Prepaid SIM / eSIM New Zealand: how to buy a 4G internet chip?
Roaming fees
Planning a trip to the other side of the world? Lucky you! You’re in for a treat!
If you’re wondering how to get internet in New Zealand, you’re in the right place. Your first thought might be to use your French phone plan. I’d advise against it! The bill will add up very, very quickly.
Here are the roaming rates for the main French carriers.
| Carrier | Rate |
|---|---|
| SFR | €13.20 / MB |
| Orange | €13.31/MB |
| Bouygues Telecom | €10.24 / MB |
| Free Mobile | Included in the €20 plan |
Buy a SIM card before you leave
So it makes sense not to use your French plan (unless you’re with Free!). Why not get a specialized card before you leave? Some companies offer prepaid SIM cards for New Zealand that you’ll receive in your mailbox before you depart.
With Holafly
That’s what Spanish company Holafly offers.
Check out Holafly’s deals and get a PROMO CODE by clicking this link
Holafly offers two plans for New Zealand.
| Validity | Data allowance | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 8 GB | 34 € |
| 30 days | 12 GB | 44 € |
On Amazon
It’s not very consistent, but you can sometimes find SIM card deals for New Zealand on Amazon.
Buy an eSIM valid in New Zealand
If you have a phone compatible with the new eSIM format, you might prefer this option.
Holafly also offers eSIMs (read our detailed article on the subject).
Check out Holafly’s eSIM deals for New Zealand. Feel free to use the promo code NOMADBENTO
The deals are slightly better than for the physical chip because you get a bit more internet data.
| Validity | Data allowance | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 10 GB | 34 € |
| 30 days | 20 GB | 44 € |
Buying a 4G SIM at the airport
Whether at Auckland or Christchurch airport, you’ll find Spark or Vodafone stands.
It’s very simple, you won’t need to show your passport.
Here are Spark’s rates, for example.
| Rate | Internet data volume |
|---|---|
| $ 5 | SIM card only, no credit |
| $ 19 | 1.25 GB |
| $ 29 | 2 GB |
| $ 49 | 4 GB |
Buying a SIM card in town
There are three phone carriers in New Zealand:
- Spark
- Vodafone
- 2degrees
Like at the airport, rates are quite high, and it’s better to buy a prepaid SIM card from Holafly.
Speedtest
4G speed is fine in cities. But as soon as you leave populated areas, there’s not a soul around, and often no phone signal either 🙂 A chance to truly disconnect!
