Country guides
Australasia
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin power outlets are standard.
Language
The official language is I-Kiribati, but English is widely understood.
Money
The Kiribati dollar (KID) is the official currency. There are ATMs at branches of the Bank of Kiribati and ANZ in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu on Tarawa atoll; very few places accept credit cards.
Tipping
Tipping isn't customary but a visitor's generosity will be much appreciated. A 10 percent service tax is added to all hotel bills.
Health
Kiribati offers limited health facilities and any serious injury or illness is likely to require evacuation by air. Comprehensive health and travel insurance is therefore recommended. Vaccinations are recommended for typhoid, dengue fever, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Safety
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, so visitors should ensure that their personal belongings, including their passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. It's best to avoid jogging or running in the street as street dogs can become aggressive and bite.
Local customs
Travellers to Kiribati will encounter a strange mix of informality and rigidity in terms of social mores and customs. Generally, Kiribati boasts a relatively classless society, where people are known by their first names, and talk freely and good-humouredly with one another. However, despite this general conviviality, there are certain codes of behaviour that are strictly observed. In all aspects of social life, modesty and humility are considered desirable traits. So, direct eye contact is not often made, women are expected to dress conservatively, and aggressive or confrontational behaviour is heavily frowned upon. Travellers to Kiribati should note that the top of one's head is considered a sacred, deeply personal area. Under no circumstances should visitors touch someone on the top of their head (unless invited to do so), and if they are walking past someone who is lying down, visitors should give them a wide berth to ensure that they don't cause offence.
Doing business
A shirt and smart trousers or a skirt will suffice in most situations, and a tie will only be needed for formal occasions. Meetings can be relationship-building exercises before diving into business, so visitors should be patient and allow time for introductions and social pleasantries. It's important to address elders and those in positions of authority appropriately, as age and social status are respected.
Duty free
Visitors to Kiribati may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 225g of tobocco and an mount of perfume reasonable for personal use. Those 21 and older may bring one litre of spirits and one litre of wine.
Communications
The international access code is +686. Internet service is available on Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. On the outer islands internet access is limited and may only be available from the local government stations.
Passport & Visa
All foreign passengers to Kiribati must hold proof of return or onward tickets (or sufficient funds to purchase them), and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Generally, visa-exempt visitors are granted an initial stay of 30 days. An extension of stay is possible, provided that it does not exceed four months in any calendar year. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas) for a maximum of 120 days within a calendar year. Nationals with other endorsements in their passports should confirm requirements prior to travel.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is required.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond arrival in Kiribati. A visa is not required for stays of a maximum of up to 120 days within a calendar year.
Useful contacts
National Tourism Office: www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki/kiribati-national-tourism-office/
192 (police), 193 (fire brigade), 194 (medical assistance)