The Color of Money

I'm in line at the bank, and a cute teller waves me forward. Could this be the young Kiwi male I've heard so much about? He is very enthusiastic. He asks, "Where abouts is your accent from?" Most people automatically assume you are from the US, then suddenly get nervous that they've made a big mistake. They hastily add "...or Canada?" The teller asks, "What do you reckon of the notes?" I hadn't given this much thought. The NZ bills vary in shade and size depending on the denomination. I say, "Oh I like them. They're very... colorful." He seems pleased by this answer, but I feel the need to continue. "The clear cut-outs are pretty cool." I suddenly feel like Baby in Dirty Dancing -- I carried a watermelon??

The NZ bills are made of plastic. The teller shakes his head in shame and recounts the difficulty he experienced with American paper money. "I kept ripping the notes!" Just how rough is this musclebound teller?! I made it 27 years in the US without destroying my money. I reply, "Yes, these are much more... durable." Are we really having this conversation? We finish our banking transaction and he tells me that Taco Bell is what he misses most about the US. He and his mates had 10 meals there, and drove 3km each time. I, too, miss my mexican pizza.

Another observation about NZ currency -- the smallest bill is $5. Coins are issued in $2, $1, 50, 20 and 10 cent denominations. However, the prices (especially at the supermarket) do not end in round numbers. Items might cost $1.89 or $2.53. At the checkout counter, the final amount is rounded to the nearest 10 cents. The 5 cent coins were discontinued in 2006. The old 5 cent pieces are no longer legal tender, but the DMV stockpiles them for distribution to people taking their written drivers' test on a lottery style scratch-off card. The Kiwis are ever so resourceful.