The Best Payment Methods for Niue
How should you pay for things in Niue? Everyone has their preferences when it comes to paying for things overseas. However, Niue has a few things that make it special. First, New Zealanders coming to Niue will have the advantage of paying in the same currency as home, where using New Zealand debit cards is widely accepted. However, not all businesses in Niue accept card payments, so having some New Zealand Dollars on hand is essential. We go over the currency, what payment methods are available, where to withdraw cash (as there are no ATMs) and more in this guide on the best way to pay in Niue.
Before we get into the different payment methods in Niue, be sure to bookmark our Niue Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Niue Cost? for its full budget overview or The Travel Guide to Niue on a Budget for more advice.
Currency in Niue
First things first, you need to know the currency in Niue. Niue uses the New Zealand Dollar, usually seen written as “NZD” or “NZ$”.
Coins come in values of $2, $1, 50c, 20c and 10c.
Notes come in values of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5.
See our complete article on What is the Currency of Niue? for more information.
(c) niuepocketguide.comPaying with Cash (New Zealand Dollars)
Cash is the most accepted payment method in Niue, so it’s always a good idea to have some New Zealand Dollars in cash available throughout your visit.
Withdrawing Cash in Niue
Although there is no ATM in Niue, you can withdraw cash from outlets such as Kiwibank, Swanson Supermarket, Bond Store, Double M and Niue Rentals. Note there is a fee for using withdrawal services, usually around NZ$5. You can only withdraw cash using a New Zealand debit card, MasterCard or Visa.
Currency Exchange in Niue
Foreign exchange on the island is only available with Niue Rentals, based in Alofi. 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.
(c) niuepocketguide.comPaying with Credit Cards 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 New Zealand debit cards, MasterCard and Visa. Many shops, services and restaurants accept card payments but note that there are still a significant number of businesses 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.
Credit 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, many Niuean businesses apply a credit 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$5.
Learn more about using credit cards in Niue in Can You Use Your Credit Card in Niue? and find out about using New Zealand bank cards here.
(c) niuepocketguide.comPaying with 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 with funds, and pay a fee to transfer funds to your bank account. Bear this in mind when weighing up your payment options for Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comPaying with 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.
For more money advice, see 11 Money Tips for Niue.
More About the Best Way to Pay in Niue and Other Travel Tips
- Niue Tax Guide for Travellers
- What is the Cost of Travelling in Niue?
- 10 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Niue
That’s it for the best way to pay in Niue. Now check out The Complete Travel Guide to Niue and the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue for even more trip-planning advice.
