Cook Islands
Travel tips for Cook Islands: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. While credit cards and tap-to-pay are widely accepted at most hotels and restaurants, travelers recommend carrying some NZD cash for local markets, smaller food stalls, and certain tours, especially on outer islands like Aitutaki.
Try the food
- Ika Mata: Fresh raw fish, typically tuna, marinated in citrus juice and served in rich coconut cream with diced vegetables.
- Rukau: Young taro leaves slow-cooked with coconut cream and caramelized onions until tender and creamy.
- Poke: A dense, sweet pudding made from overripe bananas or pawpaw mixed with arrowroot and baked, then smothered in coconut cream.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type I
- Voltage
- 240V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Avoid — buy bottled
- Emergency
- 999 (police), 998 (ambulance), 996 (fire)
- SIM tip
- Vodafone Cook Islands is the sole provider, and you can easily purchase a tourist SIM card at their kiosk in the arrivals hall of Rarotonga International Airport.
Etiquette
Tipping is not customary or expected in the Cook Islands, but dressing modestly by covering your shoulders and thighs when away from the beach is highly appreciated.