JTB New Zealand

Q:General Shopping/Business Hours

A: Office and businesses operate Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm; some airlines have longer hours. Petrol (gas) stations often open 24 hours, stocking food and newspapers. Shops are usually open 9am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday, with late shopping usually Thursday or Friday. Many supermarkets, grocery stores, some large retail chains, most shopping malls and markets also operate Saturdays and Sundays; large supermarkets are often open 24 hours. Local convenience stores ? dairies ? usually open 7am-7pm daily.

Q:Goods and Services Tax (GST)

A: GST (Goods and Services Tax) is applied on all products in New Zealand and is currently 12.5%. Unless otherwise stated all prices include GST. All visitors to New Zealand have to pay GST and the tax is non-refundable when leaving New Zealand.

Q: How many sheep in NZ?

A: New Zealand has 13 times as many sheep as people (approximately 47.2 million sheep in the land - although possibly less than this figure by now)

Q: Important Phone Numbers

A: Emergency services ? FREE CALL (and state police, fire and ambulance) ? 111
Local operator ? 010
International operator ? 0170
NZ directory assistance ? 018
International directory assistance ? 0172
National direct dialing full area code (with the 0 prefix) and local number
International direct dialing 00 followed by country code, area code and local number

Q: New Zealand's Currency

A: The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar and it is divided into 100 cents. Currently available are coins in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 and notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. International currency can be changed at most hotels and in many of the towns and cities Foreign Exchange booths will exchange cash and travellers cheques.

Q: New Zealand Post

A: New Zealand Post has branches in all towns and cities offering postal services for nationally and internationally. You can also obtain stamps from newsagents, supermarkets and local convenience shops.

Q: What is New Zealand's Electrical Voltage?

A: 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 only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. (Australian electrical appliances fit New Zealand sockets without an adaptor)