Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Apia uses the WST (T) and Tarawa uses the AUD ($). Conversations can stay in English, which is official in both countries. Cars drive on the left in both, so rentals feel familiar.
- Country
- Samoa
- Capital
- Apia
- Currency
- Samoan tālā (WST · T)
- Language
- English, Samoan
- Calling code
- +685
- Drives on
- Left
- Country
- Kiribati
- Capital
- South Tarawa
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD · $)
- Language
- English, Gilbertese
- Calling code
- +686
- Drives on
- Left
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Apia and Tarawa?
Apia is 1 hour behind Tarawa. Apia runs on GMT+13 and Tarawa on GMT+12. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 7 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is Apia from Tarawa?
About 2,394 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 3h 19m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do Apia and Tarawa use?
Apia uses the Samoan tālā (WST, T); Tarawa uses the Australian dollar (AUD, $). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call Apia from Tarawa?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 00), then +685, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in Apia and Tarawa?
Both Samoa and Kiribati count English among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. Apia also has Samoan; Tarawa adds Gilbertese.
Do Apia and Tarawa drive on the same side of the road?
Yes — both drive on the left. Rental cars feel identical between the two.