Travelling soon - any advice if hostels accept cards in Cook Islands or I have to give them cash
Honestly, hostels in the Cook Islands are charming but behind on payments. I stayed at one near Titikaveka and they said their card machine hadn’t worked for months. I had to drive back into Avarua to find an ANZ ATM, which wasted half my morning. It’s a hassle if you’re relying only on cards. Definitely carry cash-it’s not negotiable. Even tours around Muri Lagoon asked for cash. Don’t assume card will be an option outside main resorts.
I didn’t mind paying cash because it was easy to get NZD at the ANZ ATM by the market in Avarua. My hostel near Muri Beach told me upfront on email that they only accept cash, so no surprises. The vibe was super chilled, and paying cash almost felt normal there. Internet is slow on the islands, so I understand why they avoid relying on card machines. I’d just say withdraw enough when you see a working machine and you’ll be fine.
I booked a bed in a small hostel in Avarua online, but when I arrived they wanted cash only. Luckily, there was a BSP ATM near the Punanga Nui market. It’s pretty common here-places will take cash for accommodation and even more so for tours or scooter rentals. My advice is to keep extra NZD cash in hand, because you might struggle finding a working ATM on weekends. Cards do work in some larger shops, but not in budget hostels.
Most hostels in Rarotonga run on cash. I stayed near Muri Lagoon, and they said no to cards when I checked in. BSP and ANZ ATMs are dotted around Avarua, and they dispense New Zealand dollars, which is the local currency here. Hostels might accept your card if they’re linked to bigger resorts, but the budget backpacker ones usually don’t. Best to grab some NZD cash as soon as you land at Rarotonga Airport, since not all ATMs are reliable.