5 Best Prepaid SIM Cards & eSIMs in New Zealand (NZ): Buying Guide

New Zealand – although most aware of its existence, it is often omitted from world maps.

It is so bad that there is even a dedicated subreddit called Maps without New Zealand on them, with close to 100 000 members.

But what is the country known for? Rudby, the Haka & the Lord of the Rings.

Oh, and the Manuka Honey is phenomenal.

But what can you actually do in the country? A lot.

Sure, you can explore Auckland, Christchurch, or Queenstown, but you would be doing yourself a disservice.

The nature in New Zealand is stunning.

The Abel Tasman National Park is famous. Franz Josef Glacier has unique tours with remarkable views, and you can go on the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours.

In short, there is no reason to be bored in New Zealand.

Before posting amazing New Zealand landscape photos online, you should know that international roaming can be expensive.

So expensive that it could be the same price as your return ticket to and from New Zealand.

Luckily, a way to avoid roaming rates is by using local SIM cards, like one from New Zealand, allowing you to enjoy local rates.

But how much do New Zealand SIM cards cost?

You can get a New Zealand SIM card for as little as 1 NZD (0.70 USD)/16 NZD (10 USD) from Warehouse Mobile, 2 NZD (1.25 USD) from Skinny Mobile & 5 NZD (3.10 USD) from Spark, Vodafone & 2degrees in their stores and resellers, like convenience stores and grocery stores. SIM cards are also sold at various airports, including Auckland Airport (AKL), Christchurch Airport (CHC), Queenstown Airport (ZQN) & Wellington International Airport (WLG).

SIM cards are really inexpensive in New Zealand!

At least that is one of the few things that is cheap about New Zealand – getting to this country is almost never cheap.

So, now it is time to cover much more about SIM cards in this country.

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in New Zealand. Let's go.

Original publication: 16th of February 2020. Last updated: 24th of July 2022.

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Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in New Zealand?

Anyone is allowed to buy a New Zealand SIM card, including tourists and visitors, from Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees, Skinny Mobile & Warehouse Mobile offering prepaid services without restrictions.

Your phone has to support the frequencies used in New Zealand.

Furthermore, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a New Zealand SIM card.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in New Zealand?

You can get a New Zealand SIM card in Spark (also for Skinny Mobile), Vodafone, 2degrees & Warehouse stores. Resellers, like post offices, newsstands & grocery stores, also sell SIM cards. They are also sold at Auckland Airport (AKL), Christchurch Airport (CHC), Queenstown Airport (ZQN) & Wellington International Airport (WLG).

You can expect to pay the following for New Zealand SIM cards:

• Spark New Zealand: 5 NZD
• Vodafone New Zealand: 5 NZD
• 2degrees New Zealand: 5 NZD
• Skinny Mobile: 2 NZD
• Warehoue Mobile: 1 NZD & 16 NZD

The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:

• Spark New Zealand: 29 NZD, 49 NZD, 79 NZD & 129 NZD (Travel SIM)
• Vodafone New Zealand: 29 NZD, 59 NZD & 99 NZD (Travel Plans)
• 2degrees New Zealand: free (Tourist SIM – can be shipped around the world)
• Skinny Mobile: 28 NZD, 48 NZD & 88 NZD (NZ Travel SIM)

For up-to-date NZD:your currency (let's say AUD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

• Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Can You Use Your Phone in New Zealand?

New Zealand uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in New Zealand. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).

Traditional European frequencies are used in New Zealand, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in New Zealand.

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then you can get a SIM card from Spark New Zealand and use its 3G network on 850 MHz.

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in New Zealand (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in New Zealand

New Zealand has three mobile operators and two Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services:

• Spark New Zealand
• Vodafone New Zealand
• 2degrees New Zealand
• Skinny Mobile
• Warehouse Mobile

The following frequencies are used in New Zealand:

• 2G: 900 MHz (only Vodafone New Zealand still has a 2G network)
• 3G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1), 2600 MHz (n7) & 3500 MHz (n78)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in New Zealand, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

A Note about Kogan Mobile New Zealand

In the previous version of this guide, I covered Kogan Mobile New Zealand as well.

Since then, I have changed the policy of SIM cards I recommend in my guides.

Only easily accessible SIM cards for tourists get covered.

That means SIM cards that can be purchased in-person in stores (branded or resellers) and not solely online.

Kogan Mobile New Zealand SIM cards can only be ordered online.

As a result, it will not be covered in this guide anymore unless this changes.

However, it may be the cheapest option in New Zealand (it certainly was back in 2020).

Moreover, it uses the Vodafone New Zealand network, which is great.

You can learn more about Kogan Mobile New Zealand on its website.

VoLTE & VoWiFi in New Zealand

Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are available in New Zealand. However, not all New Zealand mobile operators offer VoLTE or VoWiFi.

This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in New Zealand (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).

The following mobile operators offer VoLTE and VoWiFi in New Zealand:

• Vodafone New Zealand
• 2degrees New Zealand
• Warehouse Mobile

The following mobile operators offer VoLTE only in New Zealand:

• Spark New Zealand
• Skinny Mobile

VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.

5G NR in New Zealand

Commercial 5G NR has been available in New Zealand since 2019. It is available on the Spark, Vodafone & 2degrees. All the aforementioned mobile operators, includnig Skinny Mobile, allow prepaid customers to use 5G NR.

Best SIM Card in New Zealand

Best eSIM in New Zealand

Spark New Zealand offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.

It is not one of the mobile operators I recommend.

Vodafone New Zealand will be offering eSIMs mid-2022. However, they (initially) will be for postpaid customers only.

2degrees, Skinny Mobile & Warehouse have no eSIMs – not even for 2degrees prepaid customers.

However, you can get travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly & Nomad.

Airalo has the Nzcom eSIMs:

You have these four options:

1. New Zealand/Nzcom 1 GB eSIM for 7 days
2. New Zealand/Nzcom 3 GB eSIM for 30 days
3. New Zealand/Nzcom 5 GB eSIM for 30 days
4. New Zealand/Nzcom 10 GB eSIM for 30 days

For Airalo eSIMs, the links above and below will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is not necessary.

• Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews

Or you can get New Zealand eSIMs from Nomad.

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD off!

• Check out my Nomad eSIM reviews

Finally, you can get New Zealand eSIMs from Holafly:

• New Zealand 10 GB eSIM for 30 days
• New Zealand 20 GB eSIM for 30 days

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

• Check out my Holafly eSIM reviews

With these eSIMs, you can skip New Zealand's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in New Zealand!

• Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in New Zealand and eSIMs worldwide).

If you plan on visiting other neighboring Asian and Oceanian nations, go with the APAC Nomad eSIM to be used in New Zealand and these other countries:

• Australia
• Hong Kong
• India
• Japan
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Thailand

TIP: Check out my eSIM lookup tool for an overview of local mobile operators offering eSIMs to prepaid customers and travel eSIMs I use and love (for eSIMs in New Zealand and eSIMs worldwide).

Best International/Travel SIM Card for New Zealand

If you want to buy the best international/travel SIM card for New Zealand, I recommend going with SimCorner's New Zealand Travel SIM cards.

You have the following three New Zealand Travel SIM cards:

• New Zealand Travel SIM Card with 1.5 GB for 30 days (+200 local/international minutes ¹ & 200 local/international SMS ¹)
• New Zealand Travel SIM Card with 5 GB for 60 days (+200 local/international minutes ¹ & 200 local/international SMS ¹)
• New Zealand Travel SIM Card with 10 GB for 60 days (unlimited local minutes, 200 international minutes ¹, unlimited local SMS & 200 international SMS ¹)

¹ international minutes/SMS to Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States

• Check out my SimCorner Travel SIM card reviews

You can also get the SimCorner International Travel SIM card with 6 GB of data valid for 15 days to be used in New Zealand and 100+ countries in the Americas, Europe & Oceania:

Instead of spending between 5 USD to 15 USD for SIM cards in each country, get a SimCorner travel SIM card covering numerous countries for just one price!

Use discount code PHONETRAVELWIZ for extra savings!

SIM Card Registration in New Zealand

SIM card registration, with the use of your personal information (such as your passport), is not required when buying a SIM card in New Zealand.

• Find out which countries have a SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)

New Zealand Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Being redone.

Currency in New Zealand

New Zealand use the New Zealand Dollar with the symbol NZD (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as just $ & NZ$. For example, 25 NZD = NZ$/$25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between NZD and USD (US Dollars):

• 1 NZD = 0.65 USD
• 10 NZD = 6.25 USD
• 100 NZD = 62.55 USD

For up-to-date NZD:your currency (let's say AUD – Australian Dollar) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!

New Zealand Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Spark New Zealand, Vodafone New Zealand, 2degrees New Zealand, Skinny Mobile & Warehouse Mobile, and go through:

• Background information
• Mobile coverage
• SIM card types, prices, and availability
• Recharge/top-up information
• Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs) 

With that being said, let’s see what New Zealand has to offer to us.

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Spark New Zealand

Spark New Zealand, just Spark, is the largest mobile network operator in New Zealand.

It is also the oldest mobile operator in the country.

However, Vodafone New Zealand is the largest in some quarters, so the competition between the two is fierce.

Spark uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: shut down since 2012
• 3G: 850 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz/3600 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about Spark:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Spark SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Spark New Zealand

Spark has the best coverage in New Zealand.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Spark's 3G coverage map:

Then we have a Spark 4G/LTE coverage:

Finally, we have Spark's 5G NR coverage map:

Here you have a Spark coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Spark New Zealand

You can get a Spark SIM card for 5 NZD in Spark stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SIM cards are also sold at Auckland Airport (AKL) and Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Spark Travel SIM – Spark's tourist offering.

The following four (previously five) Spark travel/tourist SIM cards are available:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 2	Local SMS	International SMS 2	Validity
29 NZD	2 GB	200 minutes	100 minutes	200 SMS	100 SMS	3 months
49 NZD	10 GB	200 minutes	200 minutes	200 SMS	200 SMS	3 months
79 NZD	50 GB	Unlimited	200 minutes	Unlimited	200 SMS	3 months
129 NZD	“Unlimited”, 100 GB 3	Unlimited	300 minutes	Unlimited	300 SMS	3 months

¹ to Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States

Do note that Spark Travel SIM cards cannot be renewed.

However, if you wish to keep your phone number after three months (validity of each Spark Travel SIM card) or replenish your data, call, or text allowance, you can get a regular Spark prepaid plan.

• Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

It is also possible to get a Spark eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

To use a Spark eSIM, you need to have one of the following devices:

• Huawei P40 (or later)
• iPhone XR/XS (or later)
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsing Galaxy S20 (or later)

• Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)

Note that Spark offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) yet.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Spark New Zealand

Spark top-up vouchers are sold in Spark stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout New Zealand.

To top up your Spark SIM card, dial *333, select option 1, enter your phone number, select option 1 again, and enter your VoucherCode.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Dial *333 to check your Spark balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Spark NZ app (Android/iOS).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Spark New Zealand

Spark has three data-featured plans:

• Prepaid Value Packs (combo)
• Data Lovers (data)
• Data Extras (data add-on)

All Spark plans can be activated on the Spark NZ app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Prepaid Value Packs – Spark New Zealand

The Prepaid Value Packs are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Prepaid Value Packs can be activated on the Spark NZ app:

Price	Data	Social Media Data 1	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
19 NZD	1.25 GB	N/A	200 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
29 NZD	2 GB	2 GB	300 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
49 NZD	4 GB	2 GB	500 minutes	Unlimited 3	28 days
79 NZD	“Unlimited”, 40 GB 2	N/A	Unlimited	Unlimited 3	28 days

¹ for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Spotify & Twitter
² 40 GB high-speed data, then unlimited @ 1.2 Mbps
³ also to Australia

Unused data and minutes will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

However, you can only carry over a total of 3.5 GB and 500 minutes.

And data and calls in your carryover balance can roll over for up to 365 days.

Data Lovers – Spark New Zealand

The Data Lovers are data plans (with 5G NR access).

Data Lovers can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 258.

Price	Data	Social Media Data 1	Validity	Activation Code
20 NZD	1.5 GB	1 GB	28 days	BUY 20DATAROLLL
40 NZD	4.5 GB	1 GB	28 days	BUY 40DATAROLLL

¹ for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Spotify & Twitter

Unused data will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

However, you can only carry over a total of 3.5 GB.

And data in your carryover balance can roll over for up to 365 days.

Data Extras – Spark New Zealand

The Data Extras are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Data Extras can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 258.

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code
5 NZD	100 MB	28 days	BUY 5DATA
6 NZD	Unlimited	4 hours	App only
9 NZD	1 GB 1	28 days	BUY 9SOCIAL
10 NZD	Unlimited	24 hours	App only
20 NZD	1 GB	28 days	BUY 20DATA
23 NZD	2 GB	28 days	BUY 23DATA

¹ for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Spotify & Twitter only

APN/Internet Settings – Spark New Zealand

• Name: Spark
• APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Vodafone New Zealand

Vodafone New Zealand, just Vodafone, is the second-largest mobile operator in New Zealand.

It has, however, overtaken Spark New Zealand numerous times, so it could be the largest at any time.

Although using the famous Vodafone brand name, Vodafone New Zealand is not owned by Vodafone anymore.

Instead, the brand is run by a local investment firm.

Vodafone uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
• 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about Vodafone:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Vodafone New Zealand

Vodafone has extensive coverage throughout New Zealand.

It is currently winning the 5G NR race.

This is also confirmed by Opensignal.

Below is Vodafone's 2G coverage map:

Then we have a Vodafone 3G coverage map:

Now we have Vodafone's 4G/LTE coverage map:

Let's not forget about Vodafone's 5G NR coverage map:

Finally, here we have a map of Vodafone's 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE & 5G NR networks combined:

At last, we have a combined Vodafone coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – Vodafone New Zealand

You can get a Vodafone SIM card for 5 NZD in Vodafone stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SIM cards are also sold at Auckland Airport (AKL), Christchurch International Airport (CHC), Queenstown Airport (ZQN) & Wellington International Airport (WLG).

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Vodafone Travel Plans – Vodafone’s tourist offering.

The following three (previously four) Vodafone Travel Plans/tourist SIM cards are available:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes 1	Local SMS	International SMS 1	Validity
29 NZD	1.5 GB	200 minutes	Combined with local	200 SMS	Combined with local	30 days
59 NZD	10 GB	Unlimited	200 minutes	Unlimited	200 SMS	60 days
99 NZD	20 GB	Unlimited	200 minutes	Unlimited	200 SMS	60 days

¹ to Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands (not for 29 NZD plan), Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan (not for 29 NZD plan), Thailand (not for 29 NZD plan), the United Kingdom & the United States

• Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Vodafone has no eSIMs yet. However, they are coming mid-2022.

However, they (initially) will be for postpaid customers only.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the New Zealand (Nzcom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).

You also have the Discover Global eSIM for use in New Zealand and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).

• Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)

Note that Vodafone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vodafone New Zealand

Vodafone top-up vouchers are sold in Vodafone stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout New Zealand.

To top up your Vodafone SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 887 or call 777 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text 123456 to 887.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text BAL to 777 to check your Vodafone balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Vodafone New Zealand app (Android/iOS).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vodafone New Zealand

Vodafone has five data-featured plans:

• Prepay Combo (combo)
• MyFlex Prepay (customizable combo)
• Prepay Boost Data Add-Ons (as the name suggests)
• Extra Data for Travel Plans (as the name suggests)
• Vodafone Pass (social media add-ons)

All Vodafone plans can be activated on the My Vodafone New Zealand app.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Prepay Combo – Vodafone New Zealand

The Prepay Combo plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes &d SMS.

The following Prepay Combo plans are available, which can be activated on the My Vodafone New Zealand app:

Price	Data	Local Minutes 1	Local SMS 1	Validity
13 NZD	250 MB	100 minutes	100 SMS	28 days
15 NZD	1 GB	100 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
20 NZD	1.5 GB	200 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
25 NZD	2 GB	300 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
35 NZD	4 GB	300 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
45 NZD	5 GB	400 minutes	Unlimited	28 days
55 NZD	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days

¹ also to Australia

MyFlex Prepay – Vodafone New Zealand

MyFlex Prepay is a customizable plan allowing you to set how much data (with 5G NR access) and how many New Zealand & Australia minutes you want.

Each MyFlex Prepay plan needs at least 250 MB of data and 100 minutes, costing 13 NZD.

With every configuration, unlimited New Zealand & Australia minutes can be added for just 1 NZD.

The following MyFlex Prepay options are available:

Data/Minutes 1

250 MB

1 GB

1.25 GB

1.5 GB

1.75 GB

2 GB

3 GB

4 GB

5 GB

8 GB

10 GB

25 GB

40 GB

100 minutes

13 NZD

14 NZD

17 NZD

18 NZD

20 NZD

22 NZD

27 NZD

32 NZD

37 NZD

40 NZD

42 NZD

57 NZD

67 NZD

200 minutes

14 NZD

15 NZD

18 NZD

19 NZD

21 NZD

23 NZD

28 NZD

33 NZD

38 NZD

41 NZD

43 NZD

58 NZD

68 NZD

300 minutes

15 NZD

16 NZD

19 NZD

20 NZD

22 NZD

24 NZD

29 NZD

34 NZD

39 NZD

42 NZD

44 NZD

59 NZD

69 NZD

400 minutes

20 NZD

21 NZD

24 NZD

25 NZD

27 NZD

29 NZD

34 NZD

39 NZD

44 NZD

47 NZD

49 NZD

64 NZD

74 NZD

500 minutes

22 NZD

23 NZD

26 NZD

27 NZD

29 NZD

34 NZD

36 NZD

41 NZD

46 NZD

49 NZD

51 NZD

66 NZD

76 NZD

Unlimited

25 NZD

26 NZD

29 NZD

30 NZD

32 NZD

34 NZD

39 NZD

44 NZD

49 NZD

52 NZD

54 NZD

69 NZD

79 NZD

¹ also to Australia

Unused data and minutes will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

However, you can only carry over a total of 35 GB and 500 minutes.

And data and calls in your carryover balance can roll over for up to 360 days.

With MyFlex Prepay, you are automatically enrolled into the DataUp program.

With each renewal, you will get 10% bonus data that stacks up.

At your 10th renewal, you will get double the data allowance for the same price.

Prepay Boost Data Add-Ons – Vodafone New Zealand

The Prepay Boost Data Add-Ons are, as the name implies, data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Prepay Boost Data Add-Ons can only be purchased on the My Vodafone New Zealand app:

Price	Data	Validity
5 NZD	500 MB	1 day
10 NZD	750 MB	7 days
20 NZD	1 GB	28 days
25 NZD	1.5 GB	28 days
45 NZD	2.5 GB	28 days

Extra Data for Travel Plans – Vodafone New Zealand

The Extra Data for Travel Plans is, as the name implies, 1 GB data add-on valid for 60 days for the Vodafone Travel Plans, costing 20 NZD.

Activation is done by texting BUY EXTRADATA to 756.

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code
20 NZD	1 GB	60 days	BUY EXTRADATA

Vodafone Pass (Chat/Music/Social/Video Pass) – Vodafone New Zealand

The Vodafone Passes (Chat/Music/Social/Video Pass) are unlimited data add-ons for select chat, music streaming, social media & video streaming apps. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Vodafone passes can be activated on the My Vodafone New Zealand app:

Price	Plan	Data	Validity
1 NZD	Chat Pass 4	Unlimited	1 day
2 NZD	Music Pass 3	Unlimited	1 day
2 NZD	Social Pass 1	Unlimited	1 day
3 NZD	Chat Pass 4	Unlimited	7 days
5 NZD	Video Pass 2	Unlimited	1 day
5 NZD	Music Pass 3	Unlimited	7 days
5 NZD	Social Pass 1	Unlimited	7 days
5 NZD	Chat Pass 4	Unlimited	28 days
10 NZD	Video Pass 2	Unlimited	7 days
10 NZD	Music Pass 3	Unlimited	28 days
10 NZD	Social Pass 1	Unlimited	28 days
20 NZD	Video Pass 2	Unlimited	28 days

¹ for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok & Twitter
² for Neon, Netflix, Sky Go, TVNZ OnDemand & Vodafone TV
³ for Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Rova, Spotify, SoundCloud & Tidal
⁴ for Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp

APN/Internet Settings – Vodafone New Zealand

• Name: Vodafone Internet
• APN: vodafone

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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2degrees New Zealand

2degrees New Zealand, just 2degrees, is the smallest and youngest mobile operator in New Zealand.

While 2degrees may be small, it does have a high-quality network.

Right now, it has the fastest 5G NR network in New Zealand.

2degrees uses the following frequencies:

• 2G: N/A – shut down in 2018
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 900 MHz (Band 8) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
• 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)

This is what you will learn about 2degrees:

* Coverage
* How to Get a 2degrees SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – 2degrees New Zealand

2degrees has extensive coverage throughout New Zealand.

It also has the best (4G/LTE) network availability in the country.

This was confirmed by Opensignal.

For some reason, 2degrees joined the 5G NR rollout party late.

While Spark New Zealand and Vodafone New Zealand already had 5G NR early/mid-2021, 2degrees launched its 5G NR network in early 2022 (although it was live in December 2021).

It may be behind now, but it could quickly catch up or be of better quality.

We just have to wait and see.

Below is Spark's 3G coverage map:

Then we have a Spark 4G/LTE coverage:

Finally, we have Spark's 5G NR coverage map:

Here you have a 2degrees coverage map produced by Speedtest:

SIM Card Price – 2degrees New Zealand

You can get a 2degrees SIM card for 5 NZD in 2degrees stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SIM cards are also sold at Wellington Airport (WLG) and near Auckland Airport (AKL – Warehouse) and Christchurch International Airport (CHC – 2degrees Frankston, Noel Lemming & Warehouse).

Short-term visitors and tourists can order the 2degrees Visitor SIM – 2degrees tourist offering.

It is free and can be shipped worldwide for free too (no delivery costs).

You get 5 international minutes (fixed only) to call to Australia, Canada, China, Fiji, India, Ireland, Samoa, Tonga, the United Kingdom & the United States.

Besides this small benefit, the 2degrees Visitor SIM has no practical benefits, as you can only purchase regular plans with the SIM card.

Besides those perks, regular 2degrees plans can be purchased ith the 2degrees Visitor SIM.

• Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

2degrees has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the New Zealand (Nzcom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).

You also have the Discover Global eSIM for use in New Zealand and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).

• Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)

You may have to call 200 to activate your 2degrees SIM card.

Note that 2degrees offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

2degrees SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 365 days (no top-up for 365 days or no activity for 365 days).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – 2degrees New Zealand

2degrees top-up vouchers are sold in 2degrees stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout New Zealand.

To top up your 2degrees SIM card, text your VoucherCode to 201, dial *100#, or call 201 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text 123456 to 201.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text bal to 233 or dial *100*1# to check your 2degrees balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the 2degrees app (Android/iOS).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – 2degrees New Zealand

2degrees has four data-featured plans:

• Fortnightly Prepay Plans (combo)
• Monthly Prepay Plans (combo)
• Data Clock (short-term unlimited data)
• Add-Ons (data add-ons)

Click the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Fortnightly Prepay Plans – 2degrees New Zealand

The Fortnightly Prepay Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Fortnightly Prepay Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 233:

Price	Data	Local Minutes 1	Local SMS 1	Validity	Activation Code
10 NZD	650 MB	100 minutes	Unlimited	14 days	10plan14D
15 NZD	1.25 GB	150 minutes	Unlimited	14 days	15plan14D
20 NZD	2 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	14 days	20plan14D

¹ also to Australia

Unused data and minutes will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

Your carryover balance can roll over for up to one year.

Monthly Prepay Plans – 2degrees New Zealand

The Monthly Prepay Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Monthly Prepay Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 233:

Price	Data	Local Minutes 1	Local SMS 1	Validity	Activation Code
10 NZD	250 MB	100 minutes	Unlimited	1 month	10plan1M
19 NZD	1.25 GB	200 minutes	Unlimited	1 month	19plan1M
30 NZD	2.5 GB	300 minutes	Unlimited	1 month	30plan1M
40 NZD	4 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month	40plan1M
55 NZD	10 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month	55plan1M
70 NZD	25 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month	70plan1M
85 NZD	“Unlimited”, 40 GB 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	1 month	85plan1M

¹ also to Australia
² 40 GB high-speed data, then unlimited @ 1.2 Mbps

Unused data and minutes will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

Your carryover balance can roll over for up to one year.

Data Clock – 2degrees New Zealand

The Data Clock is an unlimited data option (with 5G NR) from 15 minutes (0.40 NZD) to 1 day (7 NZD). They cannot be purchased as standalone plans, and you need to have a plan worth at least 15 NZD to activate Data Clock.

Data Clock has to be activated on a separate app from the 2degrees app called Data Clock (Android/iOS):

Price	Data 1	Validity
0.40 NZD	Unlimited	15 minutes
0.70 NZD	Unlimited	30 minutes
0.95 NZD	Unlimited	45 minutes
1 NZD	Unlimited	1 hour
1.50 NZD	Unlimited	2 hours
2 NZD	Unlimited	4 hours
3 NZD	Unlimited	8 hours
4 NZD	Unlimited	12 hours
6 NZD	Unlimited	15 hours
7 NZD	Unlimited	1 day

¹ speed to be reduced to 1 Mbps after exhausting 40 GB in a calendar month

Do note that Data Clock cannot be paused when activated.

You can, however, purchase multiple Data Clocks at a time, which will run after each other.

Add-Ons – 2degrees New Zealand

The Add-Ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Add-ons can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 233:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
10 NZD	500 MB	1 month	Buy 500MB	Stop 500MB
20 NZD	1 GB	1 month	Buy 1GB	Stop 1GB
50 NZD	15 GB	1 month	Buy 15GB	Stop 15GB
99 NZD	12 GB	6 months	Buy 12GB	Stop 12GB

Add-ons auto-renew. To cancel auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 233.

APN/Internet Settings – 2degrees New Zealand

• Name: 2degrees
• APN: internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Skinny Mobile

Skinny Mobile, sometimes referred to as just Skinny, is a Spark New Zealand sub-brand.

It is a youth-focused brand. However, anyone, including the elderly, can get Skinny Mobile SIM cards 🤪.

To learn about Skinny Mobile’s frequencies, jump back to Spark New Zealand’s frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Skinny Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Skinny Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Skinny Mobile

Skinny Mobile is a Spark New Zealand sub-brand, meaning Skinny Mobile uses the Spark New Zealand network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Skinny Mobile, jump to the Spark New Zealand Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Skinny Mobile

You can get a Skinny Mobile SIM card for 2 NZD in Spark New Zealand stores (yes, they are sold there too) and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SIM cards are also sold at Auckland Airport (AKL) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN).

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Skinny Mobile NZ Travel SIM – Skinny Mobile’s tourist offering.

The following three Skinny NZ Travel SIM cards are available:

Price	Data	Local Minutes 1	International Minutes 2	Local SMS 1	Validity
28 NZD	2 GB	200 minutes	200 minutes	200 SMS	30 days
48 NZD	6 GB	200 minutes	200 minutes	200 SMS	60 days
88 NZD	20 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	60 days

¹ also to Australia
² to Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Fiji, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States

Skinny Mobile NZ Travel SIM cards can be purchased at:

• Auckland Airport (Relay – arrivals hall)
• I-SITE Princess Wharf
• I-SITE SkyCity
• Queenstown Airport (Paper Plus – main entrance)

• Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Skinny Mobile has no eSIMs.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the New Zealand (Nzcom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).

You also have the Discover Global eSIM for use in New Zealand and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).

• Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)

You may have to call 456 to activate your Skinny Mobile SIM card.

Text My Number to 2424 to see your Skinny Mobile phone number.

Note that Skinny Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) yet.

Skinny Mobile SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 12 months (no top-up for 12 months or no activity for 12 months).

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Skinny Mobile

Skinny Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in Spark New Zealand stores (yes, they are sold there), grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout New Zealand.

To top up your Skinny Mobile SIM card, text TOPUP VoucherCode to 2424.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text TOPUP 123456 to 2424.

You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Text BAL to 2424 to check your Skinny Mobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Skinny Mobile app (Android/iOS).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Skinny Mobile

Skinny Mobile has four data-featured plans:

• Weekly Prepay Mobile Plans (combo)
• 4-Week Prepay Mobile Plans (combo)
• Data Binge (short-term unlimited data)
• Data Add-Ons (as the name implies)

All Skinny Mobile plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2424.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Weekly Prepay Mobile Plans – Skinny Mobile

The Weekly Prepay Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Weekly Prepay Mobile Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2424:

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity	Activation Code
5 NZD	100 MB	60 minutes	750 SMS	7 days	BUY WEEKLY
20 NZD	10 GB 2	Unlimited 1	Unlimited 1	7 days	BUY20PLAN

¹ also to Australia
² 10 GB high-speed data, then unlimited @ 1.2 Mbps

Unused data and minutes will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

To disable auto-renewal, text STOP to 2424.

4-Week Prepay Mobile Plans – Skinny Mobile

The 4-Week Prepay Mobile Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

4-Week Prepay Mobile Plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2424:

Price	Data	Local Minutes 1	Local SMS 1	Validity	Activation Code
9 NZD	250 MB	100 minutes	Unlimited	28 days	9PLAN
16 NZD	1.25 GB	200 minutes	Unlimited	28 days	16PLAN
26 NZD	2.5 GB	300 minutes	Unlimited	28 days	26PLAN
36 NZD	4.5 GB 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	36PLAN
46 NZD	12 GB 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	46PLAN
70 NZD	40 GB 2	Unlimited	Unlimited	28 days	70PLAN

¹ also to Australia
² 4.5/12/40 GB high-speed data, then unlimited @ 1.2 Mbps

Unused data and minutes will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.

To disable auto-renewal, text STOP to 2424.

Data Binge – Skinny Mobile

The Data Binge bundles are unlimited data options from 10 minutes (0.50 NZD) to 12 hours (4 NZD). They can be purchased as standalone data plans.

Data Binge can be purchased on the Skinny Mobile app or by texting DATABINGE to 2424:

Price	Data	Validity
0.50 NZD	Unlimited	10 minutes
1 NZD	Unlimited	1 hour
2 NZD	Unlimited	4 hours
4 NZD	Unlimited	12 hours

Do note that Data Binge cannot be paused when activated.

You can, however, purchase multiple Data Binge at a time, which will run after each other.

Data Add-Ons – Skinny Mobile

The Data Add-Ons are, as the name implies, data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Data Add-Ons can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 2424:

Price	Data	Validity	Activation Code
4 NZD	200 MB	7 days	BUY DATA200
8 NZD	600 MB	7 days	BUY DATA600
10 NZD	1 GB	28 days	BUY DATA1GB
15 NZD	2 GB	28 days	BUY DATA2GB
30 NZD	5 GB	28 days	BUY DATA5GB

APN/Internet Settings – Skinny Mobile

• Name: SkinnyData
• APN: wapaccess.co.nz

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Warehouse Mobile

Warehouse Mobile is a 2degrees MVNO.

It is the mobile brand by The Warehouse.

To learn about Warehouse Mobile's frequencies, jump back to 2degrees' frequencies.

This is what you will learn about Warehouse Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Warehouse Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Warehouse Mobile

Warehouse Mobile is a 2degrees MVNO, meaning Warehouse Mobile uses the 2degrees network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Warehouse Mobile, jump to the 2degrees Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Warehouse Mobile

You can get a Warehouse Mobile SIM card for 1 NZD with 5 NZD credit or 16 NZD with 16 NZD credit in The Warehouse or Warehouse Stationery stores. SIM cards are also sold near Auckland Airport (AKL) and near Queenstown Airport (ZQN).

• Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Warehouse Mobile has no eSIMs.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can go with the New Zealand (Nzcom) eSIMs from Airalo (1 GB/7 days, 3 GB/30 days, 5 GB/30 days & 10 GB/30 days).

You also have the Discover Global eSIM for use in New Zealand and 80+ other countries worldwide (1 GB/7 days with top-ups available up to 20 GB/180 days).

• Find out about the best local eSIMs, travel eSIMs & travel SIM cards for every country (lookup tool)

You may have to call 800 to activate your Warehouse Mobile SIM card.

Note that Warehouse Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and if you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Warehouse Mobile

Warehouse Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in The Warehouse or Warehouse Stationery stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout New Zealand.

The following (online) top-up options are available:

Top-Up	Validity
5 NZD	365 days
10 NZD	365 days
15 NZD	365 days
20 NZD	365 days
25 NZD	365 days
30 NZD	365 days
40 NZD	365 days
50 NZD	365 days

To top up your Warehouse Mobile SIM card, dial *101*VoucherCode# or call 801 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *101*123456#.

You can also recharge online with debit and credit cards. However, only New Zealand-issued cards are accepted.

Dial *100# or text BAL to 801 to check your Warehouse Mobile balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the My Warehouse Mobile app (Android/iOS).

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Warehouse Mobile

Warehouse Mobile has two data-featured plans: Combo & Packs (add-ons).

Combo – Warehouse Mobile

The Combo plans are, as the name implies, combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

To activate a Combo plan, text the Activation Code to 801:

Price	Data	Local/International Minutes 1	Local/International SMS 2	Validity	Activation Code
12 NZD	500 MB	200 minutes	Unlimited	31 days	Buy 12COMBO
16 NZD	1.25 GB	200 minutes	Unlimited	31 days	Buy 16COMBO
38 NZD	5 GB	200 minutes	Unlimited	31 days	Buy 38COMBO

¹ to Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England (UK), Germany, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland (UK), Singapore, South Korea, the United States & Wales (UK)
² to Australia only

Unused data will roll over and can be stored for up to 90 days.

Multiple Combo plans can be activated simultaneously.

Packs – Warehouse Mobile

The Packs are data, call, or text add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.

Text the Activation Code to 801 to activate Packs:

Price	Data	Local/International Minutes 1	Local/International SMS 2	Validity	Activation Code
4 NZD	N/A	200 minutes	N/A	31 days	Buy 4Talk
4 NZD	N/A	N/A	Unlimited	31 days	Buy 4Text
4 NZD	500 MB	N/A	N/A	31 days	Buy 4Data
8 NZD	1.25 GB	N/A	N/A	31 days	Buy 8Data
30 NZD	5 GB	N/A	N/A	31 days	Buy 30Data

¹ to Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England (UK), Germany, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland (UK), Singapore, South Korea, the United States & Wales (UK)
² to Australia only

Unused data will roll over and can be stored for up to 90 days.

APN/Internet Settings – Warehouse Mobile

• Name: Warehouse Mobile
• APN: warehouse

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in New Zealand

Getting a New Zealand SIM card is the best way to stay connected in the country.

But sometimes, getting a local SIM card is not possible.

Perhaps you have a SIM-lock phone.

Maybe the mobile operator you prefer to go with does not support the frequencies your phone uses, or you cannot be bothered to deal with SIM card registration in every country you are visiting.

Luckily, there are other ways to get online when in New Zealand.

However, these methods may be more expensive than getting a SIM card from the local mobile operators.

International Roaming

However, international roaming has proven to be expensive in many cases, especially compared to buying local SIM cards.

That is why many travelers are not fond of international roaming.

International roaming has its pros and cons. However, it is important to know how it works.

This in-depth guide explains it all.

Find out whether your mobile operator has attractive roaming rates for New Zealand here.

Using an International SIM Card or Travel SIM Card

International SIM cards are SIM cards made for the traveler in mind.

Using them is often cheaper than international roaming.

However, they are almost always more expensive than using a local SIM card.

There are many other advantages and disadvantages of getting international SIM cards, which you can learn about here.

Using a Mobile Hotspot (Pocket WIFI)

Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local mobile operators of the country you are visiting.

Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.

You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.

Using Free WiFi Networks

Using free WiFi connections is the cheapest way to stay connected because they are free.

The major downside of trying to use WiFi hotspots is that you will have to locate them – they are not available on every corner in New Zealand.

Make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN so that hackers cannot steal your personal data.

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The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in New Zealand

Getting a SIM card from Vodafone or 2degrees would do you well when considering a New Zealand card.

Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Oceanian Countries

Visiting other countries in Oceania? Check out my Oceania SIM card buying guide, covering other Oceanian nations, such as:

Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.

Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences

Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:

Support Phone Travel Wiz

It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).

Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).

Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.

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Check Out My Resource Page

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? 

Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!

Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.

Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling

Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?

In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.

If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!

Learn About Your Phone Travel Options

You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.

Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!

Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter

Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.

Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.

Let's Be Social

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?

A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!

Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is

Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!