Cook Islands, a South Pacific paradise of turquoise lagoons, lush mountains, and warm Polynesian hospitality, is perfect for a laid-back island escape. Whether you’re lounging on the beaches of Rarotonga, snorkeling in Aitutaki’s lagoon, or exploring island villages, understanding how to manage your money is essential. While some hotels and resorts accept cards, cash is still the primary method of payment in most local shops, markets, and remote areas. This guide provides key information on cash and ATMs in the Cook Islands, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared visit.
Where to find ATMs in Cook Islands?
Rarotonga, the main island, has the most ATM coverage – primarily in Avarua (the capital), near the airport, and at key shopping areas. ANZ and Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) operate the majority of ATMs. Machines dispense New Zealand dollars (NZD) and are often available during bank hours, though a few are accessible 24/7. ATMs in Avarua are generally reliable but may charge withdrawal fees for foreign cards.
Tourist Spots:
Popular beach areas like Muri Beach and Arorangi have a small number of ATMs, typically near resorts or petrol stations. However, machines outside Avarua can occasionally run out of cash or go offline due to connectivity issues, especially during peak holiday periods. It’s a good idea to carry enough cash for daily use when staying in outer resort areas.
Rural Areas / Outer Islands:
On islands like Aitutaki, only one or two ATMs exist – usually near the airport or a local branch of BCI. Smaller islands such as Atiu and Mangaia may have no ATM at all. Visitors should withdraw sufficient cash on Rarotonga before traveling to the outer islands, as card acceptance is also very limited in those areas.
Best ATMs to use in Cook Islands for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Cook Islands are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BSP Bank,
- ANZ Bank and
- BCI Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Cook Islands, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in NZD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in NZD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Cook Islands?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Cook Islands. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Majority of them also accept Plus, Cirrus, ChinaUnionPay cards. Others like JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs on Rarotonga operate 24/7, but machines on smaller islands or within shops may only be accessible during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm).
What are ATMs called in Cook Islands?
ATMs are simply referred to as “ATMs” in the Cook Islands. Signage is usually clear and branded by ANZ or Bank of the Cook Islands, often labeled as “ATM” or “Cashpoint.”
Language options at ATMs
ATMs operate in English only, as it is the official language alongside Cook Islands Māori.
Don’t know the language? Use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Cook Islands?
ATMs in the Cook Islands dispense New Zealand dollars (NZD) only. Despite the Cook Islands issuing its own version of the NZD (Cook Islands dollars), these are not available from ATMs. Machines are located mainly on Rarotonga (around Avarua and at the airport) and a few on Aitutaki, but no ATMs exist on other islands.
ATM withdrawal limits in Cook Islands?
ATMs in Cook Islands have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of NZD 650 to NZD 1,000. Banks usually have daily withdrawal limit of NZD 1,000.
ATM Fees in Cook Islands
There are no fee-free ATMs in Cook Islands. Majority of the bank ATMs in Cook Islands charge NZD 5.5 to NZD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Cook Islands. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Cook Islands
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Cook Islands?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Cook Islands. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Cook Islands. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
The Cook Islands are known for their peaceful environment and low crime rate, but travelers should still take basic precautions when using ATMs. Most ATMs are located in Rarotonga, particularly near banks, resorts, and main commercial areas. Use machines during daylight hours and in well-trafficked places, such as bank lobbies or shopping centers. Avoid using standalone ATMs in quiet or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Always shield your PIN, keep your cash out of sight, and monitor your bank account during your stay.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Cook Islands takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Cook Islands?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Cook Islands. Majority of the bank ATMs in Cook Islands charge NZD 5.5 to NZD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Cook Islands?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Cook Islands and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in the Cook Islands, according to verified global ATM directories and Coinhub listing sites.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Cook Islands
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in the Cook Islands.
- Barclays: No, Barclays is not present and does not run ATMs here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain ATM services on the islands.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in the Cook Islands.
