Buy US Dollars (USD)

Online Rate*: 1 NZD =
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What is the US currency?

Currency:	US Dollar
Central Bank:	Federal Reserve Bank
Currency symbol:	$ (dollar)
Currency sub unit:	¢ (cent)
Nicknames:	greenback, buck, dough, green
Bank notes:	$1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Coins:	1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1

As the official currency of America, the US d (USD) is one of the most dominant reserve currencies in the world and is also the main tender for several other countries or regions outside the United States, including the Caribbean, Ecuador and El Salvador.

Don’t be surprised to hear dollars being referred to as ‘bucks’ when you are out and about, this is a commonly used nickname! You may also hear 5 cent coins referred to as a ‘nickel’, a 10 cent coin as a ‘dime’ and a 25 cent coin as a ‘quarter’.

Tipping is standard practice across America and you will be expected to pay up to 15% on top of your meal – or even 20% for upmarket restaurants. Thankfully, portion sizes tend to be very generous indeed, so you’re unlikely to feel short-changed!

BUY USD BUYING TIPS

Easy USD currency bundle options for your trip

US dollar

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Most popular amount

USD 1,200

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United States of America
American dollar

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CARD

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USA	Canada
US dollar	Canadian dollar

CARD

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*^{USD and CAD are pre-selected as default and can be amended.}

USD goes further with the Travelex Money Card

Travel smarter with Travelex's Travel Money Card and enjoy even better rates than cash:

$0 Eftpos Fees
$0 ATM Fees¹
$0 Online Shopping Fees²

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^{1. Travelex does not charge ATM fees, some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. 2. Transacting via some online merchants may incur a surcharge.}

What to spend your dollars on

Smart gambling in Vegas

1 USD
A cab from Grand Central Station to
the Empire State Building

5.50 USD
Catch an LA Lakers game (from)

35 USD
Watch an IMAX at the L.A. Chinese Theatre

19 USD
Sip fresh coffee at Central Park

4 USD

How many dollars will I need?**

What’s your budget like?

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Please select your budget above.

How many people are travelling?

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How many days are you going for?

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Total spending money needed:

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Must-sees in the United States

New York
This bustling metropolis is full of great landmarks. The Empire State Building, Broadway theatre district and Madison Square Garden are just three of them, begging to be explored!

New Orleans
A vibrant clash of American, Caribbean and French influences, New Orleans is especially known for its live blues and jazz music.

Miami
Miami features a unique blend of Hispanic and American culture that you won’t find anywhere else. Take it all in while you walk the famous South Beach.

Payment options in America

Payment methods in the US are fairly consistent nationwide. Credit cards and travel cards are widely accepted, though cash is still useful in many everyday situations—especially for small transactions and local spots.

USD Cash US Travel Money Card Debit or credit cards

Perfect for: Tipping, taxis, diners & small businesses.
Pros: Widely accepted, handy in rural areas.
Cons: Harder to track spending, not as secure.

Why use physical cash?

US dollars are accepted everywhere in the States, making them a reliable payment option—especially at places that don't take cards, like street vendors, food trucks, or local bars.
Having foreign currency on you also makes it easy to tip at pubs or restaurants, which is a big part of US service culture.

Things to consider:

Pickpocketing can happen in busy cities, so avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Foreign cash can make managing your travel budget tricky, as it’s harder to track spending in real time.

Perfect for: Safer travel with locked-in exchange rates.
Pros: Reload online, store multiple currencies, easy replacements.
Cons: Top-up times can vary, some ATM fees apply.

Why use a travel money card?

Travel money cards let you load USD in advance using Australian dollars.
They’re safer than carrying a lot of foreign cash and easy to cancel or replace if lost. Many cards let you order a backup to take with you.
You can lock in your dollar exchange rate at your time of purchase, helping you avoid unexpected costs and transparent fees.

Things to consider:

ATM withdrawals may attract a small fee, depending on the provider.
Reloading your card may take a day or two, so plan ahead for top-ups

Perfect for: Hotel deposits, car hire, emergencies.
Pros: Convenient, widely accepted across the US.
Cons: Foreign exchange rates and transaction fees may apply.

Why use a debit or credit card?

US stores, hotels and restaurants widely accept major cards like Visa and Mastercard.
They’re perfect for booking deposits and higher-value purchases without using up your bank account funds or physical cash.

Things to consider:

Smaller places—like cafes, bars or food trucks— often prefer cash to avoid processing fees.
There may be minimum spend limits, and your bank might charge extra for international payment processing.
Before heading overseas, it’s worth checking your card’s fees so you can get the best value out of every spend.

Discover where to buy USD in NZ

You can buy USD online and pick up your travel money in-store at any of our 24 currency exchange locations across New Zealand.

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Related services & travel resources

Foreign cash withdrawals

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Exchange rate alerts

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Buying currency tips

Get the best deal with our guide to buying foreign currency.

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USD exchange rates

Check out current and historical NZD to USD exchange rates.

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Buy USD NZ FAQ

Can I buy USD in New Zealand?

Yes, you can. Buying US dollars in New Zealand is easy with Travelex. You can order online and collect your USD cash from a store or airport, or have it delivered to your home. Whether you're heading to America for business or a holiday, locking in your USD before you travel can save you time and help you access our best rates.

How much is $100 NZ in US Dollars today?

While exchange rates change frequently, today one NZ dollar exchanges at 0.5751 USD.

To check the latest NZD to USD rate, simply head to our Live Foreign Exchange Rates page. It updates in real time—so you’re always looking at the most accurate exchange rate.

What is the cheapest way to buy US Dollars?

Buying USD online ahead of time is usually cheaper than converting at the airport or withdrawing from overseas ATMs. With Travelex, you can lock in a competitive rate online, avoid extra fees, and collect your cash when it suits you. Ordering in advance also gives you more control over the exchange rate you get.

What is a good exchange rate for NZ to USD?

A “good” NZD to USD exchange rate depends on market trends. Historically, anything closer to parity (1 NZD = 1 USD) is strong for New Zealand travellers. Use our NZD to USD exchange rate chart to view the latest rate and compare it to historical data—so you know when it’s a smart time to buy your US dollars.

Can I buy USD in New Zealand?

How much is $100 NZ in US Dollars today?

While exchange rates change frequently, today one NZ dollar exchanges at 0.5751 USD.

To check the latest NZD to USD rate, simply head to our Live Foreign Exchange Rates page. It updates in real time—so you’re always looking at the most accurate exchange rate.

What is the cheapest way to buy US Dollars?

What is a good exchange rate for NZ to USD?

^{*Rates are subject to change throughout the day. In-store rates vary compared to online.}

^{**The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.}

What is the US currency?