What is the Cook Islands Electrical Outlet?
How are you going to charge your phone or your GoPro after getting some sweet turtle shots in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands?! Well, the Cook Islands has Type 1 power plugs with 240v AC 50Hz, so if your appliances don’t fit the electrical outlets and/or require a different voltage or frequency, then you’re going to need a travel adapter and maybe even a convertor. Makes sense? If not, this in-depth guide on the Cook Islands electrical outlet will make it so.
For more essential travel tips for the Cook Islands, be sure to head over to the 30 Tips for Travelling in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
What is the Cook Islands Plug Type?
In the Cook Islands, the power plugs and sockets are Type 1. It has three flat pins: two angled ones and one straight one. Note that some appliances don’t have that straight bottom pin but they are still compatible with the Cook Islands electrical outlets.
Other Countries That Use Type 1 Plugs
If you have visited any of the following countries, chances are that you already have a travel adapter that will work in the Cook Islands.
American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comThe Cook Islands’ Voltage and Frequency
In Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, the electric current is 240v 50Hz. This means that the electrical current is 240 volts with 50 cycles per second.
If your country of origin uses a voltage that ranges between 220v and 240v, then you will be able to use your appliances and gadgets in the Cook Islands with no problem at all. This includes countries like New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the UK and the majority of Asia and Africa.
If you are from North or South America or any country that uses a voltage between 100v and 127v then you will need to have a power converter or transformer. Many travel adapters include this function so there is no need to get yourself two separate items – check out the Amazon selection.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comWill My Appliances Work in the Cook Islands?
If you’re using appliances from a country that also uses 220-240v, then they will work in the Cook Islands as long as they have a Type 1 output or you have a travel adapter. More on that later.
If coming from a country that uses 110v/120v, for example, then you should find that modern appliances, such as phones and laptops, are designed to use from 110v to 240v. Nevertheless, you should check the labels of all of the appliances that you intend to use in the Cook Islands.
Appliances that don’t clearly state that they can be used for up to 240v should not be used in Cook Islands electrical outlets. Otherwise, the higher voltage than required could damage your appliance (or worse). The most common types of appliances this applies to include hairdryers, electric razors and irons.
Do You Need a Convertor / Transformer for the Cook Islands?
If the label on your appliance states a single voltage number, such as 110v or 120v, (i.e. any number other than 240v), you will need a travel adapter which is also a voltage converter.
If the label has a combined low/high number, such as 120v/240v or 100v/240v, or a voltage of 200 or higher, you don’t need a converter.
Can You Use a 60Hz Appliance in the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands uses a 50Hz outlet. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a 60Hz appliance, even if the voltage of your appliance is compatible with the Cook Islands. Using the wrong frequency (which is what Hz is) can cause appliances to stop functioning properly.
Again, check your appliance label. Some appliances work on both 50Hz and 60Hz.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comCook Islands Travel Adapters
Yes, regardless of the voltage, if your appliances are from a country that doesn’t use Type 1 power plugs then you will need a Cook Islands travel adapter. In other words, a Type 1 travel adapter.
Recommended Cook Islands Travel Adapters
- AC Power Travel Adapter (cheap)
- HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter (use it all over the world)
- BESTEK Travel Adapter (universal and converts voltage for US appliances).
For more details on these travel adapters and more, see the 5 Best Travel Adapters for the Cook Islands.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comUSB Sockets?
While USB outlets are becoming more and more available across the world, you will rarely find them in the Cook Islands, so they should not be relied on for power. You can, however, find USB outlets with a bit of imagination… The best place to find USB outlets will be on your hotel/resort’s alarm clock or TV. It’s not the fastest way to charge your device but it will do the trick in case you lost your adapter.
Some travel adapters, like this OREI Travel Adapter, have two USB inputs on them and are recommended if most of your appliances require a USB input.
See what other facilities to expect from accommodations in the Cook Islands starting with The Guide to Choosing the Best Resort in the Cook Islands and Tips for Choosing the Best Holiday Home in the Cook Islands.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comElectricity on the Outer Islands
For the islands that most people visit, Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu, electricity is available 24/7.
On the lesser-visited islands of the Northern and Southern Group, however, electricity is a bit more limited and may only be available at certain times of the day.
Be sure to ask on arrival at the outer islands at what time electricity is available.
More About the Cook Islands’ Electrical Outlets, Power Plugs and Other Essentials
That’s it for our complete guide to the Rarotonga and Cook Islands electrical outlets and power plugs. Plan more essentials for your trip using the following guides:
- What to Pack for Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Cook Islands Packing List
- 20 Essentials You Need to Pack for Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- Will Your Phone Work in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.
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