£1 NZ$2.30
Today
8:19 am
-10h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Cook Islands
Cook Islands
27°
Thunderstorm
Thu
26°
27°
Fri
26°
27°
Sat
26°
27°
Sun
26°
26°
Mon
25°
26°
Tue
24°
26°
Wed
25°
26°
SPF level in Cook Islands
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Cook Islands
What British travellers need to know
You can visit the Cook Islands without a visa for up to 31 days.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after you plan to leave the Cook Islands.
You can visit Niue without a visa for up to 30 days.
To enter the Cook Islands or Niue, you must have a ticket for onward or return travel.
To enter the Cook Islands or Niue, you must have proof of accommodation during your stay.
Good to know:
To enter Niue, you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with transmission risk.
You must declare any currency if the value is 10,000 New Zealand dollars or more when entering.
Safety in Cook Islands
Tips when travelling
Cook Islands is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave valuables unattended or in plain sight, especially on the beach or in unsecured scooters.
There are severe penalties for possessing or importing even small amounts of drugs, including deportation and imprisonment.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted on Rarotonga and parts of Aitutaki, but you must use cash on the other Cook Islands.
Follow local safety advice when swimming, snorkelling or diving, as some beaches in Niue are closed at certain times for traditional fishing.
Driving can be challenging, particularly at night, due to poor road conditions, lighting, and pedestrians or animals on the roads.
Bonus tips:
If you hire motorbikes or jet skis, follow local licensing laws and wear a helmet when using them.
Sea transport operators may not meet expected safety standards, with ferries often being overcrowded and lacking safety equipment.
More information
Driving in Cook Islands
A valid UK driving license is accepted for visitors. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
60 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Cook Islands
As a British tourist, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency treatment and repatriation. While the GHIC/EHIC card is useful in Europe, it is not applicable in the Cook Islands. Check your policy details for inclusions and exclusions, particularly regarding adventurous activities.
Consult your doctor or travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations for the Cook Islands, which may include protection against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning. Food and water safety are generally good, but it's advisable to drink bottled water to avoid any stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in major tourist areas, hotels, and larger establishments, particularly in Rarotonga. Smaller businesses and outer islands tend to prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Cook Islands
Tipping isn't a widespread custom in the Cook Islands, and service charges are often included in restaurant bills. However, it is becoming more common to offer a small gratuity for exceptional service.
Restaurant
5-10% for outstanding service, if no service charge is included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
2-5 NZD per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 NZD per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 NZD per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in the Cook Islands. Check with your UK mobile provider for specific rates and packages before you travel. Post-Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer apply, so standard international roaming rates will apply. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
5GB for 35 NZD (~£18)
Network coverage
4G
Electrical in Cook Islands
Voltage
240V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type I
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available at many hotels, resorts, and cafes, especially in Rarotonga. Internet speed can vary.
Average speed
10 Mbps
WiFi access is generally available in tourist areas, but it might not be as fast or reliable as you are used to in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cook Islands
Country code
+682
To call a Cook Islands number 22222 from the UK, you would dial 00 682 22222.
To call the Cook Islands, you'll need the exit code (00 from the UK), followed by the country code (682), and then the local number. Mobile coverage is generally good in populated areas.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Apia (Samoa)
British High Commission John Williams Building, 4th Floor Beach Road, Apia, Samoa
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.