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: Tarawa uses the AUD ($) and Houston uses the USD ($). Conversations can stay in English, which is official in both countries. Be careful behind the wheel: Tarawa drives on the left, Houston on the right.
- Country
- Kiribati
- Capital
- South Tarawa
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD · $)
- Language
- English, Gilbertese
- Calling code
- +686
- Drives on
- Left
- Country
- United States
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD · $)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Right
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Tarawa and Houston?
Tarawa is 17 hours behind Houston. Tarawa runs on GMT+12 and Houston on GMT-5. 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 Tarawa from Houston?
About 10,087 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 12h 22m, 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 Tarawa and Houston use?
Tarawa uses the Australian dollar (AUD, $); Houston uses the United States dollar (USD, $). 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 Tarawa from Houston?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 011), then +686, 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 Tarawa and Houston?
Both Kiribati and United States count English among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. Tarawa also has Gilbertese; Houston adds no other official tongue.
Do Tarawa and Houston drive on the same side of the road?
No. Kiribati drives on the left, United States on the right. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.