Tarawa Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tarawa.
Healthcare System
Kiribati has a basic public healthcare system with Tungaru Central Hospital as the main facility in Tarawa. Healthcare is free for I-Kiribati citizens but limited in resources, equipment, and specialist services. Private healthcare options are virtually non-existent.
Hospitals
Tungaru Central Hospital in Nawerewere is the primary facility. There are also health centers in Betio, Bairiki, and other locations on South Tarawa that can handle minor ailments. Expect long wait times, basic facilities, and bring your own supplies if possible.
Pharmacies
Limited pharmacy services available at the hospital and a few private pharmacies in Betio and Bairiki. Stock of medications is often limited and unreliable. Bring all prescription medications and a comprehensive first-aid kit with common over-the-counter medicines, as many items are unavailable locally.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including emergency medical evacuation is absolutely essential. Medical evacuation from Tarawa can cost USD $50,000-$100,000 or more.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of all prescription medications in original packaging, plus extra in case of travel delays
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit including antibiotics (if prescribed), anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, antiseptics, and bandages
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers Kiribati and includes medical evacuation by air ambulance
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water to prevent waterborne diseases
- Consider getting travel vaccinations well in advance: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Bring adequate sun protection and treat any cuts or scratches immediately to prevent tropical infections
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft of unattended belongings, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and beaches. Theft from accommodations is uncommon but can occur.
South Tarawa has congested roads with a mix of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Roads are often in poor condition, street lighting is minimal, and driving standards can be erratic.
Contaminated water and food can cause diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Tap water is not reliably safe to drink, and sanitation infrastructure is limited.
Tarawa is located near the equator with intense tropical sun year-round. Dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion are common among unprepared visitors.
Coral cuts, sea urchins, stonefish, and strong currents pose risks when swimming or walking on reefs. Shark encounters are rare but possible.
Dengue fever occurs in Kiribati, with periodic outbreaks. Zika virus has also been reported. Mosquitoes are present year-round.
Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly of local fermented toddy (sour toddy/kaokioki), can lead to altercations or accidents. Public intoxication can occasionally lead to confrontations.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers or boat operators may quote inflated prices to tourists who are unfamiliar with local rates, particularly for airport transfers or trips between islands.
Some budget accommodations may be reluctant to return deposits or may claim damages that didn't occur to withhold deposit money.
Visitors unfamiliar with Australian dollars (the official currency) may receive incorrect change or be confused about pricing, particularly with mixed use of coins and notes.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, tickets) separate from originals and store digital copies in cloud storage
- Register with your embassy or consulate if they offer traveler registration services
- Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in unlit areas
- Respect local customs and dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention
- Learn a few basic phrases in I-Kiribati (Gilbertese) as English proficiency varies
- Keep your accommodation locked and use any available safes for valuables
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Avoid swimming in stagnant water or areas with visible pollution
- Be cautious with seafood and ensure it's thoroughly cooked
- Protect against mosquitoes 24/7, not just at dawn and dusk
- Stay well-hydrated in the tropical heat - drink more water than you think you need
- Seek medical attention promptly for any fever, persistent diarrhea, or infected wounds
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient Australian dollars in cash as ATMs can be unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels
- Use the ANZ or Bank of Kiribati ATMs during business hours when possible
- Keep cash secured in a money belt or hidden pouch
- Don't carry more cash than needed for the day
- Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Have backup payment methods as banking services can be disrupted
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for mobile phone coverage (available from TSKL)
- Internet connectivity is limited and expensive - download maps and important information before arrival
- Share your itinerary and regular check-in schedule with someone at home
- Keep your accommodation's contact information written down in case your phone fails
- Be aware that communication services can be disrupted during bad weather
Cultural Respect
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in villages
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting villages or government buildings
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some buildings
- Respect Sunday as a day of rest - many activities cease and church attendance is important
- Don't touch people's heads, which is considered disrespectful
- Be patient and adapt to the slower pace of island life
Transportation
- Arrange airport transfers in advance through your accommodation
- Use registered taxis or hotel transport when possible
- If renting a motorcycle or bicycle, check its condition thoroughly and ensure brakes work
- Be extremely cautious of dogs, pigs, and children on roads
- Avoid traveling after dark due to poor road conditions and limited lighting
- Wear helmets when riding motorcycles or bicycles, even though it may not be common practice
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling safe in Tarawa, and solo female travel is possible with reasonable precautions. I-Kiribati society is relatively conservative, and women are respected. However, as in many destinations, women may experience unwanted attention, particularly if perceived as not conforming to local dress and behavior norms. Incidents of serious crime against female tourists are rare, but catcalling and staring can occur.
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders and wear skirts or shorts that reach the knee to minimize unwanted attention and show cultural respect
- Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in unlit areas
- Be cautious about accepting invitations from strangers, particularly men you've just met
- Consider staying in accommodations with good security and female staff if traveling solo
- Be aware that alcohol consumption by women may be viewed differently than for men in this conservative society
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself politely
- Join group activities or tours to meet other travelers and reduce solo exposure
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention - saying you're married or meeting your husband can be effective
- Swimming in modest swimwear (one-piece or rash guard) is more culturally appropriate than bikinis, particularly at public beaches
- Connect with other travelers, particularly women, through your accommodation for shared activities and transport
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Kiribati, with the age of consent equal to heterosexual activity. However, there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in public
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be aware that discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly may make locals uncomfortable
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance, though specific listings may be limited
- Consider the conservative social environment when deciding how open to be about your identity
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel communities for current advice and experiences
- Be prepared for questions about marital status - having a prepared response may be helpful
- Respect local cultural and religious values while maintaining your personal safety and comfort
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Tarawa and cannot be overstated. The limited medical facilities mean that serious illness or injury will require expensive medical evacuation, potentially costing USD $50,000-$100,000 or more. Without insurance, you could face catastrophic costs or be unable to receive necessary treatment. Additionally, flight cancellations and delays are common, and travel insurance can help recover costs.
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