The local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands. In addition, visitors can change travellers cheques and principal currencies at larger stores, hotels and motels. Banking facilities are available at the airport on arrival and one hour prior to departure of international flights. Many of the hotels, motels, restaurants and duty free stores accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners, Bankcard and American Express. There are several duty free shops in Rarotonga.
All large stores offer an array of goods at competitive prices.
Bargaining is not the rule with shopping in Rarotonga. Rarotonga has a modern well equipped hospital with overseas-trained staff and a pharmacy. There are no poisonous insects or animals in the islands, although nonmalarial mosquitos can be worrisome in the inland areas, insect repellent is recommended. Vaccinations are not necessary unless arriving from an infected area. The Cooks Corner bus operates hourly services around Rarotonga during the day.