Kiribati, a remote island nation scattered across the Pacific Ocean, is known for its untouched beauty, marine life, and unique geography straddling the equator and the International Date Line. Whether you’re visiting South Tarawa or exploring the outer atolls, understanding how to access cash is critical. Card acceptance is extremely limited, and cash is the primary means of payment for nearly all goods and services. This guide provides essential information on cash and ATMs in Kiribati, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, helping you stay prepared in this off-the-beaten-path destination.
Where to find ATMs in Kiribati?
ATM access in Kiribati is extremely limited. The few available machines are primarily located in the capital, South Tarawa, specifically in Bairiki and Betio. The Bank of Kiribati and ANZ Bank are the only two institutions operating ATMs on the island, and machines often only accept locally issued or ANZ-affiliated cards. Currency dispensed is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is used alongside the Kiribati dollar (non-circulating coins only).
Tourist Spots:
Kiribati receives few tourists, and most who visit stay near South Tarawa. ATMs are available near government offices, the airport, and in central commercial zones – but not within outer lodges or remote guesthouses. Card payments are rare, so bring cash upon arrival.
Outer Islands & Rural Areas:
Outside of South Tarawa (including North Tarawa and outer island groups like the Line and Phoenix Islands), there are no ATMs. Most transactions are cash-based, and infrastructure is minimal. Visitors must carry enough AUD from Tarawa before traveling further – many local shops and families do not accept cards or digital payments.
Best ATMs to use in Kiribati for foreigners
The best ATM for foreigners to use in Kiribati is that owned by ANZ Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Kiribati, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in AUD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in AUD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Kiribati?
The ATM in Kiribati commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP cards. Don’t rely on using other types of cards such as JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATM access in Kiribati is very limited and typically only available during bank working hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm). There are no 24/7 ATMs in most areas.
What are ATMs called in Kiribati?
They are referred to simply as “ATMs”, though signage may just show the bank name (e.g., ANZ Kiribati). Only a small number of machines are available – primarily on Tarawa.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs generally operate in English, which is one of Kiribati’s official languages. Interfaces are simple, and no translation assistance is needed.
If you don’t understand these languages, try scanning the ATM screen on your phone camera with Google Translate and get an indicative translation (please note – such translations can have errors).
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Kiribati?
ATMs in Kiribati dispense only Australian dollars (AUD). Although Kiribati issues its own pegged coins, Australian banknotes are the standard currency available across ANZ ATMs on South Tarawa and Kiritimati. No foreign currency withdrawals (USD, EUR, etc.) are offered at ATMs.
ATM withdrawal limits in Kiribati?
There is only one bank with ATM in Kiribati and allows to withdraw upto AUD 1,000 per transaction. There is no daily withdrawal limit but note that ATMs in remote areas may run out of cash.
ATM Fees in Kiribati
There is no fee-free ATMs in Kiribati. The bank ATM in Kiribati charges AUD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Kiribati. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Kiribati
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Kiribati?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Kiribati. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Kiribati. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Kiribati is a peaceful island nation with low levels of crime, but infrastructure is limited, including banking services. ATMs are few and primarily located in South Tarawa. While serious crime is rare, it’s still advisable to use ATMs during daylight hours and preferably within or near bank branches. Petty theft can occur occasionally, so be discreet with your cash and shield your PIN while withdrawing. Carry a backup card and consider bringing extra cash as ATM availability outside the capital is minimal.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Kiribati takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Kiribati?
No, its usually not possible.There is no fee-free ATMs in Kiribati. The bank ATM in Kiribati charges AUD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Kiribati?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Kiribati and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Kiribati. Crypto access is handled via digital platforms or peer-to-peer exchanges rather than physical kiosks.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Kiribati
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Kiribati.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence in the country.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain ATMs here.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered is not present and does not operate ATMs in Kiribati.
