Kiribati-Fast Facts

Getting to Kiribati:

3 international airlines provide weekly air service to Kiribati: Fiji Airways, Nauru Airlines and Solomon Airlines.

Fiji Airways: Tarawa flights are Mondays & Thursdays out of Nadi, Fiji and returns.

Fiji Airways: Kiritimati Island flights are every Tuesdays (Midnight or Wednesday very early morning flights). The flight arrives Kiritimati on a Wednesday morning and continues on to Honolulu (Hawaii) arriving on Tuesdays (minus one day) and back again to Kiritimati on Wednesdays and continues on back to Nadi, Fiji. Fiji Airways code shares with Qantas and Cathay Pacific with connections available from Australia, New Zealand, United States and now from Europe through Hong Kong.

Nauru Airlines: Tarawa flights are Fridays out of Brisbane (transit in Honiara, Solomon Is.) and Sundays out of Pohnpei (FSM) via Majuro (Marshall Islands) and continues on via Nauru (transit) to Nadi and Brisbane via Honiara.

Solomon Airlines: Tarawa flights are Wednesdays out of Brisbane via Honiara on Departs Tarawa on a Thursday.

Do I need a VISA?

Most citizens of major countries such as Australia, EU countries, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, USA, United Kingdom, do not need a VISA to travel to Kiribati.  But if you do need a VISA you can always contact the Kiribati Immigration Division (Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration) to assist you in your VISA need. For more information contact: E: visaofficer@mfa.gov.ki T: (686) 75021342                       W: www.mfa.gov.ki/immigration/

Business Hours – What time to shop opens?

Business hours are generally Mon to Fri, 8 am to 4:15 pm.  Government offices are closed on weekends and during national holidays.  Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday 7am to 8pm/9pm. Half days or closed on Sundays.

What Currency do I use?

Kiribati uses the Australian dollars (AUD$). Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2. Major currencies can be exchanged at ANZ Bank and at some hotels and shops. Credit Cards – Master Card and Visa are also accepted in Kiribati.

How do I get around?

Bus Service: Buses operate an inexpensive mode of public transport in the South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. Most of the buses are in the form vans and with exception of few coach buses. You can flag a bus at designated bus stops. To get off the bus just simply shout the word “i-kai” or “Taiaoka I-kai,” meaning “stop here.” If they sound their horn or flash their light it means they are full.

• Domestic and Charter Flights:

1. Air Kiribati Ltd: The national airline of Kiribati “Air Kiribati Ltd” (AKL) operates scheduled domestic flights serving islands in the Gilbert Group out of the capital South Tarawa, and out of Kiritimati Island serving the Northern Line Islands.  Air charter service is also available. For further information please visit their website: airkiribati.com.ki
2. Coral Sun Aviation (Private air charter service): A private local based company based in South Tarawa, Coral Sun Aviation also provide air charter service. For information, contact Jeff Jong, JMR Group, Abarao, South Tarawa. P: (686) 75229517 / 75229518 or 73038556     E: ops.coralsun@gmail.com or jeffmjong@hotmail.com  Website: www.coralsunaviation.net FB: Coralsunaviation

Ferries: North Tarawa and the nearby islands of Abaiang and Maiana in the Gilbert Group operate frequent scheduled ferry service from the port South Tarawa. The rest of the islands of Kiribati including Kiritimati Island are serviced by cargo boats out of South Tarawa which also accommodate passengers, however schedules are not fixed and tend to be flexible depending on cargo loading and conditions.

Hire Motorbikes and Trucks: Hire motorbikes and trucks with rear canopies are the most common modes of transportation on the outer islands. Hires can be arranged through the Island Council Offices, hotels and private owners on arrival.

Rental Cars & Driving: Rental cars are available for hire in capital South Tarawa and Kiritimati which can be arranged on request through the hotels prior to travel or on arrival. Chauffeurs can also be arranged on request. Persons driving should have a valid driving license.  International driving licenses are also recognized for at least two weeks. Driving is on the left hand side of the road. The speed limit is 40 km per hr. to 60 km per hr.  Please be very mindful and cautious of pedestrians when driving.  Drunk and reckless driving will not be tolerated in Kiribati hence please drive responsibly.

Travel Tips

When travelling to Kiribati, please ensure you pack light cotton clothing, polarized sun glasses, personal medication & first aid kit, sunscreen lotion, mosquito / insect repellent, hat, digital camera, reef sandals, snorkeling gear, flash light and book to read, a bottle or two of your favorite liquor or wine; and fishing gears if you intend to do some fishing.   When travelling to North Tarawa or the outer islands it is important you buy and bring with you tobacco (Irish cake tobacco is recommended which can be bought in Tarawa or shops on the outer islands) as offerings to shrines.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kiribati ranges from Hotels, Island Bungalows, fishing lodges, Self-contained serviced apartments, Guest houses and Homestays.  There are no high end luxury accommodation available in Kiribati.  To help visitors select accommodation; Kiribati uses a minimum standards accommodation classification program called the “Mauri Mark Standards” to categorize accommodations by type and grade (A, B, C) as opposed to the star rating.  The Mauri Standards classifies accommodation in terms of their rooms, facilities, buildings, services, – in general cleanliness and general state of maintenance to meet the minimum requirement of the Kiribati Tourism Mauri Mark standards.

On South Tarawa there are 11 recommended accommodations in the form of hotels, service apartments and guesthouses.  On North Tarawa and the outer islands; accommodation are in the form of island bungalows, guesthouses and homestays which are run privately or operated by the local government (Island Council) which are basic and rustic but provide an interesting opportunity to experience life on the outer islands without modern conveniences.  On Kiritimati Island accommodation is mostly in the form of fishing lodges which has catered for and accommodated many anglers and visitors over the years. The Tourism Authority of Kiribati may assist with reservations.

Communication & Internet

The Country Code: (686). Internet service is available across Tarawa.  On the outer islands internet access is limited and may only be available from the Island Council offices.  3G/4G network mobile phones work in Tarawa and on some outer islands.  HF radio also still serves as the means of communications used on the outer islands.  SIM cards cost around $3 and are available from ISP companies: ATHKL and Ocean Link.

Duty Free

Visitors are allowed to bring into Kiribati: 2.25 Litres of portable spirits, 4L of wine or beer, ale, stout or port wine and 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco for ages 21yrs+.

Electricity

The electrical current in Kiribati is 240 volts, AC 50 Hz. Three pin power outlets are commonly used in Kiribati.

Climate

Kiribati enjoys a tropical hot climate with two seasons – dry and rain season. Dry season starts from April to October and Wet season from November to March. Temperatures are around to 30 – 32°C (86 °F).  Kiribati does not experience cyclones but effects may occasionally be experienced during cyclone seasons affecting nearby Pacific Island countries such as Fiji.

Health

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations when travelling to Kiribati: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.  Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own medicine with them.  Hospital service is situated on South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island.  Ambulance service also operates 24hrs from the hospital. Dental service is available at the central hospital in South Tarawa.  On North Tarawa and Outer Islands, Medical Clinics are available.  Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are limited in Kiribati hence it is advised that you bring your personal medication during your visit.  Once in the country please do not drink unboiled water.

Language

The Kiribati people speak their local language called  Gilbertese or ‘te taetae ni Kiribati’ which is a Micronesian language of the Austronesian language family.  English language however is the official language which is widely spoken, and as a visitor you will have no problems communicating with the local people. Nevertheless, using some local words is certainly appreciated by the local community, whilst putting you in good stead for making new friends.  Note: in Kiribati language, “ti” is pronounced “ss”. For example, “Kiribati” has to be pronounced “Kiribas.”

VAT

Kiribati charges 12.5% goods & service tax.

Time

UTC+12 (Tarawa & the Gilbert Islands), UTC+13 (Phoenix Islands Protected Area) and UTC+14 (Kiritimati & the Line Islands).

Departure Tax

Departure tax does not apply for international departure however you will be required to pay a departing tax of AUD$20.00 when travelling domestically in the outer islands.