GST

GST stands for "Goods and Services Tax"¹. It is a tax on most goods and services in New Zealand, most imported goods, and certain imported service.²

99% of the time, the price you see in the stores already include the GST. However, you might find some exceptions...

Nevertheless, this is the only store I know so far that presents the price like that. I honestly don't think that's something you need to be careful with.

That's it! If you wish to know more details about this tax, just check the excellent official references below.

See you! =)


## References ##

1) http://www.ird.govt.nz/gst/
2) http://www.ird.govt.nz/gst/gst-registering/gst-about/

Kiwi Bank

I opened up my bank account in a Kiwi Bank¹. It is really easy. All you need is your IRD number, your passport (the original one), a proof of address and a small amount of money to deposit. The bank teller told me that it could be any amount, so I chose to deposit NZ$ 20.00 (if you read the brochures, however, they say that you need to deposit at least NZ$ 50.00... go figure!). After that you just need to go to a Kiwi Bank and schedule an appointment (they will usually schedule it to the next day). You receive your card (EFTPOS²) on the spot and can immediately start using it!

There are dozens of accounts to choose from. I chose the one called "Free up"³, because almost everything is free. Just pay attention that, if you ever need to withdraw some money, you should do this only in the Kiwi Bank's ATMs, otherwise you'll be charged.

• Internet Banking

The Internet Banking system of the Kiwi Bank is the best one I have ever seen. Really clean and well designed, you find just the information you are looking for.

Setting up your Internet Banking account is also a piece of cake. When you open up your account, they give you a card with your Internet Banking ID (a.k.a Access Number) and a temporary password. All you have to do is go to the IB website⁴ and put those information in the form.

The system will then ask you to change your password, and to create some pairs of questions and answers (a.k.a KeepSafe). Next time you log in into your account you will be asked for your password and for one of the questions you have previous set up. Really easy! =)

Hope you found this post useful! If you have any queries, feel free to ask me!



## Links & Resources ##

1) http://www.kiwibank.co.nz/
2) http://www.kiwibank.co.nz/personal-banking/ways-to-bank/atm-and-eftpos/eftpos.asp
3) http://www.kiwibank.co.nz/personal-banking/everyday-banking/freeup.asp
4) https://www.ib.kiwibank.co.nz/

Getting the IRD number

In order for you to work in New Zealand, you must have not only a work permit of any kind, but also an IRD number. IRD stands for Inland Revenue Department¹. It is the number that your employer will use to discount taxes of your wage/salary. However, after you leave New Zealand, you can actually get a good part of that discounted money back.

If you have a Working Holiday Visa, making your IRD number is the first (and only) thing you need to do before actually start looking for jobs. The good thing about it is that it is really easy to do! You just need to fill out the IRD form (you can find it here²) and provide one of the documents listed in Category A, as well as one of the documents listed in Category B. For both categories, you must provide the original one and its photocopy.

In my case, for Category A, I showed my overseas passport (if you use your passport as well, pay attention that you must also photocopy the page containing the stamp the immigration stamped in your passport when you arrived) . For Category B I showed a letter of enrollment of my school (just ask for it in your school. In my case, the school took 2 days to make it).

With your documents in hand, all you have to do is go to a PostShop (a.k.a Post Office. You can find the closest near you here³) or an Automobile Association and give them the documents (the originals will only be used to check the photocopies, so don't worry, they won't keep them!). Within 10 working days the card with your IRD number will be delivered in the address you put in the form.

That's all! If you have any queries, just give me a holler! =)


# Update - 01/03/2012 #

My IRD card took a little long to be delivered. It just arrived today (that is, almost one week after the set deadline date). However, if your card also takes more time than the expected 10 working days to arrive, you just have to give them a call⁴ (0800 377 774) and ask them to tell you what your IRD number is. Interviewers just ask for your IRD number (not the card itself), so, there is no need for panic! =)



## Links & Resources ##

1) http://www.ird.govt.nz
2) http://www.ird.govt.nz/forms-guides/title/forms-i/ir595-form-individualirdapp.html?id=homepage
3) http://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/postshop-kiwibank-locator  
4) http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/