Calling the outside world

Mobile phones

Mobile phone providers offering various deals on calls and text messages are:

• 2degrees
• Telecom
• TelstraClear
• Vodafone
  
  

TelstraClear and Vodafone operate on a GSM network, so if you are coming from the UK or Australia you will be able to get a SIM card package for your existing phone. If not you will need a phone and SIM pack.

As abroad, you can either go pre-pay or contract. Contract can be more effective if you use your phone a lot and intend to stay in New Zealand for a while.

Internet calls

Skype is a software application that can be downloaded for free and allows you to talk over the Internet to other Skype users at no charge, or to make calls to landlines and mobiles often cheaper than regular means. ‘Skype zones’ are becoming increasingly widespread where users can for a small fee, use their laptop and headset to connect to the Skype network almost anywhere.

Phone cards

In New Zealand pre-paid phone cards or calling cards are a cheap way of calling overseas.  There are a huge variety of phone cards with different rates to different countries. They can be purchased from most convenience stores, newsagents and supermarkets.

Useful telephone numbers:

• Emergency Services - 111
• Directory Assistance/Yellow Pages - 018
• International Enquires - 0170
  
  

Getting on the Net

The main cities in New Zealand are littered with Internet cafes and other places to log-on, with hourly rates ranging from $1 to $5 depending on the location and quality of equipment.

Free Internet

Some public libraries offer free Internet access to their members. There may be time restrictions and you sometimes have to wait, but if you become a member of your local library you could save a lot of money on Internet costs.

Home Internet

A broadband connection has become the principle method of personal Internet connection in New Zealand, which operates on a subscription basis. Generally an Internet connection will come as an additional package to your home phone plan.

There are a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from, such as:

• TelstraClear
• Yahoo Xtra
• Vodafone
• Woosh
• Slingshot
• ICONZ
  
  

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