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: Kingston uses the JMD ($) and Tarawa uses the AUD ($). Conversations can stay in English, which is official in both countries. Cars drive on the left in both, so rentals feel familiar.
- Country
- Jamaica
- Capital
- Kingston
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD · $)
- Language
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Calling code
- +1
- 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 Kingston and Tarawa?
Kingston is 17 hours ahead of Tarawa. Kingston runs on GMT-5 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 1 hour 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 Kingston from Tarawa?
About 12,090 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 14h 43m, 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 Kingston and Tarawa use?
Kingston uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD, $); 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 Kingston from Tarawa?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 00), then +1, 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 Kingston and Tarawa?
Both Jamaica and Kiribati count English among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. Kingston also has Jamaican Patois; Tarawa adds Gilbertese.
Do Kingston and Tarawa drive on the same side of the road?
Yes — both drive on the left. Rental cars feel identical between the two.