Where the Plastic Card is King!

Plastic cards are very important to one's survival here in New Zealand. In fact, I carry six of them on my person wherever I go. After you arrive, make sure you get these within the first few weeks.

First in the list is the DEBIT CARD (a). Kiwis don't use paper money that much. Most of them rely on debit (or EFPOS) cards to pay for everything. And I mean everything. From books at Whitcoulls to clothes in Bivouac to a sandwich at Burger Fuel to even just a bottle of water at the superette, the EFPOS card is indispensable.

Next, your SCHOOL ID CARD (b). Unlike our IDs in the Philippines, the NZ School ID card is your all-in-one card. It has many uses. For instance, your department will put in X amount of NZ$ for your photocopying and printing expense. All you need to do is slide your ID card on the printer's terminal and it will print your documents. Other uses for the school ID card include borrowing books at the library, and getting discounts at the post-grad cafe, movie theaters and on public transportation.

Regarding public transportation, do not forget to apply for a HOP CARD (c) at Auckland Transport (either at the Quad in Kate Edger Information Commons or at Britomart). You will need this card to get around town via the bus system. Show your school ID so you can avail of the student discount. There is another card called the AT card for use on trains.

Fourth is the SUPERMARKET CARD (d). Mine is the OneCard from Countdown Supermarket. It's like the SM Advantage Card. You earn points whenever you buy. When you have enough points, you can use it to pay for goods. Also, the supermarket sometimes gives deals exclusively for OneCard holders. Sign up the first time you shop at Countdown!  The OneCard is free anyway!

Then there's the MOVIE PASS (e). I got mine at Events Cinemas down at the Civic Centre along Queen Street. Regular price for a movie here is around NZ$17.00 (PhP 580). That's a bit steep. But with this student VIP card, a movie is only NZ$10 (PhP 340). A bit pricey for Manila standards, but way cheaper by forty percent from regular price here. If you like watching movies like me, invest on this. It's NZ$10 a card, pero consumable naman.

Last is the FASTFOOD CARD (f). The one I have is the Subway SubCard. It's like your typical fastfood card (think Shakey's Supercard or Greenwich's Greencard). It has a point system as well, plus offer exclusive deals for cardholders. I don't use this as much since I've been making my own sandwiches lately. But if you like subway, then get their card. It's free.