Do you tip in the Cook Islands?

Is Tipping Customary in the Cook Islands? It is not customary nor expected for tourists to tip in the Cook Islands. Should you want to reward good service, however, a tip will be well received. There are, however, taxes that you will have to pay during your holiday.



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It is not customary to tip in the Cook Islands. Tipping is the exception rather than a norm. As tourism grows, and as more Cook Islanders return to their homeland, as opposed to living overseas in either New Zealand or Australia.

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Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Several ATMs can be found on Rarotonga, Aitutaki has two ATMs and two banks, and cash is needed for the smaller islands.

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Aim for a budget of NZ$90 (US$63) per day upwards for a backpacker stay on the islands, staying in dorms, taking local buses and cooking meals at your hostel.

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Casual clothing is recommended however for wearing in and around the town centre and the non-beach areas of the island. The Cook Island people are quite traditional in this respect and it's not considered appropriate to wear your swimming gear beyond the beaches.

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Is the Cook Islands Expensive to Visit? The Cook Islands is more expensive to visit than Australia, the US, Asia and Europe but cheaper than other Pacific destinations like Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti (French Polynesia).

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Reef Shoe Rental in Rarotonga Correspondingly, walking along the never ending beach is a favorite activity for many people. Moreover, you can also explore the exposed fringing reef at low tide on reef walk. However, you need reef shoes to protect your feet from injury.

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Mobiles & WiFi You can buy a Visitor Sim card from the Vodafone offices in Avarua, or from Vodafone at the airport on arrival, or other retail outlets. Depending on the type of SIM your phone uses, you'll need to use a standard, micro or nano SIM. You'll get all three sizes in one SIM card - pop out the size you need.

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The remoteness of the Cook Islands means you've taken some time to get here. Wherever you've flown from. And flight schedules mean you'll likely be looking at around a week long stay at a minimum unless visiting from New Zealand. We had seven days and six nights for our visit.

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Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Several ATMs can be found on Rarotonga, Aitutaki has two ATMs and two banks, and cash is needed for the smaller islands.

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Line cooks do not get tips unless tipped employees voluntarily share their tips. This is a result of the Fair Labor Standards Act rule that was intended to stop restaurants and managers from skimming from servers' tips.

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According to Nolo.com, it is illegal for restaurants to make waiters split their tips with line cooks or any kitchen (back of the house) staff. Line cooks do not get tips unless tipped employees voluntarily share their tips.

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All food items brought into the Cook Islands must be declared on your arrival card otherwise they could be confiscated; including meat, dairy products, eggs, honey products, and seeds for human consumption. No fruits and vegetables are permitted.

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The lagoon beaches are shallow with sandy bottoms, making it safe to swim and lounge around in. Many hotels have pools at the water's edge, with a view of the lagoon.

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11 things to pack for your next trip to the Cook Islands!
  • Jandals/flip flops. We start with a few easy ones and probably the first things you'll throw into your suitcase. ...
  • Swimming Gear and Casual Clothing. ...
  • Sneakers. ...
  • Sunglasses and Oxybenzone free Sunblock. ...
  • Insect Repellent. ...
  • Reef Shoes. ...
  • Snorkel Gear. ...
  • Waterproof Camera/GoPro.


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