Language

Cook Island Maori is widely spoken by locals, but English is in common use.

Back to top

Money

The currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Foreign currency exchange is available at the airport and two banks in Avarua. ATMs are available in Avarua at the banks and at major stores and restaurants. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at restaurants and hotels in the main towns, and travelers checks in small denominations as well as major foreign currencies can be exchanged at larger shops and hotels. Australian dollars are the preferred currency for travelers checks.

Back to top

Communications

The country code for the Cook Islands is +682, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). City codes are not required. International Direct Dialing is available, but operator assistance may be required. In the main town of Avarua there is a telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands) offering international telephone, fax, e-mail, Internet connections and other services. GSM cellular mobile services are only available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Back to top

Tipping

Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom.

Back to top

Safety

Visits to the Cook Islands are usually trouble-free. There is relatively little crime, but it is advisable to protect your valuables.

Back to top

Health

There is little risk of disease on the Cook Islands, but visitors should take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. Recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A, hepatitis B (infants and children), typhoid and rabies. Locals consider the tap water safe, but boiled or bottled water is advised for visitors, particularlyin rural areas. A range of medical and dental services are available on Rarotonga, including a hospital and various pharmacies, but medical facilities in the Cook Islands in general are limited and a comprehensive medical insurance is advised toinclude air evacuation for emergencies.

Back to top

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz; the same as New Zealand and Australia. A two-pin adapter is required at some establishments.

Back to topp

Back to previous page
Search by date

* Required

Ticket Type
Link to Calendar
Link to Calendar

Top flight deals

Travel Tips

Read expert tips on getting the most out of travel

Airline and Air Travel Information
Airport Security
Getting Bumped
Airline Upgrade Guide
Find the Best Airfare Deals
Fat-Finger Fares
Alternate Airports
Last-minute Airfares 101
Booking Flights by Phone
International Travel Tips
Embassies and Consulates Abroad
Trip Planning
Timing Your Trip
Airport Amusements

More travel tips

Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

Contributors

Close

Wordtravels.com

Destination guides to countries and cities worldwide www.wordtravels.com

World Airport Guides

Guide to more than 200 airports around the world www.worldairportguide.com

Cheapflights.com

Cheap airline tickets to domestic and worldwide destinations www.cheapflights.com

Subscribe

Weekly travel deal alerts!

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel deals as they happen.
TRUSTe Logo
We do not share your information with third parties and have a spam free policy. See our privacy policy

Follow us on

Up to the minute travel deals and discussions