Cash or Credit?
 

We are going to raro and aitutaki in September, and wondering if we need to bring lots of cash with us, or if restaurants and stores take credit cards. If possible, we would not like to bring too much cash and use mostly credit cards. Please let me know.

Kia Orana,
I would say that in Raro especially, credit cards would be accepted in most restaurants and a few shops but it has been a few years. Things may have become slightly more sophisticated. We took some of both and it worked out fine. For the bus, lunch spots, the fruit stand snorkel spot where smoothies are sold, etc...you'll need cash. Snorkel at the fruit stand, it's really pretty great (better than Cayman). Eat at the Flame Tree if it's still there. Very good. In aitutaki, it's much smaller with less in the way of conveniences (stores, bars, restaurants, transportation). What you don't charge on your room bill, you will probably need more cash there. I'm trying to recall if there's a bank on Raro and I don't remember. I think the hotel cashes travelers checks. If you rent a scooter, you'll need a Raro driving license. Easy to obtain. Aitutaki is spectacular. Take the tour to One Foot Island for a half day. No camera will capture the water color. Amazing. Have fun!

oh lenlu, thank you! We will definitely bring both. What I was afraid of was going there with not enough cash and no bank in site. I'm glad that most restaurants in raro accepts credit cards so we dont have to worry too much.

Hi Swiggle

This may help

It is the locations of the ATMs on Rarotonga. Cash is certainly much easier in the Cooks. Especially on Aitutaki.

http://www.anz.com/cookislands/impor...mlocations.asp

There were no ATMs on Aitutaki as far as I remember.

Steve

Just checked my own link. Aitutaki has an ATM at Mango trading.