Best buys are woodcarvings, pearls, shell craft, woven products, pottery, hats and baskets made out of coconut fiber. Coins and stamps are considered to be valuable collectors’ items. Another popular buy is a brightly colored, all-purpose wrap-around cloth garment worn by both men and women called a Pareu, and ideal for casual wear in the hot climate. Island Craft has factories in Avarua where hand-carved items can be purchased. The art of carving may be observed in Punanganui Market Place.

There is also a wide range of duty-free items.

Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200. Some stores near tourist areas remain open for longer.

Currency Information:

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol NZ$) = 100 cents, supplemented by notes and coins minted for local use which are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, banks and in some larger stores and hotels. EFTPOS and ATM machines are available at both ANZ and Westpac banks on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and also major stores and restaurants.

Credit and debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Traveller’s cheques

Accepted in hotels and some shops.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of either local or foreign currency. Local currency can be exported up to NZ$250. Foreign currency can be exported up to the amount imported and declared subject to bank authorizationBanking hours
Mon-Thur 0900-1500; Fri 0900-1600. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1100.