Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Travellers cheques

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands

Hello,
I'm going to Rarotonga and Aitutaki in September, via Auckland.
Does somebody know if banks in New Zealand and the Cooks charge an extra fee for exchanging travellers cheques, which currency is the best to use for the cheques and if the exchange rate is better in Auckland than Rarotonga?
Your information is very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Simone

Give up on the traveler's check idea, that's so 20th century. Use your credit card to buy things and ATM card to get cash from ATM machines (imagine that!).

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You may not eb able to use any ATM card, but Visa and Mastercard are negotiable most places.

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Hi Simone,

I would use a mix of both travellers cheques and ATM, and Credit card too if you have one.
The best exchange rate on Raro & Aitutaki for tc's would be at Western Union. Both Westpac and ANZ have ATM's at their respective branches on Raro & Aitutaki - Westpac charge a lower fee for cash withdrawals. There are numerous ATMs for both these trading banks around Raro. Any problems go into the branches and seek customer support.

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Thanks ozziegiraffe and lagoon.

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