Bairiki, Kiribati 🇰🇮
#1151
,
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bairiki is the administrative capital of Kiribati, located onTarawa Atoll, known for its vibrant culture and unique island lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 6,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 20 Mbps with occasional fluctuations. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). As of April 2025, 1 AUD is approximately 0.67 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 240V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Digicel and Telecom Cook Islands, with prepaid SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking options with ANZ Kiribati and local credit unions. International banking services are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, local inns, and short-term rentals; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; most transactions are cash-based but mobile payment options are gradually increasing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include the Tarawa Lagoon Hotel and local hostels starting from AUD 30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Staying near the lagoon offers beautiful views and is close to local restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bairiki's seaside areas provide a relaxed atmosphere conducive for remote work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces; however, cafes like Bamboo Cafe offer Wi-Fi and a conducive atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bamboo Cafe provides a relaxed setting with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited networking events; local community gatherings provide informal networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats in Kiribati facilitate social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride apps exist; local taxis are available but may require phone calls for booking. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for bike rentals; some guesthouses may offer bikes for guests. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bairiki Beach is easily accessible and known for its beautiful lagoons. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Kiribati serves local flights to other islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways connect Kiribati to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections are limited and mostly run along Tarawa Atoll. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; public transport consists mainly of buses and taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; buses are generally pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Boats and small aircraft are available for travel between islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kiribati Hospital located in Tarawa provides basic medical services, with limited facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few wellness centers; local gyms may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms, such as the Kiribati National Sports Centre, offer fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Limited laundry services available at most guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited food delivery services available; locals usually rely on in-person dining. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Palusami,' a dish made from taro leaves and coconut cream. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables; limited dedicated vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional desserts like coconut tart. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Find fresh produce at local markets along the main road. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options; few local online stores exist. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Very limited, most groceries must be purchased in-store. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some bars are available in Tarawa, a short taxi ride away. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; most alcoholic beverages are imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars; wine can be found in some stores. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks primarily around markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited international options; primarily local seafood and dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historical World War II sites scattered across the atoll. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kiribati National Museum showcases local history and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Look for remains of WWII bunkers and buildings throughout Tarawa. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Holy Cross Cathedral in Bairiki is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals and flag-raising events during national holidays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bairiki and neighbouring areas are rich in local customs and traditions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performing arts; community events may occur in local spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bairiki Market offers local crafts and food products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often found during community gatherings and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local artists may showcase work during festivals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Few options; community members may offer informal classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No notable art galleries; local arts are showcased in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several church buildings and community centers tell the story of the island. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional crafts, weaving, and boat-making are significant cultural aspects. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the untouched reefs and beaches on nearby islets. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks; however, natural reserves and lagoons provide beautiful scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Few paths available; walking along the coastline is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lagoons offer beautiful sunset views and are popular photography spots. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby islets are great for observing marine and bird life. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited postal services; international shipping can be unreliable. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited repair services available; shipping devices for repairs is common. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited; informal language exchange groups may exist. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Minimal library services; local schools may provide study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host cultural events and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited gaming venues; casual gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available in Bairiki. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately AUD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = AUD 120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately AUD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = AUD 90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately AUD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = AUD 175,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately AUD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = AUD 140,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately AUD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = AUD 224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately AUD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = AUD 175,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rates are currently 0% for offshore businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% dividend withholding tax for foreign entities. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based primarily on local income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT is applied in Kiribati. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules do exist but are less stringent for low-activity companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is generally based on the rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Low tax implications and incentives for relocation and investment. |