Boat Fare Overcharging
Inflated Inter-Islet Boat Prices
In Kiribati, boat operators on atolls like South Tarawa commonly target tourists by quoting inflated fares for short trips between islets, such as from Bairiki to Abaiang, charging up to 500 AUD (around 350 USD) for a 30-minute ride that typically costs 200 AUD (140 USD). They may claim fuel shortages or bad weather to justify the hike, often operating from informal docks without meters or fixed schedules.
- Confirm fares with your hotel or the Kiribati Tourism Office before boarding, as standard rates are listed in their guides.
- Insist on a written receipt in English or Kiribati for all payments to avoid disputes.
- Travel during daylight and use boats from licensed operators at main harbors, where prices are regulated by local authorities.
Fake Pearl Sales
Counterfeit Pearl Souvenirs
Vendors in Kiribati's outer islands, particularly around pearl farms near Kiritimati, sell fake pearls as genuine black pearls from local waters, claiming they are rare exports and charging 100 AUD (70 USD) per piece when real ones might cost 50 AUD (35 USD). They use basic sleight-of-hand to swap items during transactions in makeshift market stalls.
- Purchase pearls only from certified farms or the Kiribati Pearls cooperative in South Tarawa, where authenticity certificates are provided.
- Test pearls on-site by rubbing them against your teeth for a gritty feel, a local tip shared by residents.
- Avoid street vendors in remote areas and stick to established shops that accept credit cards for traceable purchases.