Advice on getting a cell phone in NZ?

Question

I'll be in NZ for four months (coming from the States) and I'll need a temporary cell phone for the duration. Ideally, I'd like something cheap and easy and reliable. I don't really care about bell and whistles or special features. In reality, I won't be making a lot of phone calls (only emergency-related stuff), but I'll probably just text a lot. Anyone with experience dealing with this have any advice? Thanks!

Answer 1

well there are really only 2 main suppliers here ( we have a lack of competition here due to small population)

they are vodafone and telcom....they in general are much of a muchness...you may want to get a pre paid phone and i think with plans you have to be on them for a year or something ( i have only ever had a pre paid phone)

I see that vodafones prices for cheaper phones has been coming down recently with phones down to around $70 (NZD) but mainly are around $100. You can pcik them up in the vodafone or telecom shops or in places like the Warehouse, Noel leemings, Harvey Normans, d**k Smith electronics and other places. maybe you could try their websites to see whats available...just put .co.nz after all names and you should get the websites.

Otherwise looking on www.trademe.co.nz ( is kiwi version of ebay) where you might pick up cheap phones

Answer 2

well, then i'd suggest a vodafone prepaid. i'm kiwi and it's the most common one in auckland. apparently hamilton has telecom more. just whatever you're comfortable with.

Answer 3

You may be able to use your existing cellphone and just pick up a SIM card. Just remember we use different voltage and plugs so your charger would have to be compatible with 230 V.

Answer 4

Vodafone!

Best supplier here.

Thers only two lol.

Answer 5

At the airports the 2 companies each have a desk for you to hire a cellphone for the duration of your visit.

If you just want to use it as a phone, a new one will be under the $100 mark.