Kiribati Travel Guide
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Kiribati.
Capital
Bairiki (Tarawa).
Geography
As a country located in Oceania listed on historyaah, Kiribati (pronounced »Kiribass«; the former Gilbert Islands) is made up of three island groups in the Pacific: Kiribati (including Banaba, formerly Ocean Island), the Line and the Phoenix Islands. The 33 islands are scattered in the Pacific and spread over an area of 5180 square kilometers. Most of them are low-lying atolls that are only covered with a thin layer of earth. The only exception is the Banaba coral formation, which rises 80 m from the sea. The vegetation consists primarily of coconut palms and pandanus trees. There are no rivers or hills on the islands, water is obtained from reservoirs and springs.
Government
Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1979. Constitution of 1979. Unicameral parliament (Maneaba ni Maungatabu) with 42 members, election every 4 years; Direct election of the head of state every 4 years. Independent since 1979 (former British colony).
Head of state
Taneti Maamau, since March 2016.
Head of government
Taneti Maamau, since March 2016.
Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz; three-pin plug, adapter required.
GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
From Europe you fly via Sydney and Nauru with Qantas (QF) and Our Airline (ON).
Air passes
The Visit South Pacific Pass is valid in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and is valid on the routes of the following airlines: Qantas, Air Caledonie, Our Airline ( formerly Air Nauru), Air Niugini, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Royal Tongan Airlines, Polynesian Airlines and Solomon Airlines. With the Visit South Pacific PassThe following destinations can be reached: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (Australia), Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch (New Zealand), Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and Vanuatu. The pass is only valid in conjunction with an international flight ticket and is valid for a maximum of 6 months from the first trip. A minimum of two coupons must be purchased prior to arrival in the Southwest Pacific, additional coupons (up to a maximum of 8) can be purchased locally. Stopovers have to be paid extra. The trip must be started outside the South Pacific and it is advisable to book flights in advance.
Departure fee
A $ 20 excluding children under two and transit passengers.
Arrival by ship
International ports are located on Tarawa, Banaba and Christmas Island.
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Air Kiribati (4A) offers regular scheduled flights from Tarawa to almost all of the surrounding islands.
On the way by car / bus
Left-hand traffic. There are all-weather roads on Tarawa and on Christmas Island.
Buses and taxis operate in the urban areas of Tarawa. Buses can be stopped anywhere to get on or off. Buses are cheap, but taxis are quite expensive.
Rental cars are only available in the urban areas of Tarawa and Christmas Island.
Documentation: international driver’s license.
On the way by ship
Passenger ferries operate between the smaller islands. You can also rent boats to the more distant islands.
MONEY
Currency
1 Australian dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: A $, AUD (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of A $ 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, coins in denominations of A $ 2 and 1 as well as 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Credit cards
MasterCard and Visa are accepted to a limited extent. Further information from the issuer of the credit card in question. There are ATMs in branches of the Bank of Kiribati / ANZ in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu (on the Tarawa Atoll).
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9.30 a.m.-3 p.m. The branch in Bikenibeu is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unrestricted importation of local currency. Export of local currency only up to A $ 5,000. Unrestricted import and export of foreign currencies.
Currency Exchange
In the Bank of Kiribati Ltd. or possible in hotels.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official languages are I-Kiribati (Gilbertese), an Austronesian language, and English.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Kiribati duty-free:
200 cigarettes or 225 grams of tobacco;
1 l spirits and 1 l wine (people aged 21 and over);
Perfume for personal use.
Valuable personal belongings must be declared and taken back out.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Ties are only worn on special occasions. Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-4.15 p.m.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Self-dial service in the urban areas of Tarawa. Telephone calls abroad usually have to be made through the international operator. Most of the other islands can be reached by radio telephone.
Cellphone
GSM 1800 and 900. Network operator is Telecom Service Kiribati Ltd. (Internet: www.tskl.net.ki).
Internet
Internet provider is VPM Internet Services. There are currently no internet cafes in Kiribati.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks; International mail is sent weekly. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 9 am-3pm.
SHOP
Overview
Baskets, trays and containers made of pandanus – and palm fronds, coconut shells and mussels. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-7 p.m., some shops also open until 8.30 p.m. Most of the smaller shops are also open on Sun 8 am-7pm.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
In the “Island Nights” traditional Polynesian music and dances as well as film screenings are presented. In the maneabas, which are found on all islands, there are often banquets.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are few hotels in Kiribati, most of them are on Tarawa, Christmas Island and Abemama. There is also a small resort with basic facilities on Abemama and two motels (on Ambo and Tarawa). The construction of a luxury hotel with 150 rooms on Christmas Island is planned. A service charge of 10% will be added to the hotel bill. Further information is available from the South Pacific Tourism Organization (see addresses).
CULTURE
Religion
Approx. 52% Catholics, approx. 40% Protestants, Baha’i and Islam.
Social rules of conduct
In the informal atmosphere on the archipelago, you can find not only local traditions but also European customs. It is common to address people by their first name only. Bikinis should only be worn on the beach. Tips are not expected.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The central archipelago has an equatorial marine climate, while the northern and southern islands are more tropical. The trade winds blow between March and October, when the temperatures are most pleasant. November to February are more rainy.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +686 Area (sq km) 811 Population 105 711 Population density (per sq km) 130 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 999
