Last update: 22 Oct 2026
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Kiribati Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Kiribati – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
240 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Australian Dollar (AUD) £1 ≈ A$1.89 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 1/5
Cashless payments are not commonly used in Kiribati. Cash transactions dominate, and credit card facilities are limited, even in larger towns.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Kiribati, but small tips may be appreciated for good service, especially in hotels and restaurants. However, tipping is not a strong local custom. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not widely accepted in Kiribati. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas, but smoking in indoor public spaces is restricted in Kiribati. |
| Christmas Day (25 December) |
Celebrated with church services and family gatherings |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day (1 January) |
A local celebration with family events and picnics |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 192 (Police), 994 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | No widely used taxi apps |
| Other: | Kiribati is an isolated and peaceful destination with beautiful natural scenery. However, its remote location and limited amenities make it best suited for adventurous travellers who are prepared for a basic lifestyle. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Kiribati, Kiribati
Climate varies by island group: Gilbert Islands (Tarawa) wetter November to April, Kiritimati (Line Islands) much drier with droughts common
Flights to Tarawa and Kiritimati run only once or twice a week, so trip dates depend on the schedule
King tides between December and February can flood low-lying coastal areas
Don't miss
- 🌅 Watch the sunrise at the world’s earliest time zone
- 🐠 Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs in Tarawa Lagoon
- ⚓ Visit the WWII relics scattered across South Tarawa
- 💃 Experience traditional Micronesian dance and local hospitality
- 🏖️ Relax on the untouched beaches of Abaiang Atoll
- 🌊 Learn about climate change challenges facing island communities
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Kiribati?
What makes Kiribati truly special is its remarkable isolation and authentic Pacific island experience. The country offers some of the most pristine coral reefs and lagoons in the world, perfect for diving, snorkeling and fishing enthusiasts. The islands' low-lying nature means you're never far from the ocean, with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters that maintain a comfortable 28-29°C year-round. The Kiribati people maintain strong traditional customs and a warm, welcoming culture that provides visitors with genuine interactions far removed from commercialized tourism experiences.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Independence Day (July 12)
-
Youth Day
-
Gospel Day
-
Christmas Celebrations
-
New Year's Celebrations
-
Easter Celebrations
-
Constitution Day
-
Women's Day
-
Environment Day
-
Children's Day
Knowledge before you go
- Visa-free for EU citizens up to 30 days.
- Flights mainly via Nadi, Fiji to Tarawa; book early as schedules are limited and irregular.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and cash; ATMs are scarce outside Tarawa with no Euros accepted.
- Respect conservative dress in villages and learn basic phrases like 'Maurin' for genuine local welcomes.
How to travel to Kiribati
Reaching Kiribati requires some planning as it's one of the most remote countries in the world. Bonriki International Airport on Tarawa is the main gateway, with international flights from Fiji (Nadi), Solomon Islands (Honiara) and Nauru. Fiji Airways and Solomon Airlines provide these connections, typically 1-2 times per week. Cassidy International Airport on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) receives occasional flights from Fiji and Hawaii. Visas are required for most nationalities and can be obtained on arrival for stays up to 30 days. Due to limited flight options, it's advisable to book well in advance and allow flexibility in your travel schedule for potential delays or cancellations.
Access summary
- Tarawa (Gilbert Islands): Fly to Bonriki International (TRW) via Nadi, Honiara.
- Kiritimati (Line Islands): Fly to Cassidy (CXI) mainly via Nadi, Honolulu.
- Air Kiribati hub at TRW; small regional carrier without global alliance.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Kiribati
Accommodation in Kiribati is limited and basic, particularly outside the main islands of Tarawa and Kiritimati. In Tarawa, you'll find a handful of small hotels and guesthouses offering simple rooms with essential amenities. Some outer islands offer basic homestays with local families, providing an authentic cultural experience. Expect modest facilities throughout the country - even the best hotels would be considered budget to mid-range by international standards. Advance booking is essential as options are limited, especially during local events or when government delegations visit.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.
How to get around Kiribati
Getting around Kiribati is primarily done by boat due to the nation's geography of scattered atolls and islands. Within the main islands like Tarawa, local buses and shared taxis provide transportation along the main roads, though schedules can be irregular. Bicycle rentals are available and provide a practical way to explore the smaller islands. For travel between islands, domestic flights operated by Air Kiribati connect Tarawa with some of the outer islands, though service can be limited and schedules subject to change. For more remote islands, supply ships occasionally take passengers, but these operate on irregular schedules and basic accommodations.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Kiribati are around 69% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to AUD) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Kiribati is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings. The main safety concerns relate to natural hazards like strong currents and high tides, particularly during king tides which can cause flooding on these low-lying islands.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Kiribati are extremely limited, with basic care available at Tungaru Central Hospital in Tarawa. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Waterborne diseases can be common and protection against mosquito-borne illnesses is advised.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is virtually non-existent in Kiribati. Most areas have unpaved roads, limited sidewalks and buildings without accessibility features. The country's geography of coral atolls with sandy paths and boat-based transportation presents significant challenges for those with mobility issues.
Tap water
Tap water is not safe to drink in Kiribati. Bottled water is available in main towns but may be limited on outer islands. Rainwater collection is the primary freshwater source for many communities and water shortages can occur during dry periods.
Packing recommendations for Kiribati
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
power cuts are common
🩱
Swimwear
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
limited hire options
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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