Why the Order Matters So Much
New Zealand's administrative systems chain together more tightly than most newcomers expect. Nearly everything you need requires a local mobile number; being paid requires an IRD number; paying rent and setting up utilities requires a bank account. Get the sequence wrong and you will lose a fortnight to circular problems.
The order is: SIM card → IRD number → bank account. Everything else follows.
Step 1 — A New Zealand Mobile Number (Day 1)
- Buy a prepaid SIM from the airport on arrival, or from a supermarket or phone retailer the same day. Expect $20–$40.
- Set it up immediately. Two-factor authentication for banks, government services and utilities runs on a local number, and an overseas number will fail repeatedly at exactly the wrong moments.
- Keep the number long-term. Changing it later means re-verifying every account you have opened.
Step 2 — An IRD Number (Days 1–2)
You need an IRD number to be taxed correctly and to be paid at the right rate — without it, income is taxed at the no-notification rate, which is higher than it should be.
- Apply online at ird.govt.nz. The form generally cannot be submitted before you are in the country.
- It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but the number itself can take longer to issue — and if it is posted, allow up to 20 days.
- Apply on arrival, not when you start work. Starting a job late in the week is a common reason people miss the first pay run.
- Your IRD letter doubles as address evidence for a bank, which is why it should come before step 3.
Step 3 — A Bank Account (Days 2–3)
- Most banks let you apply online once you have a mobile number and an IRD number, then finish the process in a branch.
- Bring your passport, visa and IRD number. Proof of address is the awkward requirement — some banks accept a hostel or temporary address if you are on a working holiday visa, and an IRD letter can serve as evidence.
- Open the account before you sign a tenancy. Rent, bonds, power and broadband all need a New Zealand account, and a tenancy application is stronger with one already in place.
Steps 4 to 7 — Housing, Transport, Health, School
| Day | Task | Key numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Days 3–4 | Accommodation and utilities | Bond capped at 4 weeks' rent (about $2,320 on the national median of $580/week); pet bond up to 2 weeks. Letting fees are unlawful. |
| Days 4–5 | Transport | Get a local transit card — AT HOP in Auckland, Snapper in Wellington. You can drive on an overseas licence for up to 18 months. |
| Days 5–6 | Enrol with a GP | Enrolled adult visit $45–$75; casual visits $70–$90 or more; under-14s usually free. Prescriptions $5 per item. |
| Days 6–7 | Enrol children at school | Children start at age 5. With prior schooling, newcomers can enrol at any time of year. Many schools have zones. |
What the First Month Costs
- Bond and advance rent: $2,900–$3,500 on a $580-a-week rental, covering a four-week bond plus one to two weeks in advance.
- SIM card: $20–$40 prepaid.
- IRD number and bank account: free, but they gate everything else.
- Power and broadband connections: connection fees and the first month, commonly $150–$300 depending on the retailer's incentives.
- Basic house set-up: $3,000–$8,000 if you arrive with nothing and need beds, whiteware and furniture.
- A car, if you need one outside the main centres: budget $6,000–$12,000 for something reliable, plus the average $131.94 motor vehicle levy for 2026/27 and insurance.
Plan for two months of expenses before your first full pay cycle, even if you have a job offer. Start dates and pay cycles rarely line up as neatly as the offer letter suggests.
Three Things People Forget
- Tell your bank at home. Notify them you are now resident in New Zealand, and sort out any remaining accounts before you lose access.
- Register on the electoral roll if you are a resident — it helps with identity verification for years afterwards.
- Keep every confirmation. IRD letters, enrolment confirmations and tenancy agreements are the evidence base for anything you apply for later, including permanent residence and citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an IRD number in New Zealand?
The online application takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but the number itself can take longer to issue, and if it is posted it can take up to 20 days to arrive. Apply as soon as you arrive — the form generally cannot be submitted before you are in the country.
Can I open a New Zealand bank account before I get an IRD number?
Most banks want both a mobile number and an IRD number, so the practical order is SIM card, then IRD number, then bank account. Applying for the IRD number first is useful because the IRD letter can serve as proof of address for the bank.
Why do I need a New Zealand mobile number first?
Almost every New Zealand bank, government service and utility uses two-factor authentication on a local mobile number. With an overseas number you will fail verification repeatedly, which blocks the bank account and everything that depends on it.
How much does it cost to set up in the first month in New Zealand?
On a $580-a-week rental, expect around $2,900–$3,500 for bond and advance rent, $20–$40 for a SIM, $150–$300 for power and broadband connections, and $3,000–$8,000 if you need to furnish a home from scratch.