Capital City: Avarua District on Rarotonga
Time Zone: The Cook Islands fall just over the International Date Line, running on Cook Islands Standard Time GMT -10, which is about 20 hours behind Australia’s East Coast.
Currency: The currency in the Cook Islands is New Zealand Dollars $NZD. At the time of writing, $1NZD converts to $0.94AUD, $0.66USD or £0.50GBP. The Cook Islands also have a few of their own country coins that are circulating the island, which you might receive as change.
Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit cards are widely accepted around Rarotonga, with the exception of the local bus, markets and fruit stalls. There are a few ATMs on the island, however they are few and far between and have very steep fees – between $2 and $8NZD per transaction. Get some cash out before you arrive to avoid any hassles once you’re there.
Driving: Always drive on the left side of the road in the Cook Islands.
Power: On the Cook Islands the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Internet Access: Wifi is very difficult to find in the Cook Islands, with even hotel internet being charged by the MB and it all being very expensive. This is the place where you should disconnect.
Visa Requirements: Visas are not required to enter the Cook Islands, but you will need to show your passport and the details of your return or onwards flight to enter and stay for 31 days. New Zealand citizens are automatically able to stay for up to 90 days.