Prepare to travel overseas

There are steps you can take to keep your money safe and your finances ticking over while you're travelling overseas, including letting us know when you're going overseas by adding a travel notice.

Before you travel

  1. 1
    Tahi

    Get travel insurance with your credit card

    If you have one of our Platinum credit cards, you may be eligible for overseas travel insurance along with domestic travel insurance benefits for trips booked after 1 July 2025. Find out more.

  2. 2
    Rua

    Choose which cards to take with you

    Our Kiwibank Platinum Visa gives you the flexibility for bigger purchases while you're away, along with the travel insurance benefits (eligibility criteria apply).

    If you don't want to use a credit card while you're away, then consider taking a Visa Debit Card. You can use it around the world to access money in your account, make online bookings and shop anywhere that accepts Visa cards. Your transactions will be subject to currency conversion rates and fees.

    If you don't already have one, see if a Visa Debit Card is available on your account.

  3. 3
    Toru

    Prepare your account for travel

    • Add a travel notice to your account so we can better protect your accounts and cards while you're away — see step-by-step instructions on how to add a travel notice.
    • Download our mobile app and log in before leaving New Zealand, so you can manage your accounts while you're overseas.
    • Set up automatic payments or direct debits for recurring bills while you're overseas.
  4. 4
    Whā

    Update your contact details and save ours

    • Make sure your contact details are up-to-date so we can let you know if we notice any suspicious transactions on your accounts.
    • Save our contact details — you can contact us while overseas on +64 4 473 1133.
    • Read up on card fraud to make sure you're aware of scammers while you're away.
  5. 5
    Rima

    Organise your travel paperwork

    • Make copies of your passport, tickets, itinerary and insurance. Keep a copy for yourself and leave one with someone at home.
    • Check out the safety of the countries you’re travelling to. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes travel advisories on it's SafeTravel site and has some advice for getting ready to travel.
    • Have a think about whether you want to give someone you trust the power of attorney to act in your name and run your affairs while overseas (e.g. pay bills, access your accounts).

While you're overseas

  • Manage your accounts and money from afar

    Within internet banking and our mobile app, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your balances and transactions, transfer money if you need to and make sure that any direct debits or automatic payments you've set up have gone through.

    However, if you’re making an internet banking payment to someone new while you’re overseas, we can't guarantee you’ll receive the one-time PIN via SMS. If you're able to receive a SMS from us from overseas, there could be charges to receive it, please check with your provider. If you're experiencing any problems receiving your one-time PIN, please call us 0800 113 355 or +64 4 473 1133 if you're overseas and we'll help you make the transaction.

  • Know your transaction fees and card PINs

    Consider our international transaction fees or ATM fees when you use your ATM/EFTPOS, Visa Debit or credit cards overseas. When you use your card for foreign currency transactions, your transactions will be charged to your account in New Zealand dollars at a rate of exchange determined by Visa or Mastercard­® on the date it sends the transaction details to us. An international transaction fee will also apply.

    You can use Visa payWave anywhere in the world you see the payWave logo – but the transaction limit before you are asked for your PIN will vary from country to country. For transactions or purchases over those amounts, you can still use your card, you just won't be able to tap and go, you'll need to use a PIN.

  • Keep your money safe

    If you can, never let your card out of your sight. When in overseas restaurants, staff will often take your card away for payment. Consider going with them to sign and complete the payment or pay with cash instead.

    Try to only use ATMs that are attached to banks.

    Use caution when using public or shared computers or free wifi. Free wifi and computers at public places like internet cafés and libraries may not be as safe as your personal computer.

  • Contact us if you need to

    If your credit card has been lost or stolen or if you notice suspicious transactions on your account, let us know as soon as you can and we’ll cancel the card immediately. If you’re in New Zealand, call 0800 521 521 and if you’re overseas call +64 4 473 1133. You can also put a temporary block on your card using the mobile app.

Standard terms and conditions

Lending criteria, terms and conditions, and fees apply. Interest rates, fees and limits subject to change. Download the Credit cards terms and conditions.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Kiwibank Credit Cards is provided by Tower Insurance Limited, and Tower Insurance Limited is solely responsible for any claims under the policy. Kiwibank Limited does not guarantee the obligations of, or any products provided by, Tower Insurance Limited. Important terms, conditions and exclusions are set out in the Travel Insurance for Kiwibank Credit Cards policy wording.