Your first two weeks in New Zealand: a newcomer checklist

Arriving in New Zealand, a few setup tasks unlock everything else — getting paid, renting, seeing a doctor. Here is a sensible order.

Do these first

1. Get a NZ SIM / phone number. Many later steps ask for a local number. Major networks: One NZ, Spark, 2degrees.
2. Open a bank account. You usually need a passport and proof of a NZ address; some banks let you start the application before you arrive. See Opening a NZ bank account.
3. Apply for an IRD number. You need this to be taxed correctly at work (without it you’re taxed at the highest rate). See IRD numbers and tax basics.
4. Enrol with a GP (doctor). Enrolling lowers your visit costs and gives you a regular clinic. See Enrolling with a GP.
5. Sort out driving. Your overseas licence is valid for a limited time — plan your conversion early. See Converting your driver licence.

Good to know

• Emergencies: dial 111 (police, fire, ambulance). For non-emergency health advice, Healthline 0800 611 116 has interpreters.
• ACC covers treatment for accidental injuries for everyone in NZ — one reason personal-injury liability works differently here. See Insurance basics.
• Finding a place to live? Know your tenancy rights before signing — see Renting in New Zealand. Moving with kids? School zones depend on your address — see Enrolling your child in a NZ school.
• Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, qualifications, and any overseas references.

Official sources

• Living in NZ — govt.nz
• Immigration NZ — immigration.govt.nz

Browse the directory: find Korean-friendly clinics, accountants and other services in Auckland and the North Shore. Know a Korean-friendly business we’ve missed? Submit a listing — it’s free.

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한국어 안내

도착 직후에는 다음 순서로 처리하면 이후 절차가 수월합니다.

1. 현지 휴대폰 번호 개통 (One NZ, Spark, 2degrees).
2. 은행 계좌 개설 — 여권과 뉴질랜드 주소 증빙이 보통 필요하며, 일부 은행은 입국 전 신청이 가능합니다.
3. IRD 번호 신청 — 없으면 최고 세율로 원천징수되니 취업 전 꼭 신청하세요.
4. GP(주치의) 등록 — 등록하면 진료비가 줄고 단골 클리닉이 생깁니다.
5. 운전면허 — 해외 면허 사용 기간이 제한되어 있으니 일찍 전환을 준비하세요.

응급 시 111, 건강 상담은 Healthline 0800 611 116(통역 지원). 집을 구한다면 계약 전 임대 가이드를, 자녀가 있다면 학교 등록 안내를 함께 보세요. 자세한 내용은 위 각 가이드를 참고하세요.

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