Kiribati Calling Code: +686
Complete guide to calling Kiribati — international dialing code, step-by-step instructions, and FAQ.
How to Call Kiribati from Abroad
📞 Step-by-Step Dialing Guide
- Dial your country's exit code (e.g. 011 from US, 00 from most countries, + from mobile)
- Dial +686 — the country calling code for Kiribati
- Dial the local phone number (area code + subscriber number)
About Kiribati Calling Code
To reach Kiribati from another country, first dial the international calling code +686 — assigned by the ITU — followed by the local number. Kiribati is located in Oceania, in Micronesia.
International calling codes follow the ITU-T standards E.123 and E.164, which define how phone numbers are written and dialed across borders. The prefix you dial after the exit code tells the global telephone network which national network to route the call to.
Where the +686 Calling Code Is Used
The country code +686 is assigned to Kiribati, located in Micronesia, with the capital South Tarawa. This code is part of the international telephony numbering plan and is used for all calls made to Kiribati from outside the country.
When a number is written as +686 …, the +686 prefix directs your call to the Kiribati national network. After the prefix, dial the area code without its leading zero, then the subscriber number — the same pattern for landlines and mobiles.
ITU-T E.164 groups calling codes by world region; codes beginning with 6 cover the part of the world that includes Kiribati, in Micronesia. Storing numbers with +686 and omitting the domestic leading zero keeps contacts dialable from anywhere.
Kiribati Phone Number Formats
The ITU E.164 format for Kiribati numbers is +686 + area code + subscriber number, used for landlines and mobiles alike. Here is the general structure:
📱 Number Structure
- International format: +686 [area code] [subscriber number]
- From abroad: exit code + +686 + local number (drop the trunk prefix 0)
- Within Kiribati: dial the local number directly
Numbering plans vary: closed plans use fixed-length national numbers, while open plans allow variable lengths with a trunk prefix (usually 0) that is dropped for international calls. For calls to Kiribati, replace the trunk zero with +686.
Time Zone in Kiribati
The local time in Kiribati follows the Pacific/Tarawa time zone (UTC+12:00 UTC). Check the time difference before you dial so your call arrives during waking hours.
Time differences matter when calling Kiribati: if it is UTC+12:00 there, a morning call from Europe may reach South Tarawa in the afternoon, while callers in the Americas should check the offset to avoid late-night calls.
If Kiribati observes daylight saving time, its UTC offset shifts by an hour twice a year. Double-check the current offset before time-sensitive calls, especially in spring and autumn.
Emergency Numbers in Kiribati
If you need urgent help while in Kiribati, dial the local emergency numbers below. Note that these numbers are only for use inside Kiribati.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Fire | 999 |
| Ambulance | 999 |
Example: Calling Kiribati Numbers in Practice
Here is how a typical call to Kiribati works, depending on where you are calling from:
🌍 From the United States or Canada
- Dial the US/Canada exit code 011
- Dial the Kiribati country code +686
- Dial the local number (area code + subscriber number, without the trunk prefix 0)
Example: 011 +686 [area code] [number]
🌍 From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the international access code 00 (or use the + symbol on mobile)
- Dial the Kiribati country code +686
- Dial the local number
Example: 00 +686 [area code] [number], or +686 [area code] [number] from any mobile phone
If the local number begins with a trunk prefix (commonly 0), remove it when dialing internationally — +686 takes its place. The remaining digits are dialed exactly as written.
Calling Kiribati from Major Countries
International exit codes differ by country. Use this reference when dialing Kiribati (+686) from abroad:
| Calling From | Exit Code | Full International Dialing |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 011 | 011 686 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 686 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 686 [local number] |
| China | 00 | 00 686 [local number] |
| Japan | 010 | 010 686 [local number] |
| India | 00 | 00 686 [local number] |
| Germany | 00 | 00 686 [local number] |
| France | 00 | 00 686 [local number] |
On mobile phones, the + symbol replaces the exit code entirely — just dial +686 followed by the local number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calling code for Kiribati?
The international calling code for Kiribati is +686.
How do I call Kiribati from the United States?
Dial 011 (US exit code), then +686, then the local phone number.
How do I call Kiribati from the United Kingdom?
Dial 00 (UK exit code), then +686, then the local phone number.
Can I use the + symbol instead of the exit code?
Yes! On mobile phones you can dial +686 directly followed by the local number. The + symbol automatically replaces your country's exit code.
How do I call within Kiribati?
If you're already in Kiribati, simply dial the local number directly. You do not need to use the country code +686 for domestic calls.
What is the capital of Kiribati?
The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa. When calling the capital from abroad, dial +686 followed by the local area code (without the leading 0) and the number.
What are the emergency numbers in Kiribati?
Police: 999, Fire: 999, Ambulance: 999. These numbers are only valid inside Kiribati.
Other Countries in Oceania
Nearby countries and their calling codes:
Calling Kiribati from American Samoa or Guam works the same way: dial your local exit code first, then +686, then the local number. Within Oceania, many callers simply use the + symbol on mobile to avoid exit-code differences.