Kiribati Travel Information

Kiribati is a remote island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start your Kiribati adventure. Here are the top 10 things to do in this beautiful island country.

1. Explore the Capital City of South Tarawa

South Tarawa is the capital city of Kiribati and is known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and historical sites. Take a stroll around the city and discover its many hidden gems, from traditional thatched-roof homes to historic churches.

2. Visit the Old Copra Plantation of Betio

Betio is a small island near South Tarawa and is home to one of the country's largest copra plantations. Explore the island's old plantations and learn about the history of the copra trade, which was once the main source of income for the country.

3. Snorkel in the Beautiful Waters of the Phoenix Islands

The Phoenix Islands are a group of 8 remote islands in Kiribati, known for their stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. Take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the vibrant underwater world, and see colorful fish, reef sharks, and other sea creatures.

4. Visit the Island of Abaiang and its Stunning Beaches

Abaiang is an island located in the northern part of Kiribati and is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend a day lounging on the sand, swimming in the ocean, and taking in the breathtaking views.

5. Explore the Traditional Culture of the Outer Islands

Kiribati's outer islands are home to traditional communities, where visitors can experience the country's vibrant culture and learn about local customs and traditions. Visit one of these islands and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

6. Visit the Butaritari Atoll and Explore its History

Butaritari is a large atoll located in the central part of Kiribati, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the atoll's many historical sites, including the remains of an old Japanese seaplane base and the ruins of an ancient village.

7. Dive in the Beautiful Waters of the Line Islands

The Line Islands are a group of remote atolls located in the far eastern part of Kiribati, known for their stunning waters and abundant marine life. Take a diving trip to these islands and discover the vibrant coral reefs and abundant sea creatures that call this area home.

8. Visit the Tarawa Atoll and Explore its Culture

Tarawa is a large atoll located in the central part of Kiribati and is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. Take a cultural tour of the atoll, visit traditional villages, and learn about the local way of life.

9. Visit the Christmas Island National Park

Christmas Island is a remote atoll located in the southern part of Kiribati and is home to the Christmas Island National Park. This beautiful park is known for its lush vegetation, stunning beaches, and abundant birdlife.

10. Explore the Gilberts Group and its Stunning Beaches

The Gilberts Group is a group of 16 atolls and islands located in the northern part of Kiribati, known for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Take a tour of the Gilberts and discover the stunning beauty of these remote islands.

Climate

Kiribati has a warm and humid tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 26-32°C (79-90°F) throughout the year. The country experiences heavy rainfall from November to March and occasional typhoons.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kiribati is between May to October, when the weather is dry, sunny and the water temperature is warm. This period offers good opportunities for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and diving. However, it's important to check the typhoon season before planning your trip.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Guesthouses

Budget-friendly guesthouses are widely available on Tarawa, Kiritimati and other smaller islands. They offer basic amenities like air conditioning and private bathroom.

Campsites

Camping sites are also an option for budget travelers in Kiribati, providing an opportunity to immerse in the local culture and experience the stunning natural surroundings.

Resorts

Mid-range resorts are available on some of the larger islands in Kiribati, offering a range of facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and activities like snorkeling and fishing trips.

Homestays

Homestays are a great option for those looking for a cultural experience, as they provide the opportunity to live with a local family and learn about their way of life.

Private Villas

Private villas with a range of facilities such as air conditioning, private pools, and scenic views are available in Kiribati.

Luxury Resorts

A few high-end resorts are available on Tarawa and Kiritimati, offering luxury amenities like spas, restaurants, and water activities.

Air

Air Kiribati: Air Kiribati operates flights between the main island of Tarawa and other outer islands in Kiribati.

Ferry Services

Regular ferry services operate between Tarawa and other islands in Kiribati, providing a cost-effective way of traveling between islands.

Charter Boats

Charter boats are also available for hire for those who want to explore the remote islands in Kiribati.

Cars and Bikes

Cars and bikes can be rented on Tarawa and other larger islands, allowing visitors to explore the island at their own pace.

Local Transportation

Local buses and taxis are available on Tarawa and other larger islands, providing a convenient way of getting around. Bikes can also be rented for exploring the island on two wheels.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.