Verified Facts
The internet in Kiribati is relatively limited, with slow speeds and restricted availability, particularly in rural areas, but it is still possible to get connected with a local SIM card or WiFi in urban centers.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Kiribati is characterized by slow speeds and limited availability, making it challenging for residents and visitors to stay connected. The urban-rural divide is significant, with Tarawa, the capital, having better internet infrastructure than the outer islands. However, even in urban areas, internet reliability can be an issue, with frequent outages and slow speeds. The government has been working to improve the country's internet infrastructure, but progress has been slow due to the country's remote location and limited resources.
Despite the challenges, there are some positive developments in Kiribati's internet landscape. The country has seen an increase in mobile phone penetration, with more people having access to mobile devices and mobile internet. However, the lack of competition in the telecom market has limited the availability of affordable and reliable internet services. As a result, many residents and visitors rely on satellite internet, which is often expensive and slow.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Kiribati, visitors can purchase one from the main carriers, Telecom Services Kiribati Limited (TSKL) or Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH). SIM cards can be bought at the airport, in town, or at local shops, and require a valid passport and proof of address. The cost of a tourist SIM card is approximately 20 USD, and data plans are available starting from 10 USD per month. It is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a reputable carrier, as some smaller operators may have limited coverage and reliability.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSKL | Prepaid | 1GB | 10 | Valid for 30 days |
| ATH | Tourist Plan | 2GB | 20 | Valid for 30 days |
| TSKL | Data Plan | 5GB | 30 | Valid for 30 days |
| ATH | Monthly Plan | 10GB | 50 | Auto-renewal |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi is generally available in Tarawa, but the quality can be poor and unreliable.
- Cafe WiFi culture is limited, with only a few cafes in Tarawa offering WiFi services.
- Coworking spaces are non-existent, but some hotels and guesthouses offer shared workspaces with WiFi.
- Public WiFi is not available, and internet cafes are rare.
- Some restaurants and bars may offer WiFi, but it is not always reliable.
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces are not available, but some hotels and guesthouses offer shared workspaces with WiFi.
- Reliable cafe chains are limited, but some cafes in Tarawa offer WiFi services.
- Backup internet options, such as mobile hotspots, are available but can be expensive.
- VPNs are recommended to access restricted websites and ensure online security.
- Some guesthouses and hotels offer dedicated workspaces with WiFi and other amenities.
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is not a significant issue in Kiribati, but some websites may be blocked due to licensing restrictions.
- VPNs are recommended to access restricted websites and ensure online security.
- Roaming alternatives, such as international SIM cards, can be expensive and may not offer good coverage.
- eSIM options are not available in Kiribati, and physical SIM cards are the only option.
- Visitors should be aware of data limits and usage restrictions to avoid excessive charges.
- It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card instead of relying on roaming services to avoid high costs.