Size, Location, Population
Fifteen atolls and high islands scattered across more than a million square miles of ocean, the Cook Islands lie virtually in the center of the Polynesian triangle, flanked to the west by Tonga and the Samoas, to the east by French Polynesia. Over half the population of 20,000 live on the main island of Rarotonga.

Time Zone
The Cook Islands are in the same time zone as Hawaii, two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (Three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time).

Entry Formalities
Valid passport. No visa is required for U.S. citizens for stays of less than 30 days.

Currency
The unit of currency is the same as the New Zealand dollar, supplemented by coinage for local use. The dollar coin is popular with collectors. Local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands.

Bank Hours & Exchange
Banks on Rarotonga are open 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday. Banking facilities are available at the international airport one hour prior to flight departures. Hotels and larger stores will exchange travelers checks and major currencies.

Departure Tax
NZ$25 per adult, NZ$10 per child 2-11.

Electricity
240V, DC 50 cycle, as in New Zealand and Australia, however, a 2-pin adapter may be required. Some hotels have provision for 110V AC electric razors.

Language
Cook Islands Maori is the local language, and English is the official language.

Shopping
Store hours in Rarotonga are usually 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-12 noon on Saturday. There are several duty free shops in Rarotonga. The Women's Development Center generally has the lowest prices forcrafts such as grass skirts, baskets, dancing shakers, and pandanus hats. Other souvenir items are tivaevae quilts, teak or tamanu (mahogany) carvings and mother-of-pearl jewelry.

Tipping
Tipping is not the custom, as tradition has it that one gift must be reciprocated with another.

Climate
Pleasantly warm and sunny year 'round. June to August are the cooler months. November through March is the hottest season, with some heavier rain. Average temperatures range 77 degrees F-84 degrees F.

Food
Food selection in Rarotonga's restaurants and hotels ranges from fine Continental cuisine, through to family favorites, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Asian, seafood and steaks. Special 'island night' shows feature traditional umukai feasts with Maori food cooked island-style in an underground oven.