🇰🇮

Kiribati Country Code + International Calling Guide

+686  ·  South Tarawa  ·  AUD · A$ · Australian Dollar (+ Kiribati Dollar at par)

Kiribati: First nation to greet each new year — WWII history, Phoenix Islands marine wonder & climate frontline

📞+686Dial Code
🏛️South TarawaCapital
💰AUDCurrency
🚨992Emergency
🔌240V 50Hz · Type IElectricity

The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa, and to call Kiribati from abroad you dial the country code +686. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Babai (giant swamp taro), Fresh fish (tuna, reef fish), Coconut crab. Nearby countries include Nauru, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Micronesia. The local currency is the AUD · A$ · Australian Dollar (+ Kiribati Dollar at par). Electrical outlets here use 240V 50Hz · Type I, so bring a suitable travel adapter. In an emergency, dial 992.

🛂 Kiribati passport: ranked #83 of 197 worldwide, with 109 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. See full passport ranking →

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📲 How to Call Kiribati from Abroad

Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Kiribati:

  1. 1
    Dial your international access code

    Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.

  2. 2
    Dial Kiribati's country code: +686

    Dial +686 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.

  3. 3
    Dial the city or area code

    For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.

  4. 4
    Dial the local phone number

    Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.

💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +686 1 [number]. From mobile: + +686 1 [number].

☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Kiribati

How to Call Abroad from Kiribati

To call another country from Kiribati: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].

International Number Format (E.164)

The global standard format for Kiribati numbers is +686 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.

💡 Example: +686 [national number without the leading 0]

Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Kiribati

Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes

Common Questions About Calling Kiribati

When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +686 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Kiribati?
For a mobile: dial +686 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +686, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Kiribati from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +686 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Kiribati via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +686 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Kiribati?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +686 mean and where does it come from?
+686 is the international dialing code assigned to Kiribati by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Kiribati number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +686 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.

📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Kiribati

Country Code
+686
Calling abroad from Kiribati? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world) +686 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00) 00 686 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011) 011 686 …
From Australia (starts with 0011) 0011 686 …

💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.

📲 How to Call Kiribati from Other Countries

To reach Kiribati, first dial your country's international exit code, then Kiribati's country code +686, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.

FromDialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States011 686 local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom00 686 local number
🇩🇪 Germany00 686 local number
🇫🇷 France00 686 local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia00 686 local number
🇦🇪 UAE00 686 local number
🇹🇷 Turkey00 686 local number
🇮🇳 India00 686 local number

On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +686 and the number — it works worldwide.

Best Time to Call Kiribati

Kiribati uses UTC+12. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Kiribati from major countries — in the caller's local time.

FromBest time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States17:00–23:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom07:00–10:00
🇩🇪 Germany07:00–11:00
🇫🇷 France07:00–11:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia07:00–12:00
🇦🇪 UAE07:00–13:00
🇹🇷 Turkey07:00–12:00
🇮🇳 India07:00–15:00

Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.

🧭 From Your Country to Kiribati

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011 686 XXX–XXXX
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport

Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:

🛂 Visa Requirements

Common Visa Questions for Kiribati

Do I need a visa to visit Kiribati?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Kiribati visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Kiribati offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Kiribati currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Kiribati?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Kiribati grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Kiribati on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Kiribati visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Kiribati using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Kiribati visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Kiribati using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Kiribati?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Kiribati on our International Visa Checker below before booking.

Visa Checker → Compare any passport and destination

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🏢 Embassy Information

No US Embassy in Kiribati | US Embassy Fiji handles:
158 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji
☎ +679 331 4466

💳 Tipping Culture

Tipping not customary.

🚄 Transport

Air Kiribati inter-island | Boats between islands | Motorbike & bicycle | Limited bus on Tarawa | No taxi service to speak of

✈️ Airports

20 airports/airstrips | Bonriki International Airport TRW (Tarawa) | Cassidy International CXI (Christmas Island) | Butaritari MZK

🗺️ Administrative Divisions

Kiribati is divided into 3 islands.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Seasons are reversed from Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December–February) is peak season in Kiribati with warm beach weather. Winter (June–August) is mild — best for diving, surfing, and avoiding crowds. Cyclone season (November–April) affects tropical islands; check forecasts.

📶 SIM & Internet

Excellent connectivity in Australia/NZ — pre-paid SIMs at airport ($20–40 for 20GB+). eSIM widely supported. Pacific islands have varying coverage; Digicel and Vodafone dominate. Wi-Fi in resorts and cafés but data plans recommended. Roaming charges can be steep — check before arrival.

👔 Dress Code & Etiquette

Casual is the rule in Kiribati. Beach attire common in coastal areas. Smart-casual for restaurants and clubs in Australia/NZ. Modesty appreciated when visiting Pacific island villages — cover shoulders and knees. Sun-protective clothing essential. Sturdy walking shoes for hikes and reef walks.

🌍 Kiribati: Culture, Food & Places

What are the most famous foods in Kiribati?
Some of the most famous foods in Kiribati include: Babai (giant swamp taro), Fresh fish (tuna, reef fish), Coconut crab, Toddy (coconut palm sap), Kabubu (taro pudding), Palu sami (taro leaves coconut cream), Breadfruit, Octopus, Tern eggs (seasonal), Rice dishes.
What are the best places to visit in Kiribati?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Kiribati include: Phoenix Islands Protected Area (UNESCO), Tarawa War Memorial (WWII), Kiribati Millennium Island (first sunrise), Betio Battle Sites, Bikenibeu Lagoon, Buariki Village, Marakei Atoll, Abaiang Atoll, Tabiteauea Island, Christmas Island (Kiritimati).
What are the main customs and traditions in Kiribati?
Notable customs and traditions in Kiribati include: I-Kiribati culture extremely communal, Maneaba (meeting house) is social centre, Greet with 'Ko na mauri', Sharing food is obligatory, Very traditional island lifestyle.
What is Kiribati famous for?
Kiribati is well known for: Straddles International Date Line (first country to see new day), Climate change frontline nation, Phoenix Islands (UNESCO, largest marine reserve), WWII Tarawa Battle site, World's largest exclusive economic zone.
Where in the world is Kiribati located?
Kiribati is located in Oceania.
What countries are near Kiribati?
Countries near Kiribati include: Nauru, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau, New Zealand.

🚨 Emergency numbers in Kiribati

Knowing the right emergency number in Kiribati can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.

🚓 Police992
🚒 Fire993
🚑 Ambulance994
✅ Checked from public sources Reference ↗

Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Kiribati. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.

These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.

🚨 See emergency numbers for all countries →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Kiribati?
The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa.
What currency is used in Kiribati?
Kiribati uses the AUD · A$ · Australian Dollar (+ Kiribati Dollar at par).
What is the dial code for Kiribati?
The international dial code for Kiribati is +686.
When is the best time to visit Kiribati?
Seasons are reversed from Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December–February) is peak season in Kiribati with warm beach weather. Winter (June–August) is mild — best for diving, surfing, and avoiding crowds. Cyclone season (November–April) affects tropical islands; check forecasts.
How much does a trip to Kiribati cost per day?
Daily costs in Kiribati range from $80 (budget) to $180 (mid-range) to $350 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many islands does Kiribati have?
Kiribati has 3 islands.
What is the emergency number in Kiribati?
In Kiribati you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Police: 992, Fire: 993, Ambulance: 994. Calls are free from any phone within the country.

🧳 Practical Travel Info

🔌
Power Plug Type I · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
Tipping Tipping not expected but appreciated for excellent service. No fixed percentage.
💧
Tap Water Safe to drink Tap water meets high safety standards across Kiribati.

📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats

Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.

Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.

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