Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Cook Islands: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Best move in the Cook Islands is to use ATMs for bulk cash. BSP and ANZ are the two main banks, and their machines give fair rates compared to airport counters. Budget NZD 90-120 per day if you’re mixing local food, scooter rental, and activities. Keep a little NZD from the airport exchange just for taxis or snacks. Always withdraw in larger amounts to offset ATM fees. Amex cards don’t usually work, so bring Visa or Mastercard.
The airport counter in Rarotonga is a rip-off. I changed NZD 200 when I landed and later realized I lost a chunk compared to what ATMs offered. That difference could’ve paid for a lagoon cruise. Cook Islands is already pricey compared to other islands, and wasting money on bad exchange rates annoyed me. For a daily budget of NZD 100-150, losing 10-15% upfront is a big hit. I’d never recommend exchanging at the airport unless you’re desperate.
I landed in Rarotonga and exchanged NZD 50 at the airport just to cover basics. Later, I used a BSP ATM and saw immediately that the rate was much stronger. Meals cost me NZD 25-40, and renting a scooter was around NZD 20 per day, so withdrawing directly stretched my budget. Cook Islands is small, but there are enough ATMs in Rarotonga to manage. Definitely avoid swapping large sums at the airport - ATMs give better value.
In the Cook Islands, ATMs generally offer better rates than airport exchange counters, though fees may apply. The islands use New Zealand dollars, so you’ll get close to interbank rates when withdrawing from BSP or ANZ ATMs. The airport counter is convenient but usually marks up heavily. If you’re budgeting NZD 80-120 daily for meals, scooters, and activities, you’ll save more using ATMs. Exchange just enough at the airport for taxis or your first meal.