Cook Islands offer stunning lagoons, warm hospitality, and a relaxed pace of life – but managing money in the Cook Islands and knowing how currency works will ensure your island escape is worry-free. Whether you’re staying in a beachfront bungalow, exploring local markets, or tipping for tours, understanding payment options is key. This guide details what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in the Cook Islands (New Zealand Dollar – NZD and Cook Islands Dollar), plus safety tips and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you can enjoy the islands without unexpected fees or payment issues.
How to pay in Cook Islands – cash or card?
In the Cook Islands, both cash and card payments are commonly used, though it really depends where in the country you are. In Rarotonga and Aitutaki, especially within hotels and larger businesses, card payments are the norm – yet cash remains essential outside main towns, smaller islands, for smaller vendors and remote spots.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation and Taxis: Local buses and taxis often require cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Market stalls, craft sellers, and small roadside shops are cash-based.
- Small Businesses: Family-run cafés and shops often prefer cash, especially outside main towns.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Many budget accommodations require cash payment on arrival.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tipping is appreciated for service staff and guides.
- Outer Islands: In Pa Enua and other remote areas, cash is the only payment option.
You can use card for:
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger properties accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Restaurants: Many in Rarotonga and Aitutaki take card payments.
- Retail Stores: Bigger shops and supermarkets in main towns accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tour Operators: Cards are standard for bookings.
- ATMs: Available in main towns for cash withdrawals with international cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands Dollar (CKD) and the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) are both used in the Cook Islands – but NZD is the best currency to take with you and it is widely accepted and most pricing is done in NZD.
You’ll find Cook Islands coins and some local notes in circulation, but they aren’t accepted outside the islands. NZD, on the other hand, is both widely accepted and practical, especially if you’re transiting through New Zealand.
USD or GBP or Euros are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Cook Islands?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Cook Islands. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Banks for currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Cook Islands
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Cook Islands
If you’re withdrawing money in Cook Islands from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Cook Islands?
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of New Zealand Dollars (NZD) before traveling to the Cook Islands for early expenses like taxis or tips. The local currency is the Cook Islands Dollar (CKD), but NZD is also legal tender and more widely used.
ATMs are available in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, especially near banks and resorts. Most accept Visa and Mastercard, but Maestro, Cirrus, and Plus cards may have limited support – check with your bank beforehand. International withdrawal fees may apply.
If you prefer to exchange money, do so at local banks in Avarua or major hotels, which offer better rates than airport kiosks. NZD, AUD, and USD are the most commonly exchanged currencies.
Where to withdraw money in Cook Islands
You can withdraw money in Cook Islands at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Cook Islands.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Cook Islands.
Where to exchange currency in Cook Islands
Common places to exchange currency in Cook Islands are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
There are very few dedicated exchange bureaus in the Cook Islands. Most currency exchange happens through banks or airport kiosks. Exchange services are available in Avarua (Rarotonga) and limited facilities may exist in major resorts.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are:
Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI)
ANZ Cook Islands
Banks are located in Avarua and operate Monday to Friday, typically from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Airport Services:
Currency exchange desks are available at Rarotonga International Airport, both airside and in the arrivals area.
Tip: Bring New Zealand Dollars (NZD) in cash for the best convenience. USD, AUD, and EUR may be exchangeable at banks but not widely accepted in shops or markets.
You can find good currency exchanges in Cook Islands using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Cook Islands. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Cook Islands safe?
Carrying cash in the Cook Islands is generally safe, thanks to the islands’ low crime rate and relaxed atmosphere. That said, minor theft or loss can still happen, so it’s smart to be cautious and organized when carrying cash.
To keep your cash safe in the Cook Islands:
- Carry only what you’ll need for the day and store the rest in a locked safe or pouch.
- Use a money belt or secure bag while out exploring.
- Avoid flashing large amounts of money when shopping or paying for excursions.
- Split your cash between a wallet and a backup stash in a separate location.
- Use ATMs located in banks or hotels in Rarotonga or Aitutaki.
- While larger businesses may accept cards, cash is often preferred in small shops or for island tours.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Cook Islands
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
