For South Africans moving from South Africa, popular emigration destinations remain the UK, Australia, and Canada. But some adventurous souls seek out the world’s most isolated places.
Kiribati is one such destination, where life moves at a different pace. This Pacific island nation is home to 135,000 people. Fewer than 10,000 tourists visit every year. Could it appeal to someone from South Africa, looking for a working adventure or a remote work base? Let’s take a look.
Where is Kiribati, and why is it considered the most remote island in the world?
Kiribati (pronounced “Kiri-bas”) is one of the least-visited places on earth. In 2024, tourist arrivals numbered 9 504. To put that in perspective, Bali sees that many visitors every few hours.
Located in Oceania, Kiribati is the only nation to cross all four hemispheres. It consists of 32 islands, spread across 3.5 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati’s capital, Tarawa, is about 4,000 kilometres from Hawaii.
For South Africans, reaching Kiribati is a serious undertaking. You are likely to travel through Johannesburg, Singapore or Los Angeles, and from there, onto Fiji. This can mean more than 30 hours of travel time. There are only so many flights available. If you miss a connection, you could have to wait a week for the next one.
This isolation is reflected on the ground. Many outer islands lack phone signal, and most transactions are cash-only. It’s an experience akin to stepping back in time.
Is Kiribati one of the best islands for digital nomads?
Digital nomads usually look for a few key things when choosing an island. Let’s see how Kiribati stacks up:
- Reliable, high-speed internet: Connectivity is limited. In many parts of the country, it is unreliable.
- A community of remote workers: This is still very small to non-existent.
- Affordable co-working spaces: Limited. The infrastructure to support a remote working lifestyle is largely undeveloped.
- Easy visa access: This can be complex depending on your nationality.
So, if you need constant connectivity and a bustling remote work scene, Kiribati might not be for you right now.
That said, the digital nomad world is evolving, and so is Kiribati. If you value unique experiences over convenience, Kiribati offers its own unique kind of disconnection.
This could be the perfect spot if you:
- Can work asynchronously without constant online access.
- Want to combine remote work with travel to isolated islands.
- Crave a level of solitude and natural beauty that is rare.
What is there to see and experience in Kiribati?
Kiribati has remarkable things to offer those who make the journey.
The standout natural attraction is the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA). This is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marine reserve. It covers 408,250 square kilometres of ocean, coral reef, and submerged mountains. It’s home to over 800 known species, including 200 types of coral, 500 fish species, 18 marine mammals, and 44 bird species. If you love the ocean, diving, or being surrounded by pristine natural environments, this is a compelling draw.
Beyond the natural world, Kiribati is rich in culture. Traditional dances are performed at local celebrations and community gatherings. The Te Umanibong museum in South Tarawa offers a window into local history.
An interesting fact: Kiribati’s easternmost islands sit just west of the International Date Line. That places them in the UTC+14 time zone. So, every year, Kiribati is the first country to welcome the New Year.
What are the people of Kiribati like?
This is where Kiribati surprises people most, and where South Africans may feel an unexpected connection.
Visitors report an extraordinary level of warmth, generosity, and community. These are values South Africans can relate to. For South Africans considering a move, that sense of human connection in a foreign country matters enormously.
Some realities you will have to contend with.
Visa and residency: Kiribati does not currently have a formal digital nomad visa programme. Most nationalities, including South Africans, can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. It is possible to extend this.
- Cost of living: Basic goods are expensive, because almost everything is imported. Accommodation can be simple and affordable, but Kiribati is not a budget destination. Flights and daily expenses can be high.
- Healthcare: Medical facilities are limited. You will need comprehensive international health cover and a plan for medical evacuation if needed.
- Banking and money: ATMs are not widely available, and international banking access is limited. If you need to manage cross-border finances, transfer funds, or maintain investments back home, this is an important consideration.
Kiribati is not a practical destination if you’re focused on career growth or financial opportunity. But it does offer something different. It is a place to slow down and reconnect with what matters. If you want to experience some of the most remote islands in the world on your own terms, this might be ideal for you. Kiribati: A place unlike any other
Kiribati isn’t on most emigration shortlists. You won’t find it on lists of top digital nomad destinations. Yet, for the few thousand who visit each year, it leaves a lasting impression.
For South Africans thinking about moving abroad, there’s something familiar in Kiribati’s spirit. It’s a place where community is everything and where the land and ocean hold a quiet beauty. It might remind you of the best parts of home.
FinGlobal: helping South Africans make money moves around the world
Whether you’re dreaming of a life in Kiribati or exploring opportunities elsewhere around the globe, taking the leap abroad often comes with important financial, tax, and administrative considerations. That’s where FinGlobal can help.
Whether you need assistance with tax emigration, international money transfers, South African retirement annuity withdrawals and more – FinGlobal provides end-to-end support. We can help you stay compliant, no matter where you live, work, and travel.
Need clarity on your South African tax status or cross-border financial options? Leave your details below and a FinGlobal consultant will get in touch to assist you.