Tarawa: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Tarawa in 2026

Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati, an atoll in the central Pacific where about half the country's population lives on a narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the ocean. The administrative centre is at Bairiki on South Tarawa, near Betio port and Bonriki airport. Very few people move here: staff of international organisations, aid projects and embassies. Life is simple and quiet, but the islands lie only a few metres above sea level, and infrastructure and healthcare are limited.

How foreigners live

Housing for foreigners is scarce: houses and flats let to organisations and guesthouses. Rents are low by world standards but the choice is very small, so housing is often found by the employer. Food is mostly imported from Australia and Fiji and costs more than on the mainland, and fresh vegetables are not always available. The currency is the Australian dollar.

Entry, work and residence

For short trips, according to reference sources, citizens of several countries including Russia do not need a visa, but rules should be checked before travel, and the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Work requires a work permit and residence arranged by the employer. There are no residence programmes for investors or remote workers.

Taxes

Income tax in Kiribati is progressive and withheld by the employer. The currency is the Australian dollar, so salaries in international organisations' contracts are usually set in Australian or US dollars. Specific rates and thresholds should be confirmed with the employer or a local accountant for the current year.

Getting there and connectivity

Tarawa is reached via Fiji or Australia with connections; flights are few, and their schedule should be factored into planning holidays and trips for medical care. On the atoll people use minibuses and cars along the single main road. Mobile service and internet work but are slower and more expensive than on the mainland.

Climate and everyday life

The climate is equatorial maritime: about 27-32 degrees all year, high humidity, with droughts alternating with rainy periods. Fresh water is scarce, collected from roofs and drawn from underground lenses, so homes have filters and water storage. The islands are very low, and king tides with waves flood the shore. The languages are Kiribati and English. Healthcare is limited to the central hospital, and people fly to Fiji or Australia for complex treatment.

The islands and history

Kiribati consists of 33 atolls scattered across a vast area of ocean on both sides of the equator and the date line. Tarawa is known for one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific in November 1943, and Japanese guns and bunkers still stand on Betio. The country gained independence from Britain in 1979.

Climate change

Most of Kiribati's land lies only a few metres above sea level, making it one of the countries most vulnerable to rising seas. King tides flood homes and salinate groundwater, and the government is building seawalls and discussing relocating some residents. For newcomers this means choosing housing carefully away from the shoreline and keeping a water supply.

Money and daily life

Payments are in cash Australian dollars, bank cards are rarely accepted and ATMs are few. Shops are small, and the range of goods depends on ship arrivals. Life is calm, much is closed on Sundays, and local traditions and the church play a big role in community life.

Who Tarawa suits

Tarawa suits those coming on a contract with an international organisation, aid project or embassy who are ready for a simple life on a small atoll: no large shops, infrequent flights and limited healthcare. For independent relocation, remote work or retirement, more developed countries of Oceania and the Pacific with residence programmes and proper healthcare are better suited.

Pitfalls

• Very little housing and few flights.
• Limited healthcare and the need for medical evacuation.
• Fresh water shortages and flooding.
• Expensive imported food.
• No residence programmes without a job.

Murblz specialists check work documents and, for life in Oceania, suggest more convenient options such as New Zealand.