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16 October 2004
Posted in
Macs In New Zealand
Are you thinking of bringing your Macintosh computer to New Zealand? NZMac.com called upon the expertise of Desktop Technology Services Limited in Palmerston North to answer a series of question you might have about bringing a Macintosh computer into New Zealand.
If there are other questions you'd like answered, please get in touch and we'll try and get the question(s) answered for you.
I'm moving to New Zealand and want to bring my Mac with me. Will I be able to?
If you have a portable mac, then you need to confirm two pieces of information before you computer will run in NZ. First of all, look at the power adapter. It will have a voltage rating on it. It would say 100-110v, 230-240v or 100-240v. Either of the latter two is required to run in New Zealand. If your adapter only states 100-110v, then you will need to purchase either a new power supply, or a step-down transformer to use the power adapter.
You may also need a travel adapter to change the plug on the power cord to fit New Zealand power outlets. If your power adapter has a removable power cord, a NZ cord can be purchased at a local electronics outlet.
All New Zealand sockets have 3 holes (with the exception of sockets in bathrooms for razors, which you should not use) but you will find that many small appliances have only two prongs because with no external metal cases there's no need for an earth. The power cords on Macs usually have three prongs so get an adaptor that passes through all three.
What about my modem. Will that work in NZ?
Unfortunately there is no standard for modems in terms of the phone system they are connecting too. Modems are purchased and produced for the country they are to be sold in. Generally, providing they use tone dialling, they will most probably work, but keep in mind that phone sockets are different in comparison to countries like the US. The New Zealand phone jack is similar the UK 'British Telecom' one. The US RJ-11 jack is also well known here because a lot of telephone gear is imported without modification to our "standard" so may find a US socket in hotels or backpacker hostels. Best to pick up an adaptor at the airport on an electrical store when you arrive.
I have a flat-screen (LCD) iMac. How will I be affected by bringing that?
Flat screen iMacs fall into the same category as iBooks, Powerbooks and Mac Books. Providing the power supply falls into the 240v range it should be OK. Also, note about Modem as discussed above.
What about if I have a laptop. How will I be affected by bringing that?
Other than the power supply/modem issue - all is OK.
I actually live in New Zealand already but am thinking about buying a Mac while from the States. I'll still be covered by the Apple warranty won't I?
Yes. All new Apple hardware product, carry a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and Apple Centres in New Zealand honour the global warranty.
Can I sign a machine I import up for an AppleCare plan here in New Zealand?
Yes you can. This will give you 3 years of peace of mind. See your Apple Service Provider for an indication of the costs or look at the AppleCare details on the Apple New Zealand website. Note that the AppleCare Protection Plan can only be purchased while your computer is still under its original one-year warranty.
Will I hit be hit by any charges bringing a machine into New Zealand?
Yes - you will probably have to pay GST and custom's charges to bring a machine in.
What about iPods and so on. Will imported ones work OK here?
Yes they work fine. Again check the power adaptor.
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