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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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.
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.
The best time to visit the Cook Islands is during the driest months (April to November). The climate is tropical and generally agreeable year-round, with steady humidity levels and temperatures sitting between 75°F and 86°F.
You can enjoy the vast wilderness, amazing beaches, and city lifestyle you won't find in the Cook Islands. But, if you aim for a less-touristy relaxing beach vacation without heaps to do, the Cook Islands are the first choice. It is simply more laid-back.
If you're looking for one of the best Pacific Island to visit on a budget, the Cook Islands offer a perfect balance of affordability and beauty. With plenty of accommodation options and activities to suit all interests, you can create a dream Pacific Island holiday without breaking the bank.
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.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to the Cook Islands. High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is January. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Cook Islands flight deals.
Mobiles & WiFiYou 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.
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.
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.
The Caribbean island of St.Barts is the most expensive vacation destination in the world, largely because of its high accommodation costs, which average $1,770 per night, according to the analysis.
Basically, after our research, Cook seems to have better beaches and landmarks but it's more developed for tourism and has more occidental influence. Samoa doesn't have paradisiac beaches as Cook, but it's more original and locals preserve and protect their culture.