| Time: | Local time is GMT +12. |
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| Electricity: | Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. |
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| Language: | The official languages are English and Maori, but English is the everyday language most widely spoken. |
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| Health: | There are no health risks associated with travel to New Zealand. A reciprocal health agreement exists with the UK, which entitles nationals, with proof of residence, to free emergency hospital treatment, but health insurance is recommended to cover any additional charges and for those not entitled to free emergency treatment. |
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| Safety: | New Zealand has a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the world, however sensible precautions against petty theft are still advised. |
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| Customs: | Quarantine procedures mean that strict bio-security regulations are in place at immigration points into the country. It is illegal to import most foodstuffs, and care should be taken when importing wood products, golf clubs and shoes (may have soil and dirt attached), and items made from animal skin (e.g. crocodile handbags). The immigration arrivals card has full details. |
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| Business: | Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. |
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| Communications: | The international access code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0061 for Australia). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)9 for Auckland and (0)4 for the Wellington region. Vodafone offers GSM 900 coverage in and around the main cities and popular holiday areas. Internet cafes are widely available. |
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| Duty Free: | Travellers to New Zealand over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these; 1.125 litres or 1 litre spirits or liqueurs, and 4.5 litres wine, port or sherry, or 4.5 litres beer. Goods exceeding the allowances must be declared. Personal effects not dutiable include items such as jewellery, binoculars, portable radios, prams, camping equipment, cameras and video cameras. Prohibited items include concealed firearms, foodstuffs, animals, plants and plant products. It is forbidden to export Greenstone, Maori antiquities and Paua shells (unless they are products manufactured from such shells). |
