Nauru is one of the world's smallest independent countries, a single raised coral island in the central Pacific with a paved road running right around its coast and government offices in the Yaren district. Nauru is not covered by Roam Like at Home, so with a European SIM you would be roaming on your operator's own terms, and a few practical details, from the visa to cash, need sorting before you leave home.
Key facts for Nauru
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: varies by plan
- Emergency numbers: police 110; ambulance 111; fire 112
- Embassies: no British mission; British help comes from the High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands, and Canadians can use Australia's High Commission in Nauru
The visa comes first
The UK and Canada both say their citizens need a visa to visit Nauru, applied for through the Nauru government before travelling, so check the same official page for your own passport; Canada adds that business travellers must also show a local sponsor. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you arrive. Customs rules are strict, and there are controls on bringing in plants or animals.
Cash, not cards
Nauru uses the Australian dollar. The UK Foreign Office says there is only one cash machine on the island, at the Menen Hotel, that it often runs out of money and that cards are not accepted, while Canada describes wider card use; either way, the safe plan is to arrive with enough Australian dollars in cash for the whole stay.
Getting around the ring road
There are no taxis or public transport, so renting a vehicle from a local company is the way to get around; check the licence requirements with the rental firm before you book. Traffic drives on the left, and the main road around the island is paved, but driving conditions can turn hazardous in the rainy season.
Beaches, dogs and the weather
Lifeguards do not usually watch the beaches, tidal changes cause powerful currents and riptides are common, so ask residents where it is safe to swim. Visitors have been bitten by stray dogs, particularly on the beach: stay alert, do not run if a dog comes towards you, and get medical help at once after a bite. The rainy season brings strong winds, sea swells and the risk of tropical cyclones from November, until April according to Canada or May according to the UK, and the Fiji Meteorological Service publishes regional warnings. Nauru also goes through periods of severe drought, when the authorities may restrict water use.
Health, law and safety
Medical facilities are very basic, providers may ask for payment up front, and serious cases need evacuation to Australia by air ambulance, so take insurance that covers it. Medicines are in short supply, so bring enough for the whole trip in their original packaging, with your prescription. Typhoid and insect bites are among the health risks. Drug offences carry severe penalties, including prison. Same-sex relationships are legal, but society is conservative and public displays of affection may cause offence. Crime is low, though pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up before you fly connects when you land, on 4G, with the network depending on the plan. An Oceania plan also covers Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, and a World plan suits a longer route. Leave your home SIM in for bank codes, but with its data roaming off.
Consular protection: who to call in Nauru
- Call 110 for the police, 111 for an ambulance and 112 for the fire service; in Nauru, 112 is the fire number, not a general one.
- There is no British mission in Nauru: British nationals are covered by the British High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Canadians can get help during office hours from the High Commission of Australia in Nauru, under a consular sharing agreement, and from the High Commission of Canada in Canberra.
- Use the Telcomia app to find the mission responsible for Nauru for your nationality, and save its number before you go.
- If your EU country has no representation in Nauru, the embassy or consulate of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Nauruan is the national language, and English is widely used.
Questions travellers ask about Nauru
Will my EU SIM work in Nauru?
Only on roaming at your operator's own rates, because Nauru is outside Roam Like at Home.
Do I need a visa?
The UK and Canada both say their citizens do, so apply through the Nauru government before you travel and check the rules for your passport.
Which network does a Telcomia eSIM use in Nauru?
It depends on the plan, on 4G.
Can I pay by card?
Do not count on it. Bring enough Australian dollars in cash, because cash machines are scarce.
The short version
Get your visa before you fly, bring Australian dollars in cash and any medicines you need, install the eSIM, book a rental car, swim only where locals say it is safe, keep clear of stray dogs, carry insurance for evacuation, and save 110 and 111.
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