Cook Islands Travel Guide

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Shopping

Best buys are woodcarvings, pearls, shell craft, woven products, pottery, and pandanus hats and baskets made out of coconut fiber. Coins and stamps are considered to be valuable collectors' items. Another popular buy is a brightly colored, all-purpose wrap-around cloth garment worn by both men and women (a Pareu); it's ideal for casual wear in the hot climate. Island Craft (www.islandcraft.com) has a retail outlet in Avarua where hand-carved items can be purchased. The art of carving may be observed in Punanganui Market Place. There is also a wide range of duty-free items.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200. Some stores in tourist areas remain open for longer.

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol NZ$) = 100 cents, supplemented by notes and coins minted for local use which are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, banks and in some larger stores and hotels. EFTPOS and ATM machines are available at both ANZ and Westpac banks on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and also major stores and restaurants. ANZ charges a much higher commission than Westpac. At the banks, traveler's checks attract an exchange rate around 3% higher than cash.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted.

Travelers Checks

Accepted in hotels and some shops; NZ$ recommended as some outer island banks won't change US$.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Local currency can be exported up to NZ$250. Foreign currency can be exported up to the amount imported and declared.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0900-1500, Fri 0900-1600. GlobalEX Western Union is the only bank open Sat. 0830-1200 and gives a better rate than the banks without commission.

Exchange Rate