Rarotonga Travel Money - Best Options for Kiwis in 2024
Our guide outlines everything you need to know about spending money in Rarotonga, specifically cash vs debit and credit cards vs travel money cards.
Updated 3 January 2024
Summary:
Our guide explains everything you need to know to make travelling in Rarotonga a cost-effective experience. We cover:
- Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, conveniently uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) as its official currency. This means there's no need to worry about currency exchange or fluctuating rates. It's an extension of New Zealand when it comes to paying for things, which makes it very easy to budget for. This means you can forget about forex and you don't need a travel money card.
- Most New Zealanders will pre-book and/or prepay hotels and resorts using a credit card, but on-the-ground costs (dinners, activities etc) can be as much as prepaid costs, and many New Zealanders are surprised about the cost of food and drinks. The Cook Islands imports most items from New Zealand, hence some things will be more expensive.
- Rarotonga widely accepts cards; you'll only need notes and coins if you buy from a market, take local transport or leave a cash tip.
- The Cook Islands issues its own coins and notes, including the unusual $3 note and a $2 triangle coin. You'll often be given local change when you pay with NZD (but not always). This means you'll need to spend any Cook Island-issued coins and notes before returning to New Zealand as no one accepts them outside of the Cook Islands.
- ATMs in Rarotonga disperse NZD; some NZ banks will charge a fee given it's seen as 'international'. Exceptions to this are ANZ and BNZ, among others.
- We are confident in suggesting that a mixture of cash and cards is best for Rarotonga. Hotels and resorts will take cards, as will car rental agencies (as is standard), but some restaurants will be cash-only which can become a hassle if you don't know that in advance. To manage the risk of being unable to pay with card, many visitors to the Cook Islands bring sufficient NZD in notes to help them pay for local expenses.
Our guide explains everything you need to know to make travelling in Rarotonga a cost-effective experience. We cover:
Option 1 - Using Cash in Rarotonga
If you want physical NZD notes before leaving New Zealand, get them from an ATM or your bank (if you wish to take more than the daily ATM limit).
Getting NZD Cash When You Arrive in Rarotonga:
There are ATMs all over the Cook Islands, including at Rarotonga Airport and those operated by ANZ and Westpac. For peace of mind, we suggest taking a wad of NZD with you before leaving New Zealand so you have enough on hand for anything urgent.
Getting NZD Cash When You Arrive in Rarotonga:
There are ATMs all over the Cook Islands, including at Rarotonga Airport and those operated by ANZ and Westpac. For peace of mind, we suggest taking a wad of NZD with you before leaving New Zealand so you have enough on hand for anything urgent.
If I have spare Cook Islands-issued dollars and coins on the last day I'm in Rarotonga, what should I do with them?
Even though the Cook Islands' coins are valued on par with the NZD, you won't be able to use them, so you'll need to get rid of them. The best way to to this is to spend the notes and coins on your last day; many people make a part payment alongside their card to settle a final bill, for example a lunch or dinner, before they fly out. Or you can put the cash towards the hotel bill if you're settling the bill at the end of your stay. The alternative is to take them home but we argue they have absolutely no use or value in New Zealand (other than being a souvenir).
Option 2 - Using NZ-Issued Debit and Credit Cards in Rarotonga
Many New Zealanders will use a debit and/or credit card and they are widely accepted. You won't be charged foreign transaction fees as you're paying in NZD from a NZD bank account or credit card. Please be aware that AMEX is not widely accepted in the Cook Islands.
Many places throughout the Cook Islands take cards, but you'll still need physical notes and coins for everyday market-type purchases, local transport and if you want to leave a cash tip.
Many places throughout the Cook Islands take cards, but you'll still need physical notes and coins for everyday market-type purchases, local transport and if you want to leave a cash tip.
Must-Know Tips for Spending NZD in Rarotonga
​You Don't Need to Tip
Tipping is not common in Rarotonga, similar to New Zealand. However, gestures of appreciation for excellent service are always welcome.
Cards Are Common, But Cash Still Has Its Place at Local Markets and Eateries
Credit and debit cards are prevalent, but for farmer's markets, food trucks, or some small-town establishments, having cash on hand will be essential as the Cook Islands cashless financial infrastructure doesn't extend to all corners of the islands.
Keep Track of Your Expenditures
It's easy to lose track of spending, and Rarotonga can be expensive given the importation of everything you'll eat and drink. We suggest checking your bank account a few times when on holiday to stay aware of your spending.
Cook Islands and Money - Frequently Asked Questions
Will my New Zealand bank card work in Rarotonga ATMs?
Yes, most New Zealand bank cards should work in Rarotonga's ATMs and for most banks there won't be any fees for using them.
Does the Cook Island have GST?
Yes - a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services in Rarotonga which works the same way as GST in New Zealand.
Is it safe to carry cash in Rarotonga?
Rarotonga is generally safe, but like anywhere, it's wise to exercise caution. Don't flash large amounts of cash and use hotel safes when available.
Our Conclusion
- We are confident in suggesting that a mixture of cash and cards is best for Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga widely accepts cards; you'll only need notes and coins if you buy from a market, take local transport or leave a cash tip, so we suggest bringing numerous $10 notes and $20 notes and using them as you go.
- You'll often be given Cook Islands-issued change when you pay with NZD notes (but not always). This means you'll need to spend any Cook Island-issued coins and notes before returning to New Zealand as no one accepts them outside of the Cook Islands.
- ATMs in Rarotonga disperse NZD; some NZ banks will charge a fee given it's seen as 'international'. Exceptions to this are ANZ and BNZ, among others.
More details: This helpful Cook Islands money guide is aimed at non-New Zealanders, but has useful information.
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