Handicrafts include baskets, table mats, fans and cups made from pandanus leaves, coconut leaves, coconut shells and sea shells.
Sea-shell necklaces are popular, as are models of Gilbertese canoes and houses. A prized item is the Kiribati shark-tooth sword made of polished coconut wood with shark teeth, filed to razor sharpness, lashed to the two edges. These days, most examples are modern reproductions.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0800-1900 (some shops open until 2030), Sun 0800-1900 (most small shops).
Currency Information:CurrencyAustralian Dollar
(AUD; symbol A$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of A$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of A$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Currency ExchangeCurrency may be exchanged at the Bank of Kiribati Ltd or local hotels.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMasterCard and Visa have very limited acceptance. There are ATMs at branches of the Bank of Kiribati/ANZ in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu (all on Tarawa atoll).
Traveller's ChequesAccepted in hotels, some shops and at the Bank of Kiribati Ltd. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Australian Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0930-1500. The Bikenibeu branch is open 0900-1400.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | A$2.04 |
| $1.00= | A$1.41 |
| €1.00= | A$1.93 |
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