Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs are located in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenebeu.
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Oceania · MicronesiaOutline guideIsland country in the central Pacific
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Kiribati (pronounced Kiribahs) is a remote archipelago nation in Micronesia, at the equator. It consists of 33 atolls widely dispersed through 3.5 million km² of sea territory. Kiribati is a tranquil paradise. While most of its local lifestyle remains communal, its main highlight are aquamarine waters set around an 800-km² island backdrop.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Kiribati.
Cards and cash
ATMs are located in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenebeu.
English, Gilbertese
English is the official language of Kiribati along with the native Kiribati or Gilbertese. While English is used heavily in South Tarawa, the further away from the capital you go the stronger the Kiribati tongue.
Vodafone has a subsidiary on Kiribati with a 3G 900 network covering most inhabited islands, also with 4G support at some of them.
Mobile networks
Don't drink the water without boiling or filtering. Chemical treatment is not recommended as it may not prevent giardiasis.
Before going to swim it might be a good idea to ask the landowner. There might be stone figures of religious importance around which certain rules should be followed.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Places in Kiribati on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The western island chain is home to the vast majority of Kiribati's population, including the capital Tarawa.
The farthest flung islands, with populations on the three northern islands of Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Tabuaeran, and Teraina.
Almost completely uninhabited, with the exception of a few families on Kanton.
Public transport and paid services in Kiribati.
By ship
For ship connections within the Gilbert Islands you might ask at the harbour in Betio, South Tarawa.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Kiribati.
Finding apps for Kiribati…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
South Tarawa · International · TRW
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in South Tarawa
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 212 | 157 | 219 | 171 | 103 | 136 | 119 | 107 | 92 | 95 | 95 | 208 |
| Humidity | 81% | 81% | 82% | 83% | 82% | 80% | 79% | 78% | 78% | 78% | 78% | 80% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$65
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$170
Per person, per day
Luxury
$445
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $95 | $260 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $35 | $85 |
| Local transport | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $60 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Kiribati. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Kiribati. Commercial transportation to/from Kiribati is sporadically available. If you decide to travel to Kiribati: Monitor local media. Bring a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Kiribati. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler s Checklist.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Kiribati.
Culture & historyThe Pacific War was a theatre of World War II including East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania, separate from World War II in Europe.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyWhether they're unusually short, unusually long, sound like a naughty English word, or are just plain silly, places with unusual names can be fun destinations.
Wikivoyage
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