Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccines are essential: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot. For Kiribati, consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or try local foods. Hepatitis B is smart if you’re planning extended stays or engaging in activities like getting tattoos. Although no yellow fever risk, a vaccine is required if you’re coming from a yellow fever-prone area. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Kiribati, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for KiribatiCulture & Customs
Respect local culture in Kiribati by dressing modestly; women should cover shoulders and knees. Always ask permission before photographing people. **Remove shoes** before entering homes. Public displays of affection, especially for same-sex couples, are frowned upon and could draw unwanted attention. For women, solo travel is generally safe, but it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night. Greeting people with a smile and a nod is appreciated. **Do not touch anyone’s head**—it’s considered disrespectful.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Kiribati.
- Palusami: This dish is a local favorite made with taro leaves, coconut cream, and often corned beef. It’s baked until the flavors meld together, offering a rich and creamy taste. Palusami is popular due to its use of traditional ingredients and its role in family gatherings and celebrations.
- Ika Mata: A fresh fish salad, Ika Mata consists of raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime juice, often mixed with onions and tomatoes. It’s a refreshing dish that highlights the island’s access to fresh seafood and the importance of coconut in local cuisine.
- Te Kabubu: This is a type of bread made from coconut and flour, often baked in an underground oven. It’s a staple at many meals and showcases the importance of coconut in Kiribati’s food culture.
- Babai: Essentially taro, Babai is a root vegetable that’s often baked or boiled. It’s a staple food that forms a significant part of the local diet, reflecting the agricultural practices and sustenance farming of the islands.
Tap water in Kiribati is generally not safe for tourists to drink, even if locals often do. It’s recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. Carry a reusable bottle with a filter to save money and reduce plastic waste.
The main language in Kiribati is
Gilbertese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Gilbertese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Kiribati includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Kiribati,
English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among the younger population. It serves as one of the official languages alongside Gilbertese (Kiribati). While many I-Kiribati (the people of Kiribati) are bilingual, proficiency can vary, especially in rural regions where Gilbertese is predominantly used in daily life.
In major towns like Tarawa, you’ll find that most people working in tourism, government, and education are fluent in English, making communication easier for travelers. However, in more remote islands, English may be less commonly spoken, and some locals might have limited English skills.
Travelers may encounter situations where basic English is understood, but it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few phrases in Gilbertese. Overall, while English is a useful language for navigation and interaction, being open to the local culture and language can enhance your experience in Kiribati.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Kiribati is AUD ($).
If you’re heading to Kiribati, it’s best to come prepared with enough cash. ATMs are scarce, especially outside the main islands like Tarawa. When you do find an ATM, they might only work with local bank cards, so don’t count on them for your cash needs.
Bring Australian Dollars (AUD) since they are widely accepted and will save you the hassle of converting other currencies. Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged, but the process might not be straightforward, and rates won’t be favorable.
Card acceptance is limited, mostly to larger hotels or businesses. Smaller shops, local markets, and guesthouses will expect cash. You can exchange money at banks in South Tarawa, but they keep standard hours and are closed on weekends, so plan ahead.
Bottom line: arrive with enough AUD for your stay, and don’t rely on cards or easy currency exchange.
Tipping in Kiribati is not customary and generally not expected. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip as a gesture of appreciation is welcomed. Always ensure that your tip is in the local currency for convenience.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.