Is tipping expected in Cook Islands?

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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Tipping is not customary in the Cook Islands and it is frowned upon to haggle over prices.

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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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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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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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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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Sometimes—unlike in the United States, tipping in Spain is not required, though there are some situations where it's very much appreciated. Sometimes simply leaving the coins you received as change can serve as a gratuity, and sometimes you should leave more.

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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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