Essential travel info for Guam

Electricity

Electricity in Guam is 110/120 volts, 60Hz. Two-prong, flat-blade plugs are standard.

Language

English and Chamorro are the official languages of Guam.

Money

The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency in Guam. It is possible to exchange major currencies at airports and banks and there are ATMs on the island which can be found at the airports, in shopping malls and at some hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

Tipping is expected at restaurants. The service charge can vary but it's generally 10 to 15 percent.

Health

Although no vaccinations are required for travel to Guam, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all travellers. A Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for those planning to spend time in rural areas or outdoors. An MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination is recommended if not previously given.

Visitors should not drink tap water in Guam unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected, and should avoid having ice in their drinks. There are medical facilities available on the island but, for life-threatening injuries or diseases, travellers may well need to be transferred overseas to receive treatment; comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. It is best for visitors to bring along any medication they require, with a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing the medication they need and why.

Safety

Trips to Guam are usually trouble free but travellers should take precautions to protect themselves against petty theft and pickpocketing. Visitors should make sure they have duplicate copies of their travel documents, and they shouldn't carry all their valuables in one pocket or bag. It's best to use hotel safes and not to flash wealth.

Local customs

The urban population of Guam is diverse and generally accepting, but modest clothing is always good etiquette. The native Chamorro people are predominantly Catholic, and respect for the elderly and authority figures is crucial.

Doing business

Negotiations are seen as an opportunity to establish a long-term partnership, not just a one-time transaction, so building trust and rapport is essential. Maintaining a courteous and respectful tone throughout the negotiation process is paramount.

Duty free

Travellers who are 21 years of age and older can bring in 200 cigarettes and a reasonable quantity of other tobacco products; one US quart of alcoholic beverages; gifts up to a maximum value of USD 1,000 during a one-month period, and maximum of USD 5,000 per any given calendar year.

Communications

The access code for Guam is +671.

Passport & Visa

As an unincorporated US territory, entry requirements for Guam tend to follow US guidelines. All visitors to Guam must hold return or onward tickets, documents required for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their stay (US visitors are exempt). In some cases an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required to enter the country visa-free. Passports must be valid for the intended period of stay. It is recommended to have travellers have six months' validity remaining on their passport whenever travelling. Immigration officials may apply different standards than the official policy.

Entry requirements

US citizens require a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required.

British citizens require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 45 days granted an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is acquired prior to travelling. Those with any other endorsement in their passports should check official requirements before travel.

Canadian citizens require a passport valid for period of intended stay. No visa is required if travelling from the US mainland.

Australian citizens require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay. Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 45 days, provided the document is machine-readable and is accompanied by the relevent Visa Waiver forms. Passengers travelling with an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.

South African nationals require a passport valid for the duration of their stay. A visa is required.

Irish citizens require a passport valid for the duration of their intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days provided an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) has been acquired prior to arrival in the country.

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the duration of their intended stay. Visas are not required for stays of up to 45 days granted the given passport is machine-readable and is accompanied by the relevant Visa Waiver forms. Passengers travelling with a Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) may enter without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Guam