Cook Islands Service Program FAQs
Global Volunteers' Cook Islands Service Program began in 1988. Working in partnership with local people on long-term community service work projects is foundational to our relationship with host organizations worldwide. Our investments of volunteer service, financial support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to this partnership. Global Volunteers' Cook Islands partner is the Cook Islands Association of Non-Government Organizations (CIANGO). This non-profit organization coordinates the activities of non-government agencies throughout the islands, and works towards the United Nations Millennium development Goals. Nearly 100 local, regional and national organizations collaborate through the CIANGO offices to improve educational, health and social services on the islands.GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive in Rarotonga (airport code RAR) between 12AM and 9AM on the first day of your service program and your departure anytime on the final day of your service program. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community. Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Monday of your service program with the evening meal and ends on the last Saturday morning of your program.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. A Global Volunteers staff person or representative holding a Global Volunteers sign will meet you in the public area outside Customs. You'll travel with your teammates to your lodging.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community. If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the hotel or host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we require that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day so you can join your team for these sessions.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, please plan to meet your team at the designated airport within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program in order to join the team. Do not travel to the lodging individually without prior authorization.
FOOD AND LODGING
What type of lodging is provided in Rarotonga?
Volunteers stay in a tourist-class beachside hotel, double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an extra fee. The rooms have kitchenettes with refrigerator and stove, TV and comfortable chairs. Ceiling or upright fans are available in every room. The motel has a nice pool surrounded by a lovely garden area, and is located on the north shore outside Avarua, central business district and capital of the Cook Islands.
What are the laundry arrangements?
Laundry services are available at the motel or in the nearby town.
What is the electrical power?
The electrical power in the Cook Islands is 220V. You will need a set of universal adapters and a power converter for any 110V appliances you bring along. Converters and adapters are not readily available on the island.
What is the local cuisine?
The diet in The Cook Islands consists mostly of fruits, vegetables, chicken, seafood, eggs, and processed foods and red meat imported from New Zealand.
Can special diets be accommodated?
Low-fat, low-salt and vegetarian diets can be accommodated, but those on restrictive diets should bring foods to supplement meals.
Is potable drinking water provided?
Yes, plenty of clean bottled water will be provided.
HEALTH TIPS
What are the principal health risks?
Sunburn and heat stroke are the principal health risks in the Cook Islands. Traffic accidents are perhaps one of the most common hazards. Whether walking along the road, crossing the street or riding in a vehicle, traveling in the Cook Islands can be risky. Please remember that Cook Islanders drive on the left side of the road.
What health precautions should I take?
We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information.
For general recommendations, consult the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Health Canada Online
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Travel Health Online
Is the water safe to drink?
It's best to obtain your own water bottle and carry it with you to the work sites. Your team leader will provide bottled water for drinking.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend you avoid all food sold by street vendors and be cautious about uncooked vegetables and unpeeled fruit.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$).
What is the current exchange rate?
For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
Where do I exchange money?
You can exchange money at the airport upon arrival or in Avarua at one of two banks or exchange offices.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
Credit Cards are widely accepted on Rarotonga, but not on the outer islands. Visa and MasterCard can also be used to buy dollars from the Westpac Bank. American Express, Discover, and Diners Club are not as common on the island. ATMs are available in the urban areas. Travelers Checks are not commonly used throughout the islands. Cash is also a good option. Please note that banks and exchange offices often will not exchange torn, worn, or defaced bills. US$100 bills are the most commonly exchanged denomination.
How much money should I bring with me?
Global Volunteers' service program fee covers most of your daily expenses. Your free-time budget depends on your spending habits and any weekend excursions and/or evening events you take in. Plan to spend about US$200 per day for tour packages. Your souvenir budget is entirely up to you! If you plan to stay extra days on Rarotonga, either before or after the service program, your hotel room will cost between US$60 to $100/night.
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me while I am in the host community?
In the event of an emergency, your family should refer to the Emergency Contact Sheet that you receive prior to your departure. Please leave a copy with everyone who might want to reach you.
Can I make phone calls?
Each hotel room has a phone, and you can make international calls using an international calling card.
Is internet service available?
There are a number of Internet shops and wireless hot spots in Raratonga. Internet access is available 24 hours a day at the Cook Islands Telecom Office in Avarua.