Moving to the pacific

lulu2519:33 UTC03 Apr 2008

Hi there! I am wondering if its at all possible to move to the cook islands, or the surrounding islands, to live for a while. How hard is it to get a visa? Is it even possible? What sort of things would I need to expect if I decided to take off to this area of the world to stay for a while? Thanks so much for any info you have!
Elisha

papamike07:16 UTC04 Apr 2008

Hi Lulu, it is certainly possible for you to move and live in the Cook Islands. Upon arrival you will be automatically issued a thirty day visitor visa. You can extend that visa for an additional 90 days by applying for an extension and paying a fee (around NZ$40.00). Rarotonga, the capital island is quite comfortable, you could possibly rent a home or stay at any number of lodgings on the island. Quite a bit warmer than Canada, I might add. Food, with the exception of local seafood, fruits and vegetables are imported from New Zealand and thus a bit more costly than back on the mainland. Outer islands are charming, but pretty basic, with locals existing on sustanance farming and the occasional island freighter delivery, with plenty of basics but little in the way of fancy food. Expect a warm welcome from the locals who are well known for their kindness and friendship and experience a culture that harkens back to the South Pacific of the past. It is said that the Cook Islands are what Hawaii was like a hundred years ago, and while the Cook's are evolving, it is still a destination worth visiting.

Papa Mike
Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook

Edited by: PapaMike

raro09:16 UTC06 Apr 2008

Well, if you mean "move" in the sense of get a job, etc., forget it. Work visas are almost impossible to get once you are there, you need to arrange employment in advance of coming. And even then it's almost impossible unless you are a doctor, etc.

But if you can afford to stay without having to work, you can stay for up to 6 months as a tourist, then leave, then come back for another six months etc.

It's a great place to visit, but living there is another story. Yes, lots of friendly people, esp. when you are a tourist. But once you live there you'll notice lots of corruption, greed, inconsiderate neighbors, racism, etc.

But try it if you want, and can afford to stay w/o working.

Moving to the pacific Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
lulu2519:33 UTC03 Apr 2008	Hi there! I am wondering if its at all possible to move to the cook islands, or the surrounding islands, to live for a while. How hard is it to get a visa? Is it even possible? What sort of things would I need to expect if I decided to take off to this area of the world to stay for a while? Thanks so much for any info you have! Elisha
papamike07:16 UTC04 Apr 2008	Hi Lulu, it is certainly possible for you to move and live in the Cook Islands. Upon arrival you will be automatically issued a thirty day visitor visa. You can extend that visa for an additional 90 days by applying for an extension and paying a fee (around NZ$40.00). Rarotonga, the capital island is quite comfortable, you could possibly rent a home or stay at any number of lodgings on the island. Quite a bit warmer than Canada, I might add. Food, with the exception of local seafood, fruits and vegetables are imported from New Zealand and thus a bit more costly than back on the mainland. Outer islands are charming, but pretty basic, with locals existing on sustanance farming and the occasional island freighter delivery, with plenty of basics but little in the way of fancy food. Expect a warm welcome from the locals who are well known for their kindness and friendship and experience a culture that harkens back to the South Pacific of the past. It is said that the Cook Islands are what Hawaii was like a hundred years ago, and while the Cook's are evolving, it is still a destination worth visiting. Papa Mike Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook Edited by: PapaMike	1
raro09:16 UTC06 Apr 2008	Well, if you mean "move" in the sense of get a job, etc., forget it. Work visas are almost impossible to get once you are there, you need to arrange employment in advance of coming. And even then it's almost impossible unless you are a doctor, etc. But if you can afford to stay without having to work, you can stay for up to 6 months as a tourist, then leave, then come back for another six months etc. It's a great place to visit, but living there is another story. Yes, lots of friendly people, esp. when you are a tourist. But once you live there you'll notice lots of corruption, greed, inconsiderate neighbors, racism, etc. But try it if you want, and can afford to stay w/o working.	2