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Cost of living: How do the UK and New Zealand compare?

Looking at moving to New Zealand from the UK? Cost of living is one of the most important factors to consider when planning your relocation. Knowing a couple of ballpark figures can help you better understand your budget and plan your next moves with confidence, like choosing a city or town that best suits your desired lifestyle.Here’s how the cost of living in the UK and in New Zealand compare*, keeping in mind that a lot depends on where in the UK you come from, and where in New Zealand youâ...

Key benefits and risks of UK pension transfers to New Zealand

Are you a UK expat planning to move to New Zealand? Or perhaps, an expat Kiwi returning home from the UK? There are many valid reasons to consider transferring your UK pension to New Zealand – but there are also a few things to be aware of.Over 20-plus years, our team at Pension Transfers have helped hundreds of clients transfer their UK pension, and we can assist you in making an informed decision for your financial needs. Here’s a helpful summary to get the conversation started.What is a R...

NZ ‘brain gain’: What returning Kiwis are looking for

After several decades of ‘brain drain’, 2020 marked a turning point for expat Kiwis living abroad. According to a new survey by the Kiwi Expatriates Association (KEA), more and more New Zealanders are considering returning home and being part of the recovery.Whether you’re already planning to return to our shores or just weighing your options, here’s what other NZ expats think about it. Half of expat Kiwis surveyed are planning to returnAs part of their ‘Unleashing the P...

336 hours in MIQ: True tales from a Kiwi expat family

By guest blogger Amanda SadlierAfter the third check of our passports, Aviation Security officers pushed aside two layers of metal barrier that we had entered a fortnight prior, and we were met with cool dawn air. As my family and I left the hotel and joined the public, we urgently untied the cotton masks from our faces and breathed deeply. We’d made it through our managed isolation experience. Just about 15 days before this magical moment, I’d boarded a plane in Seattle with my Kiwi pa...

Five top tips for expats and migrants renting property in New Zealand

The Kiwi lifestyle has an enviable international reputation. But just how accessible is it to rent a property and move to New Zealand? If you’re ready to relocate and set up home, here are some insider tips on how to do it:Location, location, location. New Zealand’s cities are pretty stunning – beachside village vs hillside suburb with views, or even living on an island like Waiheke and commuting by ferry!  Thinking about your lifestyle is a good place to start when choosing...

UK Pension: Access to savings postponed to age 57 by 2028

The minimum pension age will increase from 55 to 57 by 2028, UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen has confirmed. So how does this impact your transferred pension?UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen confirmed earlier this month that the minimum pension age will increase from 55 to 57 by 2028, in line with the ‘trends in longevity’ and the rise in the state pension to 67. And this could have an impact on the age your transferred pension becomes accessible, too.An exact...

Emigration checklist: From passports to emergency numbers

All the vital info – passports, travel documents, and visas. These might be the most obvious items to cover, but it’s important to keep them close by for the first few weeks of your move. You might find that customs and other institutions will request them, so save time hunting through lots of boxes and keep them somewhere safe.Get your family covered - medical insurance. This can be a very easy aspect of a move to forget, but it’s worth researching the healthcare of your chosen count...

How to make the most of your currency transfers

Need to send your funds overseas - including your pension, salary, property costs - or need to move money for other expenses when living or working abroad? Here's how you can make the most of your currency transfers. Speak to an expertIt can sometimes be tricky to move your money overseas in times of uncertainty. For instance, Brexit has created some market volatility; after the referendum, the Pound fell by around 20% against the Euro, and although it’s had periods of strength, speculati...

What affects an exchange rate?

Markets move every day, and sometimes currencies can rise or fall sharply in the space of minutes. There are a number of things that can influence an exchange rate, including economic data, central bank developments, and politics; but why do they cause market movement? 1) Economic dataEach country produces data that details how well its economy is performing. It measures lots of different economic aspects, such as retail sales, growth, consumer confidence, inflation, and sector-specific per...

What could you use a currency broker for?

What’s a currency broker?A currency broker is a specialist in foreign exchange. By signing up with a broker like Global Reach, you can get access to live quotes, competitive exchange rates, and personalised currency transfers. A broker can even help you lock-in an exchange rate for up to two years for larger transfers like property purchases. Why use a currency broker?You might need to transfer your funds for a number of reasons—perhaps it’s to emigrate, move a pension or salary, buy ...

Already transferred your UK Pension to NZ?

Have you already transferred your UK Pension to New Zealand? Good news: you’ve made an important step in the right direction. But as the years go by, it’s important to stay on top of your investments, reviewing the fund you’re in on a regular basis.Our team at Pension Transfers can help you ensure the option you initially chose is still appropriate for your needs. Here are some key things to keep in mind.Your goals and investment horizonOver time your investment needs may change, even in j...