Money in Cook Islands
Cook Islands uses the New Zealand dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- NZDNew Zealand dollar
- Symbol
- NZ$
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in Cook Islands
Local Cook Islands notes and coins circulate alongside NZ dollars but can't be exchanged abroad.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is the most widely accepted method, and markets and the bus take cash only. On outer islands other than Aitutaki, cash is the only option.
- ATMs
- ATMs dispense NZD and are only on Rarotonga (about 15 to 16) and Aitutaki (two). Cook Islands Pocket Guide reports fees of NZ$6.50 (ANZ) and NZ$5.50 (BSP) per withdrawal.
- Foreign currency
- The official currency is the New Zealand dollar. The Cook Islands also issue their own notes ($3 to $50) and coins (10c to $5), which are only usable in the Cook Islands.
- Exchanging money
- Currency exchange is on Rarotonga only, at the Bank of the Cook Islands and Western Union/No.1 Currency Exchange in Avarua, and at the airport. No banks on other outer islands offer foreign exchange.
- Watch out for
- Cook Islands notes and coins cannot be exchanged outside the Cook Islands, so spend or change them before leaving. Cash of NZ$10,000 or more must be declared on arrival, per Cook Islands Pocket Guide.
Tipping in Cook Islands
Tipping isn't customary or expected.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Cook Islands Tourism, Cook Islands Pocket Guide (currency), Cook Islands Pocket Guide (payments), Cook Islands Sun (Enjoy Cook Islands), Cook Islands Pocket Guide, Helloworld NZ.
Convert to and from NZD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.78 NZD | 1.99 NZD | 2.38 NZD |
| 10 | 17.77 NZD | 19.90 NZD | 23.84 NZD |
| 50 | 88.83 NZD | 99.51 NZD | 119 NZD |
| 100 | 178 NZD | 199 NZD | 238 NZD |
| 500 | 888 NZD | 995 NZD | 1,192 NZD |
What each amount is worth in NZD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Cook Islands use?
Cook Islands uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD).
Do you need to tip in Cook Islands?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary or expected.
Can you pay by card in Cook Islands?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is the most widely accepted method, and markets and the bus take cash only. On outer islands other than Aitutaki, cash is the only option.
Are there ATMs in Cook Islands?
ATMs dispense NZD and are only on Rarotonga (about 15 to 16) and Aitutaki (two). Cook Islands Pocket Guide reports fees of NZ$6.50 (ANZ) and NZ$5.50 (BSP) per withdrawal.