Communication Essentials: Kiribati

Mobile & Internet Access

ATH Kiribati (formerly TSKL) operates as the main mobile provider. SIM cards and top-up vouchers are available at Bonriki International Airport, their Bairiki main office, and various small shops.

An unlocked GSM phone and your passport for registration are useful. Coverage performs best in South Tarawa and Kiritimati. Many outer islands have limited or no coverage. Data speeds tend to be slow (typically 3G, with patchy 4G in small areas). Data costs present a relative expense.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Internet access is available at most hotels and some guesthouses. Speed can be slow and intermittent.
Limited data allowances prevail.
Using a local SIM with a data plan is often the most practical way to get internet access. Consider an eSIM for convenience: Airalo eSIMs
Connectivity on outer islands is extremely limited, often non-existent. Portable Wi-Fi devices may assist in some areas: Solis Wi-Fi

Staying in Touch

Knowing how services operate benefits your travel plans.

Mobile Provider Insights

Mobile coverage is strongest in South Tarawa and Kiritimati. Outer islands frequently have no signal.

Considerations

An unlocked GSM phone is needed.
Passport registration for SIM card.
Prepare for slower data speeds.

Postal Services

The main post office is in South Tarawa (Bairiki).

Mail Considerations

Mail services are available.
Expect slow international delivery.
You can send and receive mail.

Language & Etiquette

Official Languages

I-Kiribati (Gilbertese) and English are official.
English is taught in schools, but fluency varies.
English is less common outside main centers.
A translation app with offline I-Kiribati is helpful. Enhance your language readiness with Rosetta Stone.

Helpful Phrases

Hello: Mauri
Thank you: Ko raba
Yes: Eng
No: Tiaki

Essential Phrases

Goodbye (to person staying)Ti a bo
Goodbye (to person leaving)Kam raoi
How are you?Ko uara?
GoodE raoiroi

WaterRan
FishIka
Learning a few phrasesHighly recommended
Displaying respectAlways appreciated

Connectivity Advisory

Expect internet connectivity and data speeds to vary, notably outside of main hubs.

Business & Services

Grasping local schedules makes daily planning easier.

Government Offices

Typically Monday-Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a lunch break.

Shops & Businesses

Generally open weekdays during standard business hours. Some smaller shops may open earlier or later and have limited hours on Saturday. Most are closed on Sunday.

Markets

Open daily, but busiest in the morning when fresh produce and fish arrive. They have limited hours on Sunday.

Banking Hours

Banks (e.g., ANZ, Bank of Kiribati) are mainly located in South Tarawa (Bairiki, Betio). They follow standard banking hours (e.g., 9 AM - 3 PM, Monday-Friday).

ATM Locations

ATMs are available at bank branches and a few other locations in South Tarawa and Kiritimati.
ATMs can be unreliable, sometimes out of order or out of cash.
Relying solely on ATMs for your funds carries a risk.

Restaurants & Eateries

Hours vary widely. Hotel restaurants maintain set hours. Local Kaubure may operate with more flexible schedules.

Local Dining

Hotel restaurants maintain fixed hours.
Local Kaubure feature flexible schedules.
Discover authentic local tastes.

Holidays & Closures

SundayWidely observed as a day of rest; many businesses, shops, and services close or reduce hours.

Public holidaysNew Year's, Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Day (July 12), Youth Day, Christmas, Boxing Day.

ServicesClosed or limited on these days.

Travel on SundayChallenging due to reduced transport.

Seasonal closuresNo specific seasonal closures for tourism facilities.

Flight schedulesReconfirm schedules, notably during the wet season or holidays.

Schedule Confirmation

Verify domestic flight times.
Check ferry schedules for outer islands.
Account for potential weather delays.
Plan for reduced services on Sundays.
Confirm business hours on public holidays.

Travel Considerations

Further practical insights for your journey.

Greeting Customs

The common greeting is Mauri. Shaking hands is common when meeting people.

Social Interactions

Shaking hands shows respect.
A friendly demeanor is appreciated.
Using Mauri starts conversations.

Appropriate Attire

Dress modestly outside of tourist resorts and beach areas. This includes covering shoulders and knees for all.

Clothing Guide

Cover shoulders and knees.
Especially for villages, churches, government buildings.
Less strict at resorts or beaches.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not a tradition nor expected in Kiribati. Accepting food graciously is polite.

Mealtime Norms

Tipping is not customary.
Accept offered food politely.
Meals often occur communally.

Photography Ethics

Always request permission before photographing individuals, especially children. Some prefer not to be photographed.

Camera Conduct

Ask permission before taking photos.
Exercise caution with children's photos.
Be respectful at cultural sites or ceremonies.

Cultural Sensitivities

Awareness of local customs helps you navigate social situations with respect.

Maneaba Conduct

Do not walk through the center of a traditional Maneaba when people are gathered; always walk around the edge.

Personal Space

Avoid touching people's heads. Display respect for traditional authority figures, like chiefs and elders.

Religious Respect

Mind the strong Christian faith; avoid behavior seen as disrespectful to religious beliefs.

Cultural Awareness

A little cultural awareness significantly helps your experience.

Travel Accessibility

Information for travelers with specific accessibility needs.

Accessibility Limitations

1

Mobility Challenges

Kiribati lacks infrastructure for mobility challenges. Uneven or absent sidewalks, rare ramps, and inaccessible public transport are common.

2

Accessible Options

Few, if any, attractions or transportation are designed for wheelchair users. Accessing basic services or sites presents considerable difficulty.

3

Sensory Impairments

Specialized services or infrastructure for visual or hearing impairments are generally not available.

Pre-Travel Planning

Travelers with mobility challenges encounter significant limitations.
Extensive personal arrangements may be necessary.
Awareness of significant limitations before planning a visit.
Bringing specialized equipment.
Arranging personal assistance.
Limited or no specific resources are available for tourists with accessibility needs.

General Considerations

Anticipate basic infrastructure.
Plan for self-reliance.
Direct support from local contacts may assist.
Inform accommodations of specific needs in advance.
Confirm ground transport options.
Carry essential personal aid items.

Support & Resources

Official Information

Government officials or local contacts may provide the most current accessibility details upon inquiry.

NGOs

Reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating locally may offer guidance or assistance.

Travel Forums

Online travel forums or groups with experience in remote destinations may share relevant advice.

Accessibility Note

Independent travel with mobility challenges may present considerable hurdles due to limited infrastructure.

Communication Essentials