Top things to consider in our little paradise
Here are a few handy tips to get you started in our little paradise
COMMUNICATION
Stay connected while in the Cook Islands!
Touchdown with 60 minutes of FREE airport Wifi! Get started by connecting to “Vodafone Hotspot” as soon as you enter the arrivals hall. You can stay connected with over 300 WiFi Hotspots across Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
Vodafone Cook Islands has made it easier to connect eSIM, skip the queues and grab yours online before arriving.
CURRENCY
Official currency is New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
The official Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) however we also have some unique local coins and notes. These are not legal tender outside of the Cook Islands but are keenly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Foreign currency exchange is available on the island of Rarotonga only, via the Bank of the Cook Islands and Western Union/No.1 Currency Exchange, located in downtown Avarua. Foreign currency exchange options offered are:
Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) are located in downtown Avarua. Open Monday-Friday from 9 am-3 pm.
ATM machines are located around the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, including one located outside the arrival hall terminal. All ATMs in the Cook Islands accept Visa and Mastercard however, please note that ATMs charge international cardholders a withdrawal fee.
Card payment facilities or EFTPOS are available at most places in Rarotonga however it is always best practice to have cash on hand. If you are visiting our Pa Enua (outer islands) then it is always advised to take cash with you as card payments are not readily available.
TRANSPORT
Getting around
Getting around our little paradise is a breeze. With only one main road in Rarotonga, no traffic lights, two roundabouts and a maximum speed limit of 50kmph this is island life.
Our popular Clockwise/Anti-Clockwise yellow buses are a must do activity and taxis are readily available.
Check out this link for more details on getting around the Cook Islands.
