Summary
The cheapest and fastest way to send money overseas from New Zealand is through a specialist online money transfer service rather than a bank. If you want to send money overseas New Zealand, New Zealand banks typically charge NZD $15-35 per international wire transfer plus a less competitive exchange rate; specialist services such as OrbitRemit charge lower fees (or no flat fee for some corridors), use competitive exchange rates and often deliver funds faster; the difference adds up significantly for regular senders.
OrbitRemit is regulated in New Zealand by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 – transfers are available to over 25 destinations from New Zealand including India, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Fiji, Samoa, Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Korea and more; fees vary by corridor and are shown upfront before you confirm; the exchange rate is locked at the time of confirmation
The best method depends on your destination, amount and how urgently the funds are needed – for regular remittances to family in Asia or the Pacific, a specialist service with low flat fees is almost always the best option; for very large one-off transfers, a foreign exchange broker may offer a better rate; bank transfers remain useful when the recipient has no bank account alternatives or when a specialist service does not cover the destination
The main ways to send money overseas from New Zealand
1. Specialist online money transfer service (recommended for most senders)
Online money transfer services are purpose-built for international transfers. They process higher volumes than banks, operate on leaner margins and pass the savings on through lower fees and more competitive exchange rates.
How it works: You sign up online, verify your identity, enter the recipient’s bank details, confirm the amount and exchange rate, and fund the transfer by internet banking or debit card. The funds arrive in the recipient’s account typically within 1-3 business days depending on the destination.
Key advantages:
- Lower fees than banks – often a flat fee of NZD $4 or less, or fee-free for certain corridors
- More competitive exchange rates than bank rates
- Faster delivery for many corridors
- Easy to use on mobile
- Real-time tracking
OrbitRemit fees from New Zealand (selected corridors):
| Destination | Fee |
|---|---|
| India (INR) | NZD $4 |
| Philippines – GCash/wallets | NZD $4 |
| Philippines – bank/cash pickup | NZD $6 |
| Vietnam (VND) | NZD $4 |
| Nepal (NPR) | NZD $4 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | Free |
| South Korea (KRW) | Free |
| Bangladesh (BDT) | Free |
| Fiji (FJD) | NZD $1 |
| Samoa (WST) | NZD $2 |
Fees are shown upfront before you confirm. The exchange rate and exact destination amount are also displayed before confirmation – what you see is what your recipient gets. OrbitRemit makes its margin on the exchange rate.
2. New Zealand bank international wire transfer
Every major New Zealand bank (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank) offers international wire transfers (SWIFT transfers) to any country with a banking system.
How it works: Log into your online banking, enter the recipient’s bank account details (including SWIFT/BIC code and IBAN where required), specify the amount and currency, and submit. The bank processes the transfer through the SWIFT network.
Typical bank fees:
- Outward international wire: NZD $15-35 per transfer
- Less competitive exchange rates than specialist services
- Transfer time: 3-5 business days
When bank transfers make sense:
- The destination is not covered by any specialist service
- You are sending a very large amount and the bank’s compliance infrastructure provides additional comfort
- The recipient’s institution requires a SWIFT transfer specifically
The hidden cost of bank rates: The exchange rate a bank applies to an international transfer is typically less competitive than a specialist service’s rate – often by 1-3%. On a NZD $5,000 transfer, a 2% rate difference costs NZD $100 in addition to the wire fee. Always compare the total destination amount, not just the fee.
3. Cash pickup and agent network services
Services such as Western Union and MoneyGram allow recipients to collect cash at an agent location in the destination country – useful when the recipient does not have a bank account or needs funds urgently in cash.
How it works: You initiate the transfer online or at an agent; the recipient collects cash at a partner location (a bank, post office, pharmacy or dedicated agent) using a reference number and ID.
When cash pickup makes sense:
- The recipient has no bank account
- The recipient lives in a rural area with limited banking access
- The funds are needed in cash immediately
Typical fees: Higher than bank-to-bank transfers – often NZD $10-20 for small amounts plus a less competitive exchange rate. Always compare the total cost.
4. Mobile wallet delivery
For destinations where mobile wallets are widely used, specialist services can deliver directly to a digital wallet – often faster and cheaper than a bank deposit.
Key corridors:
- Philippines: GCash, Maya, GrabPay, Coins.ph – OrbitRemit delivers directly for NZD $4
- India: UPI-linked bank accounts receive credits near-instantly once the transfer arrives
- Vietnam: MoMo and VNPay wallets supported by some providers
5. Foreign exchange broker (for large transfers)
For very large one-off transfers (NZD $50,000+), a specialist foreign exchange broker may offer a better exchange rate than a retail transfer service. FX brokers can also offer forward contracts – locking in today’s exchange rate for a future transfer.
When an FX broker makes sense:
- Sending NZD $50,000 or more in a single transfer
- You want to lock in an exchange rate for a future settlement (e.g. property purchase overseas)
- You need personalised dealing support
How to choose the best service
Compare the all-in amount. Enter the same NZD amount in two or three services and compare how much the recipient receives in the destination currency. The all-in amount accounts for both the fee and the exchange rate margin – the only number that matters.
Check the fee structure. A flat fee (e.g. NZD $4) favours larger transfers. A percentage fee favours smaller transfers. Know which you are paying.
Check delivery speed. If the funds are needed urgently, confirm the estimated delivery time before sending. Most specialist services show estimated arrival times before confirmation.
Verify the service is regulated. Only use services registered with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as a reporting entity under New Zealand’s AML/CFT Act. You can search the DIA register at dia.govt.nz. OrbitRemit is a registered reporting entity.
Check the destination is supported. Not all services cover all countries. Verify your destination is supported before creating an account.
Sending money from New Zealand – tips
Verify your account in advance. All regulated NZ money transfer services require identity verification (a copy of your passport or driver’s licence). Complete this when you sign up – not when you need to send urgently.
Double-check recipient details. An incorrect account number, IBAN or SWIFT code is the most common cause of failed or delayed transfers. Confirm all details with your recipient before sending.
Be aware of public holidays. Transfers do not process on New Zealand or destination country public holidays. Allow an extra business day around major holidays in both countries.
Large transfers may require additional checks. Transfers above NZD $10,000 may require additional documentation under NZ AML/CFT regulations. This is standard and straightforward – having your account fully verified in advance speeds the process.
Lock in the rate when you confirm. The exchange rate shown at confirmation is the rate you get with OrbitRemit – it does not change after you confirm, even if the market rate moves before the transfer processes.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
What is the cheapest way to send money overseas from New Zealand?
A specialist online money transfer service is almost always cheaper than a bank for international transfers from New Zealand. OrbitRemit charges NZD $4 or less for most corridors, with some destinations (UK, South Korea, Bangladesh) fee-free. Banks typically charge NZD $15-35 plus a less competitive exchange rate.
How long does an international transfer from New Zealand take?
With a specialist service, most transfers arrive within 1-3 business days. Bank SWIFT transfers typically take 3-5 business days. Mobile wallet deliveries (GCash, UPI) can arrive within minutes once processed.
Is it safe to send money overseas from New Zealand?
Yes, provided you use a regulated service. Only use services registered with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as a reporting entity. OrbitRemit is a DIA-registered reporting entity regulated under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
What details do I need to send money overseas?
For bank-to-bank transfers: the recipient’s full name, bank account number, bank name and branch, and SWIFT/BIC code. For some regions (Europe), an IBAN is also required. For mobile wallet transfers (GCash, UPI): the recipient’s registered mobile number or wallet ID.
Can I send money overseas on a weekend from New Zealand?
You can initiate a transfer at any time through the OrbitRemit app. Transfers initiated on weekends or public holidays will process on the next available New Zealand banking business day.
Does OrbitRemit charge a fee to send money to the UK from New Zealand?
No – NZD to GBP transfers are fee-free with OrbitRemit. The only cost is the exchange rate margin, which is shown clearly before you confirm.
Related guides
- Cheapest ways to send money from New Zealand overseas →
- Fastest way to send money from New Zealand to India →
- Low fee money transfer from New Zealand to the UK →
- How to send money to GCash from New Zealand →
- What is an IRD number in New Zealand? →
Fees, exchange rates and transfer times are subject to change. Always verify current rates at orbitremit.com before sending. Last updated October 2026.
