Kiribati
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 136 thousand people live in Kiribati, on 811 km². The capital is South Tarawa.
- Capital
- South Tarawa
- Population
- 136,488
- Area
- 811 km²
- Official languages
- English and Gilbertese
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Kiribati?
Sockets take plug type I, at 240 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Kiribati?
Call 192 for the police, 994 for an ambulance and 193 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Kiribati?
Not expected.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Kiribati?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in Kiribati?
Prices are in Australian Dollar (AUD).
What language do they speak in Kiribati?
Official languages: English and Gilbertese.
How do I call a number in Kiribati from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +686.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
