Useful Information

Written on 29/08/2024
Anonga Tisam

Business Hours

Government offices and shops usually open from 8 am to 4 pm. Saturday shopping hours are from 8 am to 12 pm. Most shops are closed on Sundays.


Useful Information

Airports

The Rarotongan International Airport is located on the main island of Rarotonga, 4.5 km from Avarua, and is the international port of entry into the Cook Islands. Domestic flights arrive into and depart from Rarotonga.


Useful Information

Climate

Warmth and sunshine can be enjoyed year-round in the Cook Islands. May to October is the dry and cooler season, with average temperatures of 22-24°C. November to April is the wet and warmer season, with average temperatures of 24-26°C.


Useful Information

Currency

The currency used is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).


Useful Information

Dress

Informal, cool, and comfortable clothing is advised. Revealing clothing is not acceptable in town or villages. A respectable standard of dress is required for church services. Nude or topless sunbathing is prohibited.

 


Useful Information

Duty-Free Allowances

Visitors are allowed 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, or a mixture of not more than 250 grams in total. Additionally, visitors may bring in two litres of spirits, wine, and liqueur OR 4.5 litres of beer.

 


Useful Information

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts AC Hz/50 cycle. Visitors from North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe will need adaptor plugs suitable for New Zealand to use dual-voltage appliances, such as hair dryers.

Population

The Cook Islands have a population of about 14,000 people, with roughly 9,000 living on Rarotonga.

 


Useful Information

Visitor Requirements

All visitors must have adequate financial means to support their stay, valid tickets for their return journey to a port of origin or next destination port, and passports valid for at least six months beyond their period of stay. New Zealand citizens traveling on New Zealand passports are not required to have proof of onward passage.

Visitors & Entry Permit Exemption

An entry permit is not required for people entering the Cook Islands as bona-fide visitors (recreation, vacation/holiday, business meeting, conference, sports tournament, exploring investment opportunities, etc.) for a stay of not more than 31 days. An extension beyond 31 days is available only to those taking a holiday or recreation, and you must make an application at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).


Useful Information

Medical and Dental Services

Medical and dental services are available 24 hours a day. There are no poisonous animals or insects in the Cook Islands, although mosquito repellent is advisable. For medical assistance, contact Rarotonga Hospital at (682) 22664 or (682) 20065. For dental services, contact Dental Services Tupapa at (682) 29 312 or email aremaki@oyster.co.ck.

Safety

The Cook Islands are generally safe, but as with anywhere else in the world, never leave your personal belongings unattended and ensure your accommodation and means of transport are locked at all times.

Water

Visitors are encouraged to boil water before use. Most hotels have water filter systems. Bottled water is readily available from local shops.


Useful Information

Taxes and Tipping

All taxes are included in prices, and tipping is contrary to Cook Islands custom. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, like in any other country in the world, your acknowledgment may be appreciated.


Useful Information

Communications

When phoning the Cook Islands from other countries, use the international dialing code 682. Telephone and Internet services are provided by Bluesky Cook Islands, phone (682) 123, www.vodafone.co.ck. Internet cafés and WiFi hotspots are located in Avarua and around the island for internet and email services. Bluesky offers visitor SIM cards with text, phone, and data credit.

Television and Radio

Cook Islands Television (CITV) telecasts local and imported shows throughout the week in both English and Cook Islands Maori. The AM and FM radio stations offer a mix of music, talk, and international news from Australia and New Zealand. Frequencies are AM 630 KHz, FM 105.5 KHz, FM 101 KHz, and FM 88 KHz.


Useful Information

Emergency

For any emergency, dial 999 for health, police, or fire services.

Useful Contacts