3 Best SIM Cards for New Zealand in 2024

Kia Ora for everyone going to New Zealand for travel, working holidays, or studying abroad! Are you getting ready to go to New Zealand? New Zealand is full of attractions, such as the Maori culture of the "Haka" famous for the All Blacks, the hot springs of Rotorua, bungee jumping and skydiving in Queenstown, and the magnificent scenery of Milford Sound. A comfortable internet environment is essential for collecting information and communicating during your trip while expanding the fun of visiting various tourist spots. Here we will introduce the recommended SIM cards for traveling to New Zealand and the points to consider when choosing one. Please make use of the information introduced below to make your trip to New Zealand more comfortable.

1. Communication quality, area coverage rate, and fees

Checking communication area

New Zealand SIM cards provide stable communication services not only in urban areas such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, but also in rural areas. High-speed 4G communication is common in major tourist destinations, but in some rural areas, only 3G may be available. It is a good idea to check the area coverage rate in advance. For example, popular tourist destinations such as Rotorua, Queenstown, and Milford Sound are also covered.

Data capacity and communication speed

4G is widely available in New Zealand, and you can expect comfortable communication speeds in urban areas and tourist destinations. Choose a data plan that suits your travel style. If you watch a lot of videos or upload a lot of photos and videos, a large-capacity data plan is convenient. A large-capacity data plan is also useful for sharing activities in Queenstown and the scenery of Milford Sound.

Rate plan

Choose the best plan depending on the amount of data you will use and the duration of your stay in New Zealand. A daily plan is convenient for short stays, while a monthly plan is economical for long stays. By choosing a plan that suits your travel dates, you can ensure a comfortable communication environment while keeping costs down. It may be a good idea to choose a plan that allows you to enjoy your hot spring experience in Rotorua or upload photos to social media during a cruise at Milford Sound without worrying about data usage.

2. Check the type and size of your SIM card in advance

There are several types of SIM cards

Choose a SIM card that matches your smartphone. In addition to traditional physical SIM cards (standard SIM , micro SIM , nano SIM ), the number of users of the latest " eSIM" that is built into smartphones has been increasing in recent years. Be sure to check which SIM card your smartphone supports before you leave.

3. How to obtain a SIM card

Where and how to purchase a SIM card

In New Zealand, SIM cards can be purchased at major airports such as Auckland International Airport and Christchurch International Airport, mobile phone shops, and even some convenience stores and supermarkets. When purchasing, you will generally be asked to show identification (passport). If you purchase locally, you will need to go through a simple registration process to activate the SIM card, which may take some time. If you are not confident in your English, it is a good idea to purchase one in advance in Japan.

■The eSIM "VOYAGE eSIM" for traveling to New Zealand, which can be purchased in advance in Japan , can be purchased here .

Recommended for traveling to New Zealand! Local SIM cards

■Spark SIM

Spark is one of the largest telecommunications operators in New Zealand, offering an extensive 4G and 5G network. Prepaid SIM cards, especially for tourists, are available at airports and Spark stores. Spark SIM cards also allow you to make calls and send text messages within New Zealand, making it convenient for you to communicate while traveling.

■ Vodafone SIM

Vodafone is one of the major telecommunications companies in New Zealand, offering an extensive 4G and 5G network. Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are available at airports and Vodafone stores, and can be used after a simple registration process. Vodafone SIM cards also allow calls and text messages within New Zealand.

■ 2degrees SIM

2degrees is a New Zealand telecommunications company that offers high quality service at affordable prices. Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are available at airports and 2degrees stores, and can be activated with a simple procedure. 2degrees SIM cards allow you to make calls, send texts, and use data, so you can enjoy the internet while traveling comfortably around New Zealand.

Things to note when purchasing a SIM card in New Zealand

Where to get a SIM card and how to pay

In New Zealand, SIM cards can be purchased mainly at Auckland and Christchurch airports, mobile phone shops, some convenience stores and supermarkets. You may have to line up to purchase a SIM card, it may take time to activate the card, and you may need to show a passport, so plan ahead. The most common payment method in New Zealand is a debit card called "EFTPOS," but credit cards such as Visa and Master are also commonly used. Some stores may not accept some credit cards, so check before using them. It's a good idea to prepare multiple payment methods in advance, including cash.

Choose the data plan that's right for you

If you use your Japanese plan when communicating in New Zealand, you may be charged high roaming fees. Be sure to check the option restrictions and contract details carefully and choose a plan that suits your usage.

Check the compatible SIM cards

Before you travel, be sure to check which SIM card your smartphone is compatible with. If you need to replace your SIM card, it's a good idea to also have a pin to open the SIM card tray and decide where to keep your current SIM card.

Is the SIM locked?

Before you travel, check whether the smartphone you are bringing with you is SIM -locked by your carrier and whether it can be unlocked. If it is SIM -locked, you may not be able to use the SIM card you purchased in New Zealand. Be sure to check in advance.

If you're going to New Zealand, we definitely recommend an eSIM !

■Benefits of using " eSIM " in New Zealand

We strongly recommend the latest " eSIM " (embedded SIM ) for your trip to New Zealand. Unlike conventional real SIM cards, " eSIM " is a digital SIM that is built into your smartphone. This new technology eliminates the need to physically replace SIM cards, and allows you to communicate online in just a few steps. There is no longer any need to rent, carry, or charge a Wi-Fi router, which was previously inconvenient, and there is no need to return it. This is sure to make your stay in New Zealand more comfortable. Take advantage of the new " eSIM " technology and experience the next generation of convenient and comfortable travel.

■ Recommended for traveling to New Zealand! If you want an eSIM, try "VOYAGE eSIM"

Click here for a list of products

You can choose from three plans: 6GB for 10 days, 8GB for 15 days, and 12GB for 30 days.

With " VOYAGEE SIM ", you don't need to replace your SIM card in Japan! No need to wait for a purchase! Just buy it online and set it up in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will be able to use data communication immediately! It's simple, convenient, and smart!

*The communications service for this product is provided by China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited .

summary

For those of you planning a trip to New Zealand, we recommend using an " eSIM " as it is simple, convenient and comfortable. In this article, we have introduced the best SIM cards for traveling to New Zealand, in particular the benefits of " eSIMs ", as well as points to note when using them. To make your trip even more convenient and comfortable, use an " eSIM " for internet communication, eliminating the hassle of advance preparations, and enjoying New Zealand's beautiful nature and abundant activities to the fullest! We hope this article makes your trip to New Zealand more comfortable.