Travelling to Kiribati – what you need to know before visiting

Kiribati is one of the most remote countries in the world, and welcomes approximately 12,000 international visitors a year. With most of these travelling to Kiribati for medical, social or community projects. Therefore, when I was planning my trip to this tiny country, it was hard to find much information online about what to expect, see or do.

This post covers what you need to know before travelling to Kiribati, what to expect when you are there and things you might want to consider when making the trip.

Where is Kiribati?

Kiribati is Pacific Island nation located in both Micronesia and Polynesia, and straddles both the Equator and the International Date Line. Making it the only country that spans all four hemispheres! The International Date line was moved eastward in 1995 around Kiribati, so the entire country was on the same timezone. Previously parts of the country was 23 hours ahead of the rest!

Kiribati is a country made up of 33 islands, 32 of which are atolls. However, the islands cover an expanse equivalent to the size of continental US. Of this area, 0.1% is land and 99.9% is sea.

Kiribati – the key information

Currency: The currency used in Kiribati is the Australian Dollar

ATMs: There are a few ATMs dotted around the island, as well as one in the airport. Apart from this, they are mainly going to be in the busier parts of South Tarawa such as Bairiki.

Official Language: There are two languages in Kiribati: Kiribati and English.

WiFi: Remarkably, most of the hotels do have WiFi, as well as some of the cafes. Often you will need to pay extra.

Airports: The main international airport is Bonriki, on South Tarawa.

Electricity: The outlets are Type I Australian plug powered by 240 volts and 50 Hertz.

Water: The tap water isn’t safe to drink, so buy bottled.

Sim Cards: eSIMs are not available for Kiribati currently, but you can purchase physical sims. These are fairly cheap, and your hotel should be able to source them for you.

How to reach to Kiribati

As of January 2025 the main international airport, Bonriki International Airport, receives 4 international flights a week from Fiji, Nauru and Marshall Islands.

From there, there is a schedule of domestic flights with Air Kiribati if you want to travel to the other islands.

What entry requirements do you need for Kiribati

There are 66 countries that are visa exempt for entering Kiribati, including Fiji, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States (check the full list here). Visa free entry grants you entry for up to 30 days, you can extend this to up to 4 months, but you cannot work. For countries not listed, you need to apply for a visa.

You need to fill in an immigration card before landing, and they will ask where you are staying when in the country.

How to plan your trip when travelling to Kiribati

There isn’t a huge amount you need to book before travelling to Kiribati. While options are a little limited on the island in terms of accommodation and tours, given the amount of people who travel here you should be able to book the day before.

However if, like me you like to have a bit of piece of mind before arriving somewhere, you can book a few hotels online before arriving. As well as tours. More on both of these below!

If you want to plan more as you go, but still feel you need a little help when you arrive, then head to Tobaraoi Travel. It is the home of Kiribati Travel, and they will be able to help you with tours, accommodation and flights.

Address: Tobaraoi Building, Lagoon Drive Bikenibeu Tarawa, Kiribati | Map

What to expect when travelling to Kiribati

Given how few people visit this country each year, and bearing in mind that the majority of those visitors are here on projects rather than for holiday, tourism isn’t massively catered for in Kiribati.

Expect accommodation to be basic, and things to be expensive. There also isn’t an abundance of cafes or places to eat. It is a cash based country, so don’t expect to be able to use cards in many places.

There is a problem with waste disposal on the island so you will see a lot of rubbish on the roads and beaches. As well as landfill sitting next to the beach. Given how little land and how remote this country is, this is to be expected.

The people are incredibly friendly, and helpful. They will smile and wave as you walk around, and with English fairly commonly spoken there are lots of opportunities to talk to the locals.

Things are not signposted well. Google Maps tends to be accurate, but you will arrive at your destination and see no sign of what you are looking for. Generally you are in the right place, you just need to search hard for a hidden entrance.

Getting around when travelling to Kiribati

There are no taxis at all in Kiribati. So your options are walking, hiring a car, the local buses or hitchhiking.

Additionally, if you want to travel to North Tarawa you will want to cross between islands where they are no bridges. At low tide you can wade across. At high tide there will be a boat, and this will cost about 80 cents each way.

What to do when travelling to Kiribati

There isn’t a huge amount to do in Kiribati, but make sure to check out the following:

• Parliament Buildings
• Japanse WWII relics
• The highest point of the country
• Cross over to North Tarawa

This post covers all the things you need to see when travelling to Kiribati: Things To Do in Kiribati – One of the Least Visited Countries in the World

Tours to take when travelling to Kiribati

Forget about your usual tour booking operators when travelling to Kiribati. These are yet to reach this island. However there are a couple of local operators on the island who are catering to tourists.

These tours aren’t the cheapest, but it is invaluable to have a local to show you around. And they are a great option if you do not have your own car.

Where to stay in Kiribati

Once again you won’t be able to find accommodation options on your usual third party booking sites. There are some places you can book online directly though their website, some have an email address and may or may not get back to you.

The following you can book online:

Beito Lodge: Located an hour from the airport, but does offer free shuttles. On Beito island, which is the furthest point in South Tarawa. Rooms start from $90AUD

Mary’s Motel: Family run since the 1990’s. Located in the middle of South Tarawa.

Utirerei Hotel: In the middle of Tarawa. Offers airport shuttles included in the room rate. Prices start frmo $110 AUD.

The following you can email:

Dreamers: A three room guesthouse with a beautiful beachside setting. They are self contained, so you can cater for yourself Offers free airport shuttles. Rooms are $120 per night.

Tabon Te Keekee Eco Lodge: Located in North Tarawa, and doesn’t have a website. Beautiful location with lodges over the sea. They can help with airport transfers, but might be hard to get in touch with.

Despite the prices, accommodation is fairly basic. WiFi is sometimes included, but not always.

So, is travelling to Kiribati worth it?

If you are looking to get off the beaten track, an unusual destination, and are travelling with an open mind then absolutely! The colour of the sea is stunning, and travelling to Kiribati provides an experience like no other.

Travelling to Kiribati? If you have any questions, do drop me an email! wherecharliewanders@gmail.com

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