Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Cook Islands easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Cook Islands are amazing, but be warned: Amex is practically useless. ATMs won’t work with it, and local businesses won’t take it. Visa was my lifesaver, from car rentals to cafes. I budgeted NZD 150 per day, and cash helped for smaller roadside fruit stalls. Mastercard also worked fine, but Amex didn’t. Bring Visa if you want a stress-free trip. Otherwise, you’ll constantly scramble for alternative payments.
I carried an Amex to Cook Islands and regretted it. No one accepted it, not even the dive shop. Visa and Mastercard worked fine, and ATMs only recognized those two. I spent about NZD 100-200 daily including activities like snorkeling trips and scooter hire. The only place that even looked at my Amex was the hotel reception, and they added a surcharge. Visa/Mastercard are the only safe choices.
When I was in Aitutaki, not one place took Amex. Resorts preferred Visa or Mastercard. ANZ and Bank of the South Pacific ATMs worked with both Visa and Mastercard, never with Amex. Restaurants on the lagoon charged NZD 30-50 per dish, and they all asked for Visa/Mastercard. I suggest carrying some cash too because smaller shops are cash-only. If Amex is your main card, you’ll be frustrated in the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands are stunning, but leave the Amex at home. Hardly anyone accepted it, not even most mid-range resorts in Rarotonga. Visa was the most reliable card at ATMs and restaurants. I budgeted about NZD 150 daily - food costs were NZD 20-40 per meal, scooters NZD 25 a day. Mastercard worked almost everywhere, but my Amex was turned down repeatedly. Cash is also useful for island markets.