Compare all the best ways to send money to Kiribati

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much AUD your recipient in KI will get.

For example, in the past 7 days average rate for USD to AUD was 1.5165 AUD.

Since USD-AUD exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more AUD.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which consistently offers the best rates for Australian Dollar transfers.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Kiribati is through a bank transfer with MoneyGram, which is -9.31% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Kiribati impacts the cost, speed, and how much AUD the recipient will receive.

Based on our live data for a $7,000 transfer from the US to Kiribati, the following are your best options:

• MoneyGram with bank transfer deposit costs $490.00000000000006 and has a 2% markup.

• Remitly with a debit card deposit costs $0 with 0.89% markup.

We advise against using bank transfer, as they tend to be the most expensive option for AUD transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on AUD, and are usually more expensive.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to KI. SWIFT transfers to Kiribati are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much AUD you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the AUD exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Kiribati.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of AUD you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Kiribati.

The speed of sending Australian Dollar to Kiribati depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $7,000 transfer to Kiribati:

Use Wise for fastest transfers

Of the 4 companies offering AUD transfers, Wise consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods.

For bank account & card deposits use Wise

Wise offers fast and affordable Australian Dollar transfers, with fees of around $26.86 for bank deposits and $0 for debit card deposits, plus a small -0.01% markup on top of the AUD rate.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for AUD transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Kiribati, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Kiribati:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Kiribati.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Kiribati offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on AUD exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Kiribati are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Australian Dollar as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Kiribati to collect the AUD.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Australian Dollars via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire AUD directly to Kiribati due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send AUD from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Kiribati. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the AUD transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Kiribati, we recommend MoneyGram.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Kiribati. Use Remitly to deposit with a debit card at just $0 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Kiribati needs AUD urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Kiribati, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive AUD directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like MoneyGram.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Kiribati, Australian Dollar will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending AUD as cash or transferring large amounts to Kiribati, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Kiribati, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of AUD being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Kiribati, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Australian Dollar.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on AUD transfers/payments to KI.

Some AUD transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain AUD transfers (especially large sums of Australian Dollar) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Kiribati or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Kiribati or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.