A Guide to Using Foreign Credit and Debit Cards in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
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.
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 there is a four-digit PIN encoded. Bank cards that are accepted in the Cook Islands include:
- MasterCard
- Visa
Very few outlets also accept:
- American Express
However, there are some credit card brands that will not be accepted in the Cook Islands. Avoid using credit cards from the following brands:
- Diners Club
- Discover.
© 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 the Aitutaki.
ATMs in the Cook Islands
There are many ATMs in convenient places around Rarotonga, as well as two 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 the New Zealand Dollar currency.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comCredit Card Charges in the Cook Islands
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 what the percentage is 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.
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 apply a foreign credit or debit card fee of 2.5-3% on each transaction.
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 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.
Because of the additional fees applied to foreign card transactions, we recommend using other payment methods to pay your way around the Cook Islands. 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.
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