Wondering when’s a good time to exchange NZD on YouTrip? Here’s our guide to securing the best SGD to NZD rate! 🇳🇿
If I had to pick just one place to willingly spend the rest of my days, it would be hands down New Zealand. 🚞 In this guide, we’ll explore where to find the best SGD to NZD rates in Singapore, tips on making payments in New Zealand, and answer various other essential payment-related questions so you can have a hassle-free NZ trip!
1. What is the SGD to AUD exchange rate today?

As of March 2025, the SGD to NZD exchange rate stands at approximately 1 SGD = 1.3184 NZD. Over the past six months, the exchange rate has increased by 5.48%, reflecting a gain of 0.0685 NZD per SGD. 📈
The SGD to NZD exchange rate has shown a consistent upward trend, particularly from January 2025 onwards, indicating a steady strengthening of the Singapore Dollar against the New Zealand Dollar. 🚀

SGD to NZD historical graph – since 2003 (Source: Google Rates)
In fact, the last time the New Zealand dollar rates were close to this good was when it peaked at 1 SGD to 1.2997 NZD in January 2009 – 15 years ago! 🤯
💡 If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, now’s a great time to take advantage of these strong rates and exchange your SGD to NZD.
2. Where can I get the best SGD to AUD exchange rate in Singapore?
Surprise! The best rates aren’t at money changers or banks. To get the best SGD to AUD rate, consider using a multi-currency card like YouTrip!

Here’s why you should use a YouTrip card:
- Competitive rates: Enjoy competitive wholesale exchange rates with no inflated markups when you pay with your YouTrip card! 💳 Fun fact: Banks typically mark up mid-market rates and sneak in extra fees, leaving you with less to spend. With YouTrip, you get direct wholesale rates with zero extra charges – that basically means more New Zealand Dollar for every Singapore Dollar! 🚀
- No hidden fees: Unlike typical credit cards, YouTrip doesn’t charge users additional conversion or transaction fees. While these fees may seem insignificant (fun fact: credit cards charge an average of 2 – 3% fees per overseas transaction), they can really add up with every payment you make 📈
- Ultimate convenience: Skip the queues at money changers! Just pay with your YouTrip card for the best rates – you can also use it to withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide 💵
- Safety & security: YouTrip is fully licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). ☑️ Carry less cash and enjoy enhanced security features with your YouTrip card.
3. Cash, card, or YouTrip?
Curious how YouTrip’s AUD exchange rates stack up against cash or your regular credit card? Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll be charged when spending 1,000 NZD in New Zealand 🇳🇿:
Card | SGD to NZD rate (as of 11 Mar 2025) | Fees | SGD charged for 1,000 NZD |
YouTrip | 1 SGD = 1.317 NZD | $0 | $759.46 SGD 👑 |
DBS Credit Card | 1 SGD = 1.3009 NZD | 3.5% | $796.57 SGD |
OCBC Credit Card | 1 SGD = 1.2947 NZD | 3.5% | $800.38 SGD |
Wise | 1 SGD = 1.317 NZD | 0.2% | $760.57 SGD |
💡 Based on the comparison of rates and fees, you’ll be charged the least amount with YouTrip, followed by Wise. Paying with a regular credit card is significantly more expensive and can cost you up to S$40 more than YouTrip due to less favourable rates and high foreign transaction fees 🧐
4. How can I lock in the best NZD rates with YouTrip?

In a nutshell, YouTrip works to “unpinch” your wallet – so you don’t need to worry about losing money from exchange rate margins.
Here’s how you can lock in the best NZD rates at zero fees:
- ✅ Simply top up the desired amount of SGD you wish to change to NZD in your YouTrip wallet
- ✅ Tap on the exchange icon in your YouTrip app and YouTrip will do all the work with Smart Exchange™
- ✅ You’ll see the major currencies available for real-time currency exchange and conversion – go ahead and pick out NZD
- ✅ And there you have it, you have the best NZD rates locked in!
5. How to pay in New Zealand?

Paying in New Zealand as a tourist is super easy. New Zealand has embraced cashless payments extensively, making it convenient for travellers to pay in ways that they’re familiar with. Here are the most common payment methods in New Zealand:
- Debit & credit cards: Cards by issuers like Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and even small businesses. Some places may impose a small card surcharge.
- Prepaid cards: Prepaid travel cards like YouTrip work anywhere Mastercard payments are accepted, and can help you avoid high foreign transaction fees.
- Mobile wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are widely accepted as tap-and-go payments at many locations.
- Cash: Cash is less commonly used in cities but still common in rural areas, markets, and some small local businesses.
6. Do I need cash in New Zealand?

While urban areas and popular tourist destinations in New Zealand are predominantly cashless, it’s still a good idea to have a small amount of cash for:
- Visits to small towns or rural areas
- Cash-only local businesses, markets, or small vendors that might not have card facilities
7. Can I use my Singaporean debit or credit card in New Zealand?
Yes! Most Singapore-issued debit and credit cards work in New Zealand, especially if they’re issued by Mastercard or Visa.
Here are some helpful tips for using cards in New Zealand:
- Watch out for foreign transaction fees – Some merchants in New Zealand may apply a surcharge for card payments, particularly for credit cards. These surcharges are typically disclosed at the point of sale.
- Watch out for DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) – Always choose to be charged in NZD instead of SGD to avoid bad exchange rates.
8. Can YouTrip be used in New Zealand?

YouTrip is a prepaid Mastercard, and can be used seamlessly in New Zealand with no foreign transaction fees. It’s perfect for contactless payments, online bookings, and ATM withdrawals.
9. Can I withdraw cash in New Zealand?
Yes, but watch out for fees! Here are some tips for withdrawing cash in New Zealand:
- ✅ Check your card’s terms – regular bank-issued cards typically charge 1 – 3% per cash withdrawal
- ✅ Use major bank ATMs (ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ, Kiwibank) for lower fees and better rates
- ✅ Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist hotspots, bars, and convenience stores
- ✅ Withdraw larger amounts at once to minimize per-transaction fees
- ✅ Withdraw cash with a multi-currency card like YouTrip for favourable rates!
💡 Pro tip: Enjoy free* ATM withdrawals of up to S$400 in foreign currency per calendar month with your YouTrip card! 🆓 A 2% fee will be imposed thereafter.
Secure the best NZD rates with YouTrip!

We hope this guide helps you prepare for your trip to New Zealand! By understanding the SGD to NZD exchange rate, knowing where to get the best rates for exchanging your New Zealand Dollars, and choosing the right payment methods, you’re set for a smooth and hassle-free trip.
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers ✨ Head over to your YouTrip app and make the switch from SGD to NZD with zero fees and no markups!
💜 Looking for a go-to travel card? Sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account!
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Stay safe, and happy travels!
More articles you may enjoy:
- 10D9N New Zealand South Island Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit New Zealand: Month-By-Month Guide
- YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things to Do in New Zealand
More currency exchange guides! 🤑
- How to get the best SGD to MYR rates 🇲🇾
- How to get the best SGD to KRW rates 🇰🇷
- How to get the best SGD to CNY rates 🇨🇳
- How to get the best SGD to THB rates 🇹🇭
- How to get the best SGD to USD rates 🇺🇸
- How to get the best SGD to JPY rates 🇯🇵
- How to get the best SGD to AUD rates 🇦🇺


*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 11 Mar 2025. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.5% foreign currency transaction fee.