18 + card from the post office.  

The card may cost you around $50. This card functions like a MyKad in Malaysia. You can show this card when you want to buy cigarettes or liquor. For me this is optional as I don’t do both.

7. Register Family doctor

          If you are a resident, work or student visa and plan to stay long in NZ, you need to register                 yourself and your family at any clinic/GP of your choice. Unlike Malaysia, you can't just walk           into any clinic that you want and expect to pay a low fee. You need to bring your passport and          register yourself at any family doctor to access NZ healthcare system. Consultation and medication are free for kids under 18. $18 charge is applicable to Adult for consultation.

8. Enroll school for your kids

This process is important if you have kids. Enrol your kids in school. Make sure you bring your kids immunisation card and school's report card when you enrol your kids to school. Education is compulsory for all kids from 6 to 16 years old.

9. Start looking for Job. You may refer this in my previous entry: https://routetokiwi.blogspot.com/2018/04/8-things-that-ive-done-during-job.html
10. Driving License

Well, this might not be an urgent thing as you can drive in NZ with Malaysian driving license for 1 year. It's also important to get to know the New Zealand road rules if you plan on driving here.

So, these are the essential things to do when you arrive in New Zealand. I hope this will gives you some ideas on your future plan.living abroad is not easy but with proper planning and preparation it is not impossible.

If you like this article and want to know more, Please put your comment below. I appreciate if you could raise any topic that you want me to share and don't forget to subscribe. 

Good luck with moving to New Zealand!

Thank you.

Nga Mihi,

Mira