Kiribati — Shopping
Shopping
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
Australian 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 Exchange
Currency may be exchanged at the Bank of Kiribati Ltd or local hotels.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
MasterCard 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).
Travelers Checks
Accepted in hotels, some shops and at the Bank of Kiribati Ltd. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers checks in Australian Dollars.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0930-1500. The Bikenibeu branch is open 0900-1400.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 1.51 AUD |
| 1.00 USD = 0.94 AUD |
| 1.00 EUR = 1.32 AUD |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
