Document checklist for Kiribati 

A passport with a minimum six-month expiration date

An onward or return ticket

A sufficient amount of money to last the entire anticipated stay.

A valid visa for a stay of more than 30 days

Essential Kiribati travel information

Currency – The sole recognized national currency used in Kiribati is the Kiribati dollar. 0.66 US dollars are equal to 1.00 Kiribati dollars.

Daily budget for one person – $100-$150

Language – A portion also speaks the official language of Kiribati of the people in three different nations.

Top 3 cities to visit – Betio, Tarawa, and Bikenibeu

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kiribati National Library, and Fenua-ura

Socket type – The related plug type for Kiribati is I. It operates on a 240V supply power and 50Hz.

Time zone – Gilbert Island Time (GILT), Phoenix Island Time (PHOT), and Line Islands Time (LINT) are the three time zones in Kiribati.

Visa information for Kiribati

Before visiting Kiribati, Indian nationals must obtain a visa. Indian citizens need a tourist visa for Kiribati. The stay is often brief. Therefore, the applicant must not be present when requesting a Kiribati tourist visa.

Typical costs and budget for Kiribati

Daily spending – $100-$150 per person

Meals – 30$ per person

Transport – 50$ per person

Hotel – $60 per night, on a low budget.

Transport and best ways to travel around Kiribati

Private minibusses serve as the primary mode of public transportation in South Tarawa and Christmas Island because there are no genuine taxis in Kiribati. Usually operating on a standard system, these minibusses are randomly requested. Additionally, they will drop you off anyplace you want if you merely shout “i-kai!” (stop). Even though Christmas Island is costlier, they are still reasonably priced. They may also be reserved like a taxi by making an initial call.

In South Tarawa and Christmas Island, you can hire a car, and lodging facilities can offer you a car for more cash than in the US. You’ll need an international driving permit; in Kiribati, cars are driven on the left. Although there are a lot of potholes and speed bumps, the roads are in good condition.

Kiribati has no railway, and the only mode of public transportation is shared minivans that may also be used as charter taxis. From 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., they operate on Christmas Island and between the villages of South Tarawa. There are numerous and affordable services.

Safety in Kiribati

In Kiribati, petty crimes like stealing are relatively widespread. While out late at night, travelers suggest taking taxis home rather than strolling to avoid street trouble. Keep your valuables hidden, and be alert for anyone loitering around.

You may conduct crimes while traveling, too. For example, female homosexuality is not prohibited, but homosexual activities committed by men are. In addition, although legislation is not strictly adhered to, discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community may be a problem. For example, both wearing skimpy swimwear and being naked in public are prohibited by local legislation.

Weather in Kiribati

Kiribati is most picturesque in the dry season, which lasts from July to October. Since most activities depend on favorable conditions and are outdoors, visiting during adverse conditions is challenging due to rising sea levels.

While Kiribati’s average annual temperature ranges from 24 to 31 degrees, the high humidity throughout travel makes visitors feel the heat much more intensely, especially when the sun is out.

Famous cities and towns in Kiribati

Bikenibeu: Carbon dating has identified the first human settlement dating as early as 200 BC. Archaeological proof indicates that this finest metropolis in the Kiribati area was continuously inhabited for countless years. These first settlers were called sea explorers because they could sail the ocean in small boats.

Tarawa: A member of the Gilbert Islands, Tarawa is an atoll, a ring-shaped coral island that encircles a lagoon. With over 40,311 citizens, it is Kiribati’s capital and the country’s most populous city.

Betio: 12 509 people live in Betio, a portion of southern Tarawa. Kiribati’s prominent port city, Betio, is situated on a separate islet and is a popular tourist destination. In addition, since this port is located in Betio Village, it is a significant economic hub for the nation.

Must do and see in Kiribati

Surfing: Several hundred surfable breaks with reliable waves can be found at Kiritimati, a popular spot for professionals to practice their sport. With Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest expanding, they are prepared to delight any surfer from June to April.

Diving: it is also feasible on Kiritimati, and the identical resorts that sponsor fishing trips may also assist you in planning a diving excursion. Since diving tourism needs to be well-developed, plan and research what will and won’t be offered.

Fishing: The main draw of Kiritimati Island is its reputation as a premier fishing location. Since the island and atoll have been a protected marine area for many years, marine life abounds and draws eager anglers year-round, notably as it ranks as one of the premier fly-fishing locations in the world.

Typical Kiribati food to try

Te inai: it is a parrotfish-based fish dish. This standard meal also includes colorful reef fish. The fish should initially be marinated with ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, etc. Usually, te inai is served hot and crispy. When requesting Te Inai in Kiribati, you must unquestionably request a salad plate.

Te bua toro ni baukin is made with much meat and veggies. For this dish, Kiribatians utilize tinned beef. In addition, they can use ingredients like pumpkin, cabbage, flour, milk, baking powder, and so on. Finally, the cooks in Kiribati flavor it with seasonings like salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Batata mash: The sweet potatoes are first boiled by the Kiribatians. After that, they add butter, coconut, etc., to the sweet potato. A delicious dish among the Kiribatis is the batata mash. Typically, individuals order this dish as a side dish with grilled meat.

Fun facts about Kiribati

The only nation in the world with islands in each of the four hemispheres is Kiribati!

Nauru is the closest neighboring country.