Rarotonga widely accepts cards; you'll only need notes and coins if you buy from a market, take local transport or leave a cash tip, so we suggest bringing numerous $10 notes and $20 notes and using them as you go. You'll often be given Cook Islands-issued change when you pay with NZD notes (but not always).
Can you drink tap water in Rarotonga?
Can I drink tap water in the Cook Islands? No. While some accommodation providers have filtered taps, it is always best to boil tap water before drinking it. You can also refill your reusable bottle at filtered water stations around the island.
Do they tip in the Cook Islands?
There is a 15% vat tax on all goods and services in the Cook Islands, most places will include this in the price. Tipping is not expected, however if you receive excellent service and want to acknowledge it, please feel free to do so.
Can you drink the tap water in Rarotonga?
Can I drink tap water in the Cook Islands? No. While some accommodation providers have filtered taps, it is always best to boil tap water before drinking it. You can also refill your reusable bottle at filtered water stations around the island.
Should you tip in Rarotonga?
What should I wear in Rarotonga?
Due to the warm temperatures, most people in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands wear casual and light clothing to keep cool, particularly bamboo, linen or merino wool fabrics.
Is Rarotonga expensive?
Is Rarotonga More Expensive than New Zealand? Considering the Cook Islands uses the same currency, the New Zealand Dollar, and the country imports a lot of goods from New Zealand, we find that the prices for food, accommodation and getting around are on par or just marginally more expensive than in New Zealand.
Are mosquitoes bad in Rarotonga?
Yes, there have been outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases in the Cook Islands, especially dengue fever, which causes high fever, headache, etc.
Should you tip the kitchen?
Tips are often shared with ancillary helpers—bussers, bartenders, etc. —but not the kitchen staff. It's illegal, though, for a restaurant to share tips with the back of the house. Nonetheless, you might think the kitchen would receive tips on the side from patrons for exemplary service or general excellence.
What is the best time of year to go to Rarotonga?
Overall, our shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are a great time to visit as the weather in these months is usually the perfect balance of warm temperatures and dry skies. During July to October humpback whales can often be seen from the Rarotonga foreshore.