Absolutely disgusting customer service — do NOT go here.
I went to Number One Currency to exchange $5000 NZD — my own money — and despite being 18 years old, legally an adult, I was refused service for absolutely no valid reason.
The woman at the counter (an older Asian lady) didn’t greet me, didn’t explain anything — just took my ID, stared at it, and coldly said:
“No, I’m not going to let you do the exchange.”
When I asked why, she said:
“Because you’re 18.”
Excuse me? 18 is the legal age in New Zealand to do financial transactions, including currency exchange. I told her that clearly — “Yes, I’m 18. I’m an adult.” But instead of correcting herself, she doubled down with a nasty attitude, treating me like a child who didn’t know what I was doing.
And the worst part? I was there with both of my parents. They didn’t need to do the transaction — it’s MY money. They were just accompanying me. But she ignored that and insisted someone else had to do it just because I’m young.
That’s not just rude. That’s blatant age discrimination. And deeply disrespectful.
What kind of company refuses to serve you just because you’re 18 — when you’re legally allowed to vote, sign contracts, and manage your own finances? If your staff can’t handle dealing with young adults, they shouldn’t be in customer service or handling people’s money.
She treated me like I was invisible, like I didn’t matter. Maybe she thought because I’m young, I couldn’t have that amount of money. Newsflash: I can. And I did.
This happened at the Henderson WestCity branch.
I don’t know if she assumed I couldn’t possibly have earned that much money, or just didn’t want to deal with me — either way, it was humiliating and offensive.
Do NOT waste your time here. If you’re under 25, or you simply expect to be treated with human decency, go anywhere else.
Luckily, I went to Travel Money NZ at LynnMall afterward — and the difference was night and day.
The staff there treated me with kindness, listened to me, and got the job done — because that’s what professionals do.
This place? A complete joke. Shame on them.
Sharma Njee
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May 12, 2025
I recently had a very disappointing experience at the Western Union branch in Henderson. I went in to send money, but was treated in a way that left me feeling humiliated. The staff member I dealt with, a man of Indian descent, was extremely rude and unprofessional throughout the interaction.
He demanded to see my bank statement and IRD statement, claiming it was a legal requirement from the New Zealand government. While I understand that certain documentation may be necessary for compliance reasons, the way he communicated this was unacceptable—abrupt, dismissive, and lacking any basic customer service skills.
I have since escalated this matter to Western Union’s complaints management team in the hope that appropriate action will be taken and that staff receive training on how to treat customers with dignity and respect.
I would strongly encourage Western Union to review the behavior and approach of their staff at this location. It is a zero star.
Alex Vault
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November 27, 2024
Terrible place to exchange money. Felt like I was racially profiled. I went here and got served by a lady and got a bad exchange rate. Then I went to a different no.1 currency to a different lady and she gave me a much better rate where I get an extra $150. Moral of the story don’t to the west city branch.
swefxy_rl
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April 18, 2023
The most unprofessional clowns working on west city branch. They lie when they say dont have enough cash. I ordered AUD and the guy lied in my face they don’t have and told me to wait until I get my confirmation. So I sent my wife and they had all the cash. I would never go there again but the problem is that they are the only clowns exchanging. Banks don’t exchange anymore. They need more competition to teach these clowns how business works.
Alex Yermakov
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February 07, 2023
Terrible unprofessional and rude. Asian lady behind counter refuse to exchange USD to NZD till I provide her with proof of where this USD come from. When I ask her to show me any documents to proof that her request is legitimate, she first show some paper which haven't a single word about that rule. Then she tells me that she doesn't have to show me anything and I have to do what she says or go away. Worst experience I ever have from any " service provider".
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Absolutely disgusting customer service — do NOT go here. I went to Number One Currency to exchange $5000 NZD — my own money — and despite being 18 years old, legally an adult, I was refused service for absolutely no valid reason. The woman at the counter (an older Asian lady) didn’t greet me, didn’t explain anything — just took my ID, stared at it, and coldly said: “No, I’m not going to let you do the exchange.” When I asked why, she said: “Because you’re 18.” Excuse me? 18 is the legal age in New Zealand to do financial transactions, including currency exchange. I told her that clearly — “Yes, I’m 18. I’m an adult.” But instead of correcting herself, she doubled down with a nasty attitude, treating me like a child who didn’t know what I was doing. And the worst part? I was there with both of my parents. They didn’t need to do the transaction — it’s MY money. They were just accompanying me. But she ignored that and insisted someone else had to do it just because I’m young. That’s not just rude. That’s blatant age discrimination. And deeply disrespectful. What kind of company refuses to serve you just because you’re 18 — when you’re legally allowed to vote, sign contracts, and manage your own finances? If your staff can’t handle dealing with young adults, they shouldn’t be in customer service or handling people’s money. She treated me like I was invisible, like I didn’t matter. Maybe she thought because I’m young, I couldn’t have that amount of money. Newsflash: I can. And I did. This happened at the Henderson WestCity branch. I don’t know if she assumed I couldn’t possibly have earned that much money, or just didn’t want to deal with me — either way, it was humiliating and offensive. Do NOT waste your time here. If you’re under 25, or you simply expect to be treated with human decency, go anywhere else. Luckily, I went to Travel Money NZ at LynnMall afterward — and the difference was night and day. The staff there treated me with kindness, listened to me, and got the job done — because that’s what professionals do. This place? A complete joke. Shame on them.
I recently had a very disappointing experience at the Western Union branch in Henderson. I went in to send money, but was treated in a way that left me feeling humiliated. The staff member I dealt with, a man of Indian descent, was extremely rude and unprofessional throughout the interaction. He demanded to see my bank statement and IRD statement, claiming it was a legal requirement from the New Zealand government. While I understand that certain documentation may be necessary for compliance reasons, the way he communicated this was unacceptable—abrupt, dismissive, and lacking any basic customer service skills. I have since escalated this matter to Western Union’s complaints management team in the hope that appropriate action will be taken and that staff receive training on how to treat customers with dignity and respect. I would strongly encourage Western Union to review the behavior and approach of their staff at this location. It is a zero star.
Terrible place to exchange money. Felt like I was racially profiled. I went here and got served by a lady and got a bad exchange rate. Then I went to a different no.1 currency to a different lady and she gave me a much better rate where I get an extra $150. Moral of the story don’t to the west city branch.
The most unprofessional clowns working on west city branch. They lie when they say dont have enough cash. I ordered AUD and the guy lied in my face they don’t have and told me to wait until I get my confirmation. So I sent my wife and they had all the cash. I would never go there again but the problem is that they are the only clowns exchanging. Banks don’t exchange anymore. They need more competition to teach these clowns how business works.
Terrible unprofessional and rude. Asian lady behind counter refuse to exchange USD to NZD till I provide her with proof of where this USD come from. When I ask her to show me any documents to proof that her request is legitimate, she first show some paper which haven't a single word about that rule. Then she tells me that she doesn't have to show me anything and I have to do what she says or go away. Worst experience I ever have from any " service provider".