Electricity

The voltage is 240 V at 50 Hz, and Type I plugs (three flat pins, with two angled and one earth) are used, matching Australian and New Zealand devices.

Language

Cook Islands Māori is widely spoken, and English is also commonly used.

Money

The Cook Islands dollar (CIT) and New Zealand dollar (NZD) circulate at a 1:1 value. Currency exchange is available at Rarotonga airport; ATMs are mostly found in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in those islands, but remote islands rely heavily on cash.

Tipping

Tipping isn't customary and is not expected by locals.

Health

There's minimal disease risk, though mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue can occur; visitors should bring insect repellent and protective clothing. No vaccinations are mandatory, but hepatitis A, B, and typhoid are often recommended. Tap water is generally safe, though boiled or bottled water is advised for visitors in rural areas. Rarotonga offers a hospital and pharmacies, while other islands have limited medical services. Comprehensive travel insurance (including air evac) is strongly recommended; travellers should bring necessary medications and prescription documentation.

Safety

Crime is low, and most visits are trouble-free. Standard precautions with valuables are advised.

Local customs

Cook Islanders are friendly and welcoming. Fashion is modest, so no beachwear should be worn in town, and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Greetings with flower garlands are common.

Doing business

Avarua on Rarotonga is the business hub. While attire and meetings tend to be casual, punctuality and modest dress matter, especially for women. Business is in English; prayers often start or end meetings. Hours are typically 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers over 18 years to the Cook Islands may import 2 litres of alcoholic beverage or 4.5 litres of beer, and 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250g of tobacco. No firearms, cartridges or cartridge cases, gunpowder, bullets, and other forms of ammunition are allowed without prior permission from the Minister of Police.

Communications

The country code for the Cook Islands is +682. Resorts that offer free WiFi are located throughout the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

Visitors must show onward tickets and proof of funds. Passports generally need to be valid for six months beyond the stay, except for New Zealand nationals, who need at least seven days of validity beyond their intended departure. On arrival, tourists receive a free permit, which extends to 31 days for most nationalities, and 90 days for New Zealand citizens. Extensions of up to 62 additional days are possible through local immigration.

Entry requirements

US nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

UK nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

Australian nationals must have a passport valid for seven days beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

South African nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

Irish nationals must have a passport valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 31 days. Passengers who want to stay over 31 days can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival.

New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for seven days beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Rarotonga: +682 29 435 or www.cookislands.travel

Police: 22 499. Emergencies: 999. Fire and rescue: 996.