South Tarawa, Kiribati 🇰🇮
#1945
,
Nomad Score:
43%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | South Tarawa is the capital city of Kiribati, located on Tarawa Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 6-10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 1.30 AUD (Australian Dollar is the main currency used). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Biscom and Clear Telecom with prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking services; best option is ANZ Kiribati. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from guesthouses to Airbnbs, with prices starting around AUD 50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse options include |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Betio is popular among tourists for its beaches and close to tourist attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bikenibeu, providing a quieter environment with access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces in South Tarawa. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tikirau is popular among remote workers for its Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community events announced on Facebook, limited to expat gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups organized through Facebook groups for socializing with locals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available, but there is no ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available for exploring the atoll. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nakurai Beach, just a 15-minute drive from Bikenibeu. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Kiribati provides domestic travel options. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways operate flights to Kiribati. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connects key areas of Tarawa, but traffic can be slow. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; local bus services operate but are infrequent. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Flights to other islands in Kiribati; boat services available for short distances. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kiribati Hospital located in Betio; limited facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | No dedicated wellness centers; informal yoga classes on the beach may be organized. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited fitness centers; small community gyms available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at guesthouses and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery services; local restaurants may offer phone orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish 'Palusami', made with taro leaves and coconut cream. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local markets offer fresh vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet treats available at local bakeries; try 'Bua' cake. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets sell fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping options; reliance on local stores. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Very few local shops offer any delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Betio has a couple of bars for nightlife; limited options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; beer is imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Several small shops sell wine, mainly imported brands. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors provide local snacks and meals; common around markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; main cuisine is local with few international restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic World War II sites and the scenic beaches. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited museums; national museum is a key attraction. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | World War II relics and artifacts scattered across the islands. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christian churches are widely present; notably the Catholic Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals typically celebrate Independence Day and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local villages showcase traditional Kiribati culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theater; informal gatherings for performances may occur. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Betio Market offers a range of local produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cultural music often performed at gatherings; limited venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Minimal street art; local craft markets display traditional art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Home-based cooking classes may be available through locals. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited local artistry displayed at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional huts and WWII buildings are notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kiribati's culture and traditions are celebrated through songs and dances. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the beautiful lagoons and small islets around Tarawa. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks; however, marine conservation areas exist. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Few designated paths; local biking is common along the main roads. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Take in the views from the Tarawa Atoll coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal areas are great for birdwatching, especially migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches are commonly used for bonfires; ensure to respect local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; best to use international courier companies. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Very few services available; rely on local shops for minor repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available primarily in schools and community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is spoken; informal language exchange may occur among expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited resources; the community center has some reading materials. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers are hubs for local activity and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few options; gaming is mostly done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available; gambling is not prevalent. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 1,500 per m²; 30 m² = AUD 45,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 1,200 per m²; 30 m² = AUD 36,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 1,800 per m²; 50 m² = AUD 90,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 1,500 per m²; 50 m² = AUD 75,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 1,700 per m²; 80 m² = AUD 136,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 1,400 per m²; 80 m² = AUD 112,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rates vary; typically 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are not generally subject to withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax of 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; sales tax applied at points of sale. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations on foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Minimal property taxes; largely based on land use type. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Low transaction tax rate around 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on global income for non-residents. |