How to Buy a SIM Card at Christchurch Airport (CHC) 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

For tourists landing at Christchurch Airport (CHC) from another country, one of the first things to do is get a prepaid SIM card with reliable cellular data. This will help you stay connected with your loved ones back home, use Google Maps and transport apps, etc while exploring all the stunning destinations in New Zealand.

In this blog, we will go over where and how to buy SIM card at Christchurch Airport (CHC), the most affordable packages, and the best alternative to get Internet during your trip.

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Christchurch Airport (CHC)?

There are still other methods to get a New Zealand tourist SIM card at Christchurch Airport (CHC), including ordering online before your flight and purchasing it once in Christchurch center.

Purchase at Christchurch Airport:

• Pros: Convenient, instant Internet access when you land at CHC
• Cons: Limited plan option, more costly than buying online or in the city center

Purchase online before departure:

• Pros: Wider selection, awesome deals, instant activation (for eSIM)
• Cons: Delivery delays may occur, wait for delivery, additional delivery fees (for physical SIM card)

Purchase in Christchurch center:

• Pros: Broadest options available, various data packages, cheap rates
• Cons: extra travel to the Christchurch center

▶ Our recommendations:

• If you prioritize instant Internet connection upon arrival, you may buy a prepaid SIM card at Christchurch airport
• If you want the greatest deals, get your New Zealand SIM in the Christchurch center or online before flight.

II. Where to Get a SIM Card at Christchurch Airport?

There are two options to get a prepaid SIM card at Christchurch Airport: buy it online before your flight and then collecting at the airport, or purchasing it when you reach Christchurch Airport.

Christchurch International Airport is the second largest airport of New Zealand and it has a single terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. You may find some stores that sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists to New Zealand in the Arrivals Hall at this airport.

What to prepare: Unlocked phone, cash/ credit card, passport

Cost: More costly than buying online or in Christchurch center

Pros: Staff support, immediate Internet connection when reaching New Zealand

Cons: Shops are not always open late. If you arrive late at night, some stores closed and you cannot buy a UK SIM card.

1. One NZ shop

Location: International Arrivals

Opening hours: 8.30am – Last arriving international flight

Plans: One NZ Travel SIM from NZD 29

One NZ has two stores at the airport and One NZ SIM cards are also available at all Relay stores.

2. Spark Shop

Location: International Arrivals

Opening hours: 9.30am – Last arriving international flight

Plans: Spark Travel SIM from NZD 29; Spark prepaid value pack from NZD 19

III. Do SIM card shops at CHC airport open after midnight?

Yes, SIM card shops at Christchurch Airport (CHC) are generally open late to accommodate international arrivals, often until the last flight.

However, opening hours can vary between providers and may change. If you’re arriving late, it’s possible you might encounter limited SIM card availability or a smaller selection.

To ensure you have a SIM card upon arrival and the best choice of plans, purchasing one earlier in the day is recommended.

IV. Best Tourist Christchurch Airport SIM Card Price

At Christchurch International Airport, stores sell New Zealand SIM cards from major operators such as Spark and One NZ.

SIM cards at the airport range in price from 19NDZ to 59NDZ, depending on the type of card and the user’s data and call needs.

Operator	Data/ Calls/ Texts	Validity	Cost
Spark	5GB data; 200 minutes of international calls; several local calls	2 months	NZD $49
Spark	5GB data; 200 minutes of international calls; unlimited local calls	2 months	NZD $59
Spark	1.25GB data; 100 minutes of international calls; several local calls	28 days	NZD $19
One	1.25GB data; 200 calling minutes (locally/ to Australia)	28 days	NZD $19
One	1.5GB data; 200 calling minutes (locally, to Australia, and selected countries)	30 days	NZD $29

Note: The details above are just for reference purposes and are subject to change. Confirm with your carrier for the most up-to-date plan information.

V. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Christchurch Airport – Registration Process

Here are the key things that you need to prepare to buy a SIM card at Christchurch airport:

• Have your passport ready for ID verification at the stores. They need to check some of your personal details.
• Consider how much data, texts and calls you will need based on your itinerary. Plans start at around $20-30 usually. 
• Know which payment options the airport shops accept – usually cash, cards, etc. Have your method of payment handy.
• Allow plenty of time after clearing customs to find a store before collecting your luggage. They may be a short walk from arrivals.
• Your cell phone must be unlocked so it may accept a New Zealand SIM from any carrier.

V. New Zealand eSIM for Christchurch – An Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Christchurch Airport

eSIM for Christchurch is the best alternative to a prepaid SIM card at Christchurch Airport thanks to its outstanding perks as follows:

• eSIM packages can be purchased and activated online anywhere, any time before your flight to New Zealand
• eSIM will be activated instantly upon purchase. You will have mobile data, calling, and texting services when you arrive at Christchurch airport.
• It is simple to switch eSIM plans when traveling to other countries.
• A wide selection of eSIM plans are provided at affordable rates.

GIGAGO is a trusted worldwide eSIM provider that delivers cost-effective eSIM services to more than 200 countries and territories in the world. Gigago offers a diverse range of eSIM Plans for New Zealand, starting at 1GB of data per day, valid for 05 days at just $10.50 , much cheaper than international roaming. What is incredible about Gigago eSIM for New Zealand is that the prices range from $10.50 – $141.50 . Thus, Gigago always offers the best plan for you, regardless of how long your trip is and how much data you consume.

VII. FAQs about SIM Card at Christchurch Airport

VIII. Conclusion

Purchasing a SIM card at Christchurch Airport is a breeze thanks to the convenient airport stores offering a selection of plans from the major providers like Spark and One NZ. A prepaid SIM card with reliable data allows instant connectivity so you can lookup transport, contact accommodation, and get your trip off to a smooth start. You may consider an eSIM plan to enjoy the flexibility and great value if your smartphone is compatible with eSIM technology.