Summer Time, where clocks are advanced one hour, operates from October until March. Because of its position close to the International Date Line, if you are flying west you loose a day coming to New Zealand. Electricity is supplied domestically throughout New Zealand at 230 volts 50 hertz alternating current. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets for electric razors only. New Zealand operates a decimal currency system, with one dollar made up of 100 cents.
Exchange rates vary according to international monetary conditions.
Paying by credit card is widely accepted throughout New Zealand, with commonly accepted cards including Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Master Charge. Travellers cheques can be changed at trading banks, large city hotels and many other trading organisations in the main cities and principal tourist resorts. New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies and tap water is always safe to drink. Visitors, however, should not drink unboiled or untreated water from lakes and streams. There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand.