A Guide to Using Foreign Credit and Debit Cards in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Authentic Insights from Expert Travel Writers*
Secure and easy to use, credit and debit cards are popular payment methods when travelling. The peace of mind of having that extra bit of overdraft, should you need it in an emergency, is a major drawcard for using credit cards overseas, while being able to use the same debit card you use at home is also super convenient.
There are, however, a few things you need to know about using foreign credit and debit cards in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. We go over what type of bank cards can be used, where you can use them and outline the surcharges in this complete guide to using credit and debit cards in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands.
*Our travel tips are from writers who’ve personally explored the Cook Islands, not AI-generated or copied content. We’ve been there, done that, and can’t wait to share our experiences with you! (Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.)
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Credit and Debit Cards in the Cook Islands
Let’s take a look at the most asked questions about using foreign credit and debit cards in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. You never know, your question might be answered!
Can I Use My Debit Card in Rarotonga?
Yes, you can use your debit card in Rarotonga as long as it is a Visa or MasterCard and has a four-digit PIN encoded.
Can You Use Your Eftpos Card in Rarotonga?
You cannot use your EFTPOS card in Rarotonga. However, if you have a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard and a four-digit PIN encoded, you will be able to use it there (see above).
Now to the details…
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comWhich Credit and Debit Cards are Accepted in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands?
Certain types of credit and debit cards are accepted in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and the Cook Islands, including major brands, as long as a four-digit PIN is encoded. Bank cards that are accepted in the Cook Islands include:
| 💳 Credit Card Type | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| MasterCard | ✔️ Yes |
| Visa | ✔️ Yes |
| American Express | ⚠️ Limited |
| Diners Club | ❌ No |
| Discover | ❌ No |
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comWhere Can You Use Credit and Debit Cards in the Cook Islands?
Most stores, restaurants and accommodations on Rarotonga and Aitutaki accept credit and debit cards, otherwise known as EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) for you Kiwis. For paying your way outside of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, however, it’s best to have enough cash for the entire duration of your outer-islands stay.
Where You Can’t Use Cards to Pay in the Cook Islands
Some instances where credit and debit cards are not accepted include on the Rarotonga bus, the markets (although there is a mobile BSP ATM at the Punanga Nui Market), roadside produce stalls, taxis and smaller tour operators. As mentioned, it’s best to have the cash to pay your way on the islands outside of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
ATMs in the Cook Islands
There are many ATMs in convenient places around Rarotonga, as well as three ATMs in Aitutaki.
See ATM locations in Information, Shops & Services on Rarotonga and Information, Shops & Services on Aitutaki.
All ATMs accept international Visa and MasterCard, and dispense money in New Zealand Dollars.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comCredit Card Charges in the Cook Islands
There are three main fees to be aware of when paying with debit and credit cards in the Cook Islands: the foreign currency exchange fee, credit/debit card surcharges imposed by the vendor, and ATM withdrawal fees.
Foreign Currency Exchange Fees
Seasoned travellers will know that the bank issuing your credit or debit card often has a fee for a “foreign currency service” or something similar each time you make a transaction overseas.
Check with your bank to determine the percentage for using your credit card in the Cook Islands. It’s usually a fee of 1-3% of the transaction in your home currency. This fee is often also applied when using an ATM in the Cook Islands.
Credit/Debit Card Surcharges
Another credit card fee you may experience in the Cook Islands is a surcharge implemented by local businesses. Many businesses in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands charge a fee of 2.5-3% on each transaction for using a foreign credit or debit card. We’ve even seen some surcharges as high as 5%!
ATM Withdrawal Fees and Limits
Additionally, a withdrawal fee is applied when using an overseas bank card at an ATM in the Cook Islands. The fee is usually around NZ$5.50-$7 per withdrawal.
There is a BCI ATM in Avarua, however, that does not charge a withdrawal fee for New Zealand-issued bank cards. Find it outside of the BCI Bank in Avarua – not the ones on the main street but around the corner.
It’s also worth noting that withdrawal limits vary depending on the ATM.
| 🏦 Bank | 💰 Withdrawal Fee (NZD) | 🔢 Max Amount per Withdrawal (NZD) | 📅 Daily Withdrawal Limit (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ | $7.00 | $650 | $1,000 |
| BCI | $7.50 | $1,000 | No Limit |
| BSP | $5.50 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Because of the additional fees applied to foreign card transactions, we recommend using other payment methods to pay for your way around the Cook Islands. It’s how we personally travel, and we saved a substantial amount of credit card fees by using cash as much as possible during our last trip.
Find out more in What is the Best Way to Pay in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?
More About Using Debit and Credit Cards in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
That’s it for our guide to credit and debit cards in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands but is by no means the end of our advice! Check out the following guides for more advice on ways to pay:
- What is the Best Way to Pay in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?
- The Best Places to Exchange Currency in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- 20 Tips to Save Money in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
Finally, get more essential tips for your trip to the Cook Islands using the 30 Tips for Travelling in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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