South Tarawa, Kiribati 🇰🇮
#1945 1.360934, 173.152403

Nomad Score: 46%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City South Tarawa is the capital and largest city of Kiribati, located at the equator in the central Pacific Ocean.
👥 Population Approximately 50,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average speed of 3-5 Mbps; service can be spotty in some areas.
💸 Currency & Banking The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), 1 AUD ≈ 0.66 USD.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets.
📶 SIM Card Providers include Telecom Kiribati and Digicel, both offering prepaid plans.
💳 Banking for Expats Common payment methods include cash and cards accepted at major banks (ANZ, Westpac).
🛌 Accommodation Options include guesthouses, homestays, and Airbnb; typical prices start around AUD 50 per night.
💳 Cashless Friendly Moderately cashless; cash is preferred at smaller vendors.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb available; prices range from AUD 50 to AUD 150 per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Guesthouses like 'Nirvana Lodge' offer beds from AUD 30 per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space No formal coworking spaces; local cafes are used for remote work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Café Manuia, known for good coffee and Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events Limited networking opportunities; local expat groups on social media can help.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Occasional gatherings organized by the Kiribati National Expatriates Association.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Taxis available, but ridesharing apps are not present.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycles can be rented from local shops; prices around AUD 10 per day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Bikenibeu Beach, great for relaxation and swimming.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Kiribati connects to neighboring islands.
✈️ Top International Airline Fiji Airways operates occasional flights to and from Tarawa.
🛣️ Highway Access Limited road infrastructure; most travel is done by foot or bicycle.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub No trains; local buses are available for transport within the city.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Public transport is not highly developed.
✈️ Regional Travel Boats and ferries are the primary means to other islands.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Kiribati National Hospital provides basic healthcare services.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; community classes available occasionally.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Basic facilities at some hotels; outdoor workouts are common.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services are available at local guesthouses.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App No dedicated food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try 'Palu Saki' – a traditional fish dish.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited; however, some vegetarian options are available at local eateries.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Enjoy local pastries from the Tarawa Bakery.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets, especially in Betio, provide budget-friendly options.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store International shipping from sites like Amazon can take time. Local sites exist but are limited.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Not widely available; shopping is typically done in person.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Limited nightlife; some bars and local clubs in Betio.
🍻 Local Brewery Local breweries are rare; try Kiribati Beer.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited availability; most places focus on local beverages.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street food options include local coconut bread and grilled fish.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Limited; few restaurants serve Asian and Western dishes.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Japanese War Memorial and the National Museum of Kiribati.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues National Museum offers insights into the local heritage.
🏰 Historical Sites Tanaeang Village ruins, reflecting Kiribati's history.
🕍 Religious Sites Various local churches representing different denominations.
🎉 Annual Events The Kiribati Art & Cultural Festival held annually.
🎨 Cultural Districts Betio is known for its cultural diversity.
🎭 Theater Venues Community halls often host local performances.
🛍️ Local Markets The Betio Market is popular for local produce.
🎼 Music Scene Local music played at community events; limited venues.
🎨 Street Art Minimal but present, focused on cultural themes.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Occasional classes offered by local community centers.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Local artists display work at workshops around the city.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Architecture reflects colonial past and local styles.
🏴 Local Heritage The traditional canoes and navigational tools used by ancestors.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs and atolls around Tarawa.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby None specifically; however, marine reserves exist.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited, but walking along the coastline is popular.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The coastal road offers beautiful views of the ocean.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Ideal spots include coastal wetlands and protected areas.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Some beaches allow for bonfires; check local regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Limited options; local courier services available.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Available at various small shops in South Tarawa.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers often have tables available.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Basic language classes available at local community centers.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Limited library services available; community centers serve as reading spots.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers host various activities and services.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited to informal gatherings in homes.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos available in South Tarawa.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AUD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 100,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AUD 1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 72,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AUD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 180,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AUD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 150,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. AUD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 280,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. AUD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 224,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 30%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 20%.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed on local income; no capital gains tax.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Tax rates are progressive, with rates up to 30%.
🧾 VAT No VAT; however, some goods may include service taxes.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, CFC rules apply.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property tax based on property value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax 2% on property transactions.