Dive Micronesia

General Details

The Islands of Micronesia are situated just to the North of Papua New Guinea and to the west of the Hawaii Islands. The international country code for Guam is 671, Palau 680 and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is 691.

Palau is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT); Guam, Chuuk & Yap are 10 hours; and Pohnpei & Kosrae are 11 hours ahead of GMT.

Entry and Visa Requirements

For transits/stopovers in Guam (US Territory) log onto the ESTA website and complete the online application https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Cost is USD$14 (subj to change).

Even though Visas are not required for Australian Passport holders travelling to FSM less than 30 days and Palau less than 90 days, all travellers transiting via Guam will need to obtain an USA visa by going to the ESTA website and completing the online application https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

The Republic of the Marshall Islands requires arriving travellers born in or after 1957 to show proof of measles vaccination (people born before 1957 are assumed to be immune to the disease and are exempt from this requirement).
Accepted proof of measles vaccination:
- An official measles immunisation card bearing the signature and stamp of a licensed health care provider
- Documented laboratory confirmation of immunity or history of measles disease on an immunisation card

Medical and Health Requirements

There is a recompression chamber in Guam, run by US Navy and two hospitals in Guam. There are also recompression chambers in Palau, Chuuk, Yap and Pohnpei. Dengue fever may be present in Micronesia. Take precautions against mosquito bites. Remember that some medications can make you sun sensitive, so extra care must be taken to ensure that skin is protected from sun burn. Please check with your physician for the best precautions to be taken. (For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).

The Republic of the Marshall Islands requires arriving travellers born in or after 1957 to show proof of measles vaccination (people born before 1957 are assumed to be immune to the disease and are exempt from this requirement).
Accepted proof of measles vaccination:
- An official measles immunisation card bearing the signature and stamp of a licensed health care provider
- Documented laboratory confirmation of immunity or history of measles disease on an immunisation card

Currency

The currency of Guam & Micronesia is the US Dollar. Most international credit cards are accepted by hotels, shops and restaurants throughout Micronesia.

1 AUD = approximately 0.67 USD (January 2020)

Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)

China Airlines - 30kg to Koror, 2 pieces (23kg each) to Guam
Other Airlines - check individual baggage allowance
United Airlines (ex Manila / Guam) - 2 pieces (23kg each) : 1st bag is free, 2nd bag incurs a fee of US$40 per check-in dependent on routing.
(subject to change without notice)

Duty Free

Guam & Palau allowance is 200 cigarettes or 454g of tobacco, and 1.136 litres (Guam) / 2 litres (Palau) of alcoholic beverages. FSM allowance is 600 cigarettes or 454g of tobacco and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages (over 21s only). If transiting in Guam you are not permitted to carry duty free items with you to the outer islands. Duty free can be purchased in Guam.

Weather

Micronesia has some of the most uniform year round temperatures in the world, with an average temperature of 27°C. The lowest rainfall period is normally experienced between January to March.

Clothing

The emphasis is on light casual clothing. Swimwear is not permitted in public areas of hotels. Remember to cover up with light cotton clothing at dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites. Sun protection is absolutely essential.

Electricity

110-120 volts, Plug A & B-same as USA. 
(For further details refer to  http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/ ).

Banking

It is strongly recommended not to carry Australian Dollar travelers cheques as you may have difficulty cashing them. Opening hours are 8.00am to 12.00pm and 1.00pm to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and closed on the weekends.  

Language

Predominately English speaking throughout although Micronesia also has a native tongue. You will also find that many elderly people are fluent in Japanese.  

Religion

Local traditional beliefs and ceremonies are maintained in remote areas but Roman Catholic influence is predominant.

Water

It is always best to drink bottled water. A jug of drinking water is often supplied by hotels/resorts and bottled water is sold everywhere. In the tropics it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.

Shopping

Guam is a duty free port and there is a large range of goods and clothing available but ensure that any electrical goods purchased are suitable for Australia. Other islands offer local artifacts and clothing. Most shops are open 08.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, on weekends some shops open with limited hours.

Tipping

Guam, Chuuk & Palau follow the American custom and tipping is an accepted practice in restaurants, hotels and for dive guide services.

Diving

The majority of visitors come to snorkel or scuba dive. The fish life, corals and the many wrecks from World War II make the area one of the worlds leading dive destinations. Average water temperature is 29°C so a lycra suit or a  3mm suit is recommended. Palau states charge small fees to assist with their Conservation programs. Koror State, Rock Island & Jellyfish Lake Permit valid for 10 days is USD 100. Peleliu State Dive Permit valid for 10 days is USD 30.

A dive permit costing USD 50 is required in Chuuk. Dive operators supply tanks, weight belts and dive guide services. There will be an extra charge if equipment hire is required.

Departure Tax

Local departure taxes vary from island to island. Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) USD30, Pohnpei & Kosrae USD15, Yap USD20 must be paid on departure. There is currently no local departure tax for Palau or Guam.