Emergency medical care is good. There is a hospital on Rarotonga and 24 hour medical and dental services. It is recommended to take out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way.
Notes vaccinations
[1] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [2] Tap water is usually clean, but you may experience a mild stomach upset. Bottled water is therefore recommended for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk, dairy products, meat products, poultry, fruit and vegetables can be consumed without concern. Be careful with fish and seafood. Poisoning can occur in some cases.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Bathers are warned that there is a risk of injury from sharp coral reefs.
Money
Currency
1 New Zealand dollar = 100 cents. Currency code: NZ$, NZD (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents. 1 Cook Islands dollar (same value as New Zealand dollar): banknotes come in denominations of $20, $10 and $3, coins come in denominations of 50, 20 and 10 cents.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in banks, hotels, rental car companies and larger shops, particularly on the main island of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. However, ATMs are not widely available in the Cook Islands. To be on the safe side, travelers should have an alternative supply of money, such as credit cards and cash, in addition to their bank customer card. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Traveller’s checks are accepted at a bank and bureau de change in the Cook Islands in Rarotonga. They should be made out in NZ$ where possible.
Bank opening hours
General Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No import and export restrictions for the local currency and foreign currencies, declaration obligation exists from an equivalent value of NZ$ 10,000. The export of national or foreign currencies is permitted up to the amount imported (proof) and must be declared, for higher amounts a license must be available.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, at banks and in several large hotels and shops. ATMs are available at ANZ and Westpac Bank in Rarotonga/Aitutaki.
