Oceania
Money, cards and tipping in Cook Islands
NZDDollar
Money in Cook Islands
Mixed: cards and cash Uses NZ dollars plus local Cook Islands coins and notes, which can't be exchanged abroad. Most shops and hotels take cards; outer islands want cash. US$1 ≈ NZ$1.78 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected; tipping isn't part of local culture.
- ATMs: ATMs only on Rarotonga and Aitutaki; bring cash for other islands.
- Paying by phone: Cards work widely on Rarotonga; contactless phone payments depend on the terminal.
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rarotonga | Cards almost everywhere | Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and most restaurants; cash for markets, buses and small stalls. ATMs are in Avarua. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Cook Islands?
Not expected; tipping isn't part of local culture.
Is Cook Islands cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Uses NZ dollars plus local Cook Islands coins and notes, which can't be exchanged abroad. Most shops and hotels take cards; outer islands want cash.
What currency does Cook Islands use?
The Dollar (NZD). US$1 ≈ NZ$1.78 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
- Cook Islands Tourism
- Smartraveller: Cook Islands
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.