Practical island guide
Money, cards & ATMs in Rarotonga
How to pay, where to find cash and why carrying a small amount of NZD is still useful.
How to pay, where to find cash and why carrying a small amount of NZD is still useful.
The official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), supplemented by Cook Islands coins and notes. The local currency is a fun souvenir, but the official visitor information notes that Cook Islands notes and coins are not legal tender outside the Cook Islands.
EFTPOS/card payment is available at many hotels, shops and businesses, but cash is still useful — especially for markets and smaller vendors. Rarotonga.co.nz's practical rule is simple: use cards where convenient, but don't arrive with zero cash.
Official Tourism guidance says ATMs are available around Rarotonga and Aitutaki, including outside the airport arrival hall, and accept Visa and Mastercard. ANZ's current Cook Islands site lists Rarotonga ATMs at ANZ House in Avarua, Super Brown Store in Nikao, Matex Store in Arorangi, Wigmore's Superstore in Vaimaanga and CITC Patai Store in Titikaveka.
ANZ, Bank of the Cook Islands and BSP operate in or around Avarua. Current official information shows normal weekday branch banking, but bank hours and public-holiday arrangements should be checked if you need an in-person service rather than just an ATM.
Cook Islands Tourism currently says foreign currency exchange is available on Rarotonga through Bank of the Cook Islands and Western Union/No.1 Currency Exchange in Avarua. If you are heading to an outer island, take sufficient cash because card acceptance is more limited than on Rarotonga.
Last content check: 26 August 2026. Always recheck changing details before relying on them.