Travel Essentials: Kiribati

Smart Packing & Gear

Pack light, yet comprehensively, for Kiribati's tropical environment and limited resources.

General Packing List

Lightweight, breathable clothing
Personal toiletries
Basic medical kit with prescriptions
Power adapter (Type I, Australia/NZ)

Health & Safety Kit

High SPF reef-safe sunscreen
Effective insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Small first-aid supplies

Connectivity & Electronics

Universal travel adapter
Portable power bank
Smartphone with camera
Unlocked phone for local SIM

Important Documents

Passport and copies (digital & physical)
Visa (if needed)
Travel insurance policy
Flight and accommodation confirmations

Staying Connected

Leverage digital tools for navigation, communication, and security.

Communication Apps

WhatsApp for local contacts
Messenger for general communication
Viber for some regional contacts
Skype for international calls

Navigation Tools

Offline map apps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
Reliable physical compass
Downloaded local maps
Pre-planned routes

Language Learning

Babbel for I-Kiribati basics (Babbel)
Phrasebook for quick reference
Online language guides
Practice basic local greetings

Digital Security

VPN for secure browsing (NordVPN)
Strong, unique passwords
Two-factor authentication
Cloud backup for important files

Financial Preparedness

Australian Dollar is the local currency. Cash transactions dominate, especially outside South Tarawa.

Currency & Cash

Australian Dollar (AUD) is the currency
Carry small denominations
Have cash for outer islands
Keep emergency cash separate

Banking & Cards

Notify bank of travel dates
Consider a travel credit card (Capital One Travel)
Debit card for ATM withdrawals (limited)
Bank's emergency contact number

Budgeting Tips

Estimate daily expenses
Track spending while traveling
Allocate a contingency fund
Research local prices for food/transport

Secure Your Funds

Distribute cash across separate wallets
Avoid displaying large sums of money
Utilize hotel safes when available
Keep digital copies of cards

Getting Around

Transportation within Kiribati varies by island, with mini-buses and taxis common on South Tarawa.

Local Transport

Mini-buses are main on South Tarawa
Taxis available, negotiate fare
Boat charters for inter-island travel
Bicycles are an option for short distances

Air Travel

Reconfirm flight schedules often
Book domestic flights well in advance
Adhere to airline baggage limits
Pre-arrange airport transfers

Safety Tips

Agree on taxi fares before departure
Avoid overly crowded transport
Limit night-time solo travel
Seek local advice on safe areas

Walking & Exploring

Stay hydrated, especially on walks
Wear comfortable, appropriate footwear
Remain aware of your surroundings
Respect private land and property boundaries

Travel Insurance Notice

Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is important for your journey.

Emergency Preparedness

Familiarity with emergency contacts and procedures helps ensure a safe travel experience.

Access to Medical Aid

Tungaru Central Hospital on South Tarawa serves as the main medical facility.

Embassy Information

Many countries cover Kiribati from their embassy located in Fiji.

Weather Awareness

Familiarize yourself with tsunami and tropical storm protocols.

Protocols & Contacts

Emergency Contact Details

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999 (South Tarawa)
Tungaru Central Hospital: +686 751 26122
Your Country's Embassy (usually in Fiji)

Lost Document Plan

Report to local police immediately
Contact your embassy for assistance
Keep digital copies of documents

Cultural Sensitivity

Respect local customs and traditions for a harmonious visit.

Travel Essentials