What is the Best Way to Pay in Niue?

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Cash (New Zealand Dollars)

Cash is the most accepted payment method in Niue. There are a couple of instances where cash is the only accepted payment method, such as for some tour operators and at the markets. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to have some New Zealand Dollars in cash available throughout your visit.

However, like anywhere in the world, most travellers don’t like to travel with all the cash they will need for one holiday for obvious security reasons. If you would rather withdraw some New Zealand Dollars once you arrive in Niue, below are your limited options.

Withdrawing Cash in Niue

Although there is no ATM in Niue, you can withdraw cash from outlets such as Kiwibank, Swanson Supermarket, Bond Store and Niue Rentals. Note there is a fee for using withdrawal services, usually around NZ$2-$5 and around 5% extra if using a credit card to withdraw. You can only withdraw cash using a MasterCard, Visa or New Zealand debit (EFTPOS) card.

Currency Exchange in Niue

Foreign exchange on the island is only available with Niue Rentals, based in Alofi North. Note that they only exchange US Dollars and Australian Dollars; no other currencies. Foreign exchange is not available at Kiwibank.

Not sure how much cash to take with you to Niue? See How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Niue? for advice.

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Credit and New Zealand Debit Cards

For ease and security, debit and credit cards are a popular payment method for many travellers. In Niue, the only accepted cards are MasterCard, Visa and New Zealand debit cards. Many shops, services and restaurants accept card payments but note that there is still the odd business, like some tour operators, that don’t.

Which Credit/Debit Cards are Accepted in Niue?

Typically, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in Niue. New Zealand debit cards are also accepted, as explained in Can You Use Your New Zealand Bank Card in Niue? Some businesses also accept some Australian debit cards, like Niue Blue.

Credit and Debit Card Charges

If you are using a credit card from overseas with a currency other than New Zealand Dollars, you will likely have a fee for a “foreign currency service” for each transaction made in Niue. It’s typically 1-3% of the transaction in your home currency.

Plus, some Niuean businesses apply a credit and debit card surcharge of 3-5% on each transaction. Withdrawing cash from one of the outlets stated in the section above will also incur a fee, typically around NZ$2-$5.

Learn more about using credit cards in Niue in Can You Use Your Credit Card in Niue?

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Travel Money Cards

For travellers doing a round-the-world trip or travelling often, travel money cards are a secure and easy option for paying overseas. Also called travel prepaid cards, travel money cards allow you to load your own prepaid funds in your local currency that you can then spend in one of the selected currencies your chosen travel money card allows. There are many travel money cards available out there that have New Zealand Dollars as an applicable currency. However, you will only be able to use travel money cards in Niue if it is a Visa or MasterCard card.

Banks, exchange bureaus, airlines and a wide array of businesses offer travel money card products, each with its own rates and fees. Typically, you will pay an exchange rate with each purchase, pay a rate to load your card, and pay a fee to transfer funds to your bank account. Bear this in mind when weighing up your payment options for Niue.

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Traveller’s Cheques

We’ll keep this section short. There are no outlets in Niue that accept traveller’s cheques.

Do not purchase a traveller’s cheque in New Zealand Dollars hoping to use it in Niue.

Use one of the other payment methods outlined in this guide.