About New Zealand
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Airport Departure Tax
An airport departure tax of $25 (includes GST) per person is payable by all passengers departing from any of New Zealand International airports (excluding Auckland where the departure tax is included on your ticket).
New Zealand operates a decimal currency system. Most internationally recognised currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged easily at banks, hotels and international airports upon presentation of your passport.
Normal banking hours are Monday to Friday, 0900 – 1630. Banks are closed on weekends and on public holidays.
Most international credit cards are honoured in hotels, restaurants, shops and department stores. Many may also be used as cash cards in numerous automatic teller machines available, please check with your bank before departure.
New Zealand has a very strict policy on the importation of food and other organic materials. All luggage will be x-rayed on arrival. Instant fines may be levied for any undeclared food items found. Please ensure you dispose of the food before entering the customs area of any New Zealand International Airport.
In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road. It is compulsory for everyone in the car to wear seat belts. Maximum speed limit for the open road in New Zealand is 100 kilometres/hour (62 mph). Drivers generally travel slightly under the speed limit.
Drivers License requirements when you enter New Zealand on a Visitor’s Permit are a current international driving permit, or current drivers license issued in a country other than New Zealand. Then you are qualified to drive in New Zealand in those vehicles covered by your permit/license for up to 12 months from the date that you enter New Zealand.
For more detailed information, please visit New Zealand Government Land Transport Safety Authority website: www.ltsa.govt.nz/overseasdrivers
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors/hairdryers only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Power outlets are the flat three or two-pin plug also used in Australia. The meeting will not supply adaptors but these are readily available in many stores.
Exchange Rates
Banks will be able to tell you what the current exchange rate is with the NZ Dollar. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand website www.rbnz.govt.nz provides a monthly online summary of the NZ Dollars average against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.
You can calculate the approximate value of about 30 currencies in NZ Dollars on the Bank of New Zealand website www.bnz.co.nz. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed process. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor’s home address the GST will not be charged.
No vaccination certificates are required. There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand.
In registering for the ANZCA ASM, participants agree that neither The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, the Regional Organising Committee nor Conference Innovators assume any liability whatsoever.
Participants must make their own arraqngements for health and travel insurance.
New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment comparable to those in Australia. However, it is important to note that services are not free, except in the case of accident, and it is strongly advised that you arrange your own health insurance before leaving home.
Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with New Zealand. The agreement provides Australian citizens and permanent residents visiting New Zealand with urgent or emergency hospital services, pharmaceuticals or maternity services (excluding routine ante natal services). Any costs above these services such as extra accommodation costs, flights for family members and other medical costs are not covered by the agreement. You will need travel insurance to cover thse costs.
If you wish to be treated under the reciprocal health agreement you must advise the local medical staff and show your current Australian passport or evidence of Australian permanent residency and a valid Medicare card. Further information is available from the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Medicare Australia.
New Zealand has three official languages of which English is almost universally spoken. The other official languages are New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Local Christchurch time during May is 12 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +12).
Mobile telephones in New Zealand operate on the digital system; therefore mobile telephones from countries that operate on the analogue system, unless the phone is tri-band GSM or CDMA will not work. Short term mobile telephones are available at Vodafone and telecom stores when you arrive in New Zealand.
Phone Cards:
For landline telephone use, you may wish to purchase a prepaid phone card to use when placing calls home. It will help you to avoid the higher rates and access fees charged by the hotel. Be sure to contact your calling card supplier to get the international calling access code.
For information on requirements for traveling to New Zealand please click here or talk to your local travel agent.
For information about New Zealand’s visa requirements, please click here.
Registration Desk Opening Hours
For more information regarding the 2010 ASM please contact the Registration Desk:
Telephone: +64 3 363 3379
Fax: +64 3 363 3363
Registration Desk Opening Hours: (New Zealand Time)
Saturday 1 May: 7.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday 2 May: 7.00am - 6.00pm
Monday 3 May: 7.00am - 2.00pm
Tuesday 4 May: 7.00am - 6.00pm
Wednesday 5 May: 7.00am - 1.00pm
Rental Cars and Campervans (Motorhomes)
There are many rental car companies to choose from with most having depots at airports or being situated in the city centre. Some of the main companies are Avis, Budget, Hertz for rental cars and Maui, Tui and NZ Motorhomes for campervans. Please refer to useful links for website information.
New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first-class healthcare and accident compensation system. However, we recommed you observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home. The emergency telephone number or Police, Fire and Ambulance is 111.
To protect people from the health effects of secondhand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes and casinos is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service – even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets. Bottled spring water is available for purchase through the hotels or any supermarket in Christchurch City.