Christmas Island
Travel tips for Christmas Island: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. While cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses, travelers should bring AUD cash for smaller vendors and emergencies since ATM access on the island is extremely limited.
Try the food
- Nasi Lemak: A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, typically served with sambal, fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and cucumber.
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Poached chicken and seasoned rice, served with chilli sauce and usually comes with cucumber garnishes.
- Roti Canai: A pan-fried flatbread with a flaky, buttery texture, usually served with a side of dal or curry for dipping.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type I
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Emergency
- 000 (all services)
- SIM tip
- Telstra is the only mobile network operating on Christmas Island, so purchase a Telstra SIM card before arriving or at the local post office.
Etiquette
Tipping is not expected or customary on Christmas Island, mirroring mainland Australian culture.