Planning a trip to New Zealand? Roaming charges can quickly add up, turning your dream vacation into an unexpected financial burden. In this post, we'll dive into the world of roaming in New Zealand, breaking down the costs, explaining when charges apply, and offering smart solutions to keep you connected without draining your wallet.

Are There Roaming Charges in New Zealand?

Yes, roaming charges can apply when you use your phone in New Zealand. If you're traveling from overseas and using your home network's service, you might incur additional fees for calls, texts, and data usage. These charges can vary significantly depending on your home network and the agreements they have with New Zealand carriers. It's crucial to check with your provider before you travel to understand the potential costs and explore alternatives for staying connected.

When Do Roaming Charges Apply in New Zealand?

Roaming charges typically kick in as soon as your phone connects to a New Zealand network. This happens when you turn on your phone after landing or when you cross the border into New Zealand. These charges apply to all cellular services - making calls, sending texts, and using mobile data. Even if you're not actively using your phone, some apps might run in the background and use data, potentially leading to unexpected charges. It's important to be aware that simply having your phone on in New Zealand can result in roaming fees.

Roaming Fees and Charges in New Zealand

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

Here's a breakdown of roaming charges and plans for some major international carriers for the New Zealand:

EE (UK): [1]

• Making a call: £1.20 per minute

• Receiving a call: £1.20 per minute

• Sending a text: 60p per text

• You'll need to purchase a data add-on upon arrival

Vodafone (UK): [2]

• Making a call: 60p per minute

• Receiving a call: 36p per minute

• Sending a text: 8p per text

• Internet: 12p per MB

O2 (UK): [3]

• Making a call: £2 per minute

• Receiving a call: £2 per minute

• Sending a text: 50p per text

• Internet: £7.20 per MB

Orange: [4]

Orange Holiday New Zealand package limited to 14 days for €24.99:

• 10 GB in 4G/LTE

• Calls NOT included

• Messages NOT included

Movistar (Spain): [5]

• Internet: €12.10 per MB

• To Spain or local numbers: €3.03 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• To other destinations: €4.83 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• Receiving calls: €3.03 per minute + €1.94 connection fee

• Sending SMS to any destination: €1.21 per SMS

• Sending MMS to any destination: €4.84 per MMS

KPN (Netherlands): [6]

• Internet: €2.50 per MB

• Making a call: €1 per minute

• Receiving a call: €0.50 per minute

• Sending a text: €0.30 per text

Rogers (Canada): [7]

• $15.00 per 10 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $3.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Telstra (Australia): [8]

$5 AUD per day for "International Day Pass"

• 2 GB data

• Unlimited calls/SMS

Verizon (USA): [9]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $10 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [10]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

Keep in mind that these charges can add up quickly, especially for longer stays, making alternatives like Roamless eSIM an attractive option for many travelers.

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in New Zealand

To steer clear of hefty roaming fees in New Zealand, follow these steps:

• Contact your home network provider before your trip to understand their roaming policies and rates.

• Consider turning off data roaming in your phone settings to prevent automatic connections.

• Utilize Wi-Fi whenever possible for internet access, calls, and messaging.

• If you need cellular service, look into purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in New Zealand.

• Explore eSIM options like Roamless, which can offer more flexible and cost-effective data plans.

• Use offline maps and download content before your trip to reduce data usage.

You can read our guide on how to avoid roaming charges for more details. If you must use your home network, opt for any available travel passes or bundles to cap your daily spending.

Roamless eSIM: A Smart Solution for New Zealand Travelers

Roamless eSIM offers several advantages for those visiting New Zealand:

• No Speed Throttling: Enjoy full-speed data throughout your stay, enhancing your ability to navigate, stream, and stay connected.

• Pay-As-You-Go Flexibility: Only pay for the data you actually use, avoiding overpriced bundles or unused allowances.

• Non-Expiring Funds: Your credit remains valid for future trips, providing excellent value for frequent travelers.

• Multi-Country Compatibility: Ideal for those exploring multiple destinations, as there's no need to juggle country-specific plans.

• Local Network Speeds: Connect at the same speeds as local users, ensuring a smooth online experience.

• Easy Activation: Set up your eSIM before you leave home, guaranteeing immediate connectivity upon arrival in New Zealand.

You can visit our eSIM New Zealand page or read our guide on the best eSIM for New Zealand before planning your travel. By leveraging these features, Roamless eSIM provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for staying connected in New Zealand, eliminating the stress of traditional roaming charges and offering the flexibility modern travelers need.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/newzealand

[2] https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/costs-and-charges/travelling-abroad

[3] https://www.o2.co.uk/international/using-your-phone-abroad

[4] https://travel.orange.com/en/buy-a-sim/offers/new-zealand/esim

[5] https://www.movistar.es/tarifas-moviles/roaming/#Nueva%20Zelanda

[6] https://www.kpn.com/mobiel-abonnement/bundels/buitenland.htm#bundels_tarieven

[7] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[8] https://www.telstra.com.au/international-roaming#eligible-destinations

[9] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[10] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass