Question 1

How many days do I need in Guam?

Accepted Answer

3-4 days is the typical visit. Tumon Bay beaches, Two Lovers Point, Cocos Island day pass, Underwater World and the Tumon Sands shopping strip fill that span. Add a 5th day if you want Ritidian Beach and the southern Cetti Bay overlook, or stretch to 7 with a Saipan day flight. Guam is the closest US territory to most of East Asia — 4-hour flights from Seoul or Tokyo make even long-weekend trips practical.

Question 2

When is the best time to visit Guam?

Accepted Answer

December through May is the dry season — 24-30°C with clear skies and 100-150mm monthly rain. June to November is the wet season, with daily 1-2 hour squalls and 250-350mm of rain. August through October is typhoon season — direct hits are rare but can ground flights and tours. Dec-Feb is peak for Asian families escaping winter; June and September are the cheapest months that still feel like a beach trip.

Question 3

Is Guam safe?

Accepted Answer

Among the safest US territories — low violent crime, family-friendly, Tumon Bay walkable day and night. The two practical cautions: rental-car break-ins at empty beach lots (leave nothing visible), and box jellyfish or cone snails on remote southern beaches (wear water shoes). Solo female travelers report no issues. ATM skimming is uncommon — stick to hotel and major chain ATMs.

Question 4

Do I need to speak English?

Accepted Answer

English and Chamorro are the official languages and English is spoken everywhere — Tumon Bay signs, menus and staff are all English-first. Korean and Japanese signage is widely available at major hotels, restaurants, and the Tumon Sands and JP Superstore shopping complexes. Tagalog is the most common third language because of the large Filipino community.

Question 5

What do I need to enter Guam?

Accepted Answer

Korea, Japan, Australia and most ESTA-eligible countries can use the Guam-CNMI VWP for 45 visa-free days — apply to Guam-Saipan only, no further US travel. For connecting flights through Hawaii or the US mainland, the standard US ESTA is required ($21, apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, approval typically 1-3 days). Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen is mandatory at many beaches. Plug type A/B, 110V (same as US/Japan, different from Korea/EU).

Question 6

What's the currency situation?

Accepted Answer

US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; ATMs at major hotels, K-Mart, ABC Stores and the Micronesia Mall are reliable. Carry $50-100 in small bills for taxi tips, the Chamorro Village night market and southern Guam roadside stands. There's no general sales tax — only a 11.5% hotel occupancy tax. Korean Won and Japanese Yen are not accepted; exchange before arrival or use a USD-loadable travel card.

Question 7

Guam vs Saipan vs Hawaii — which fits my trip?

Accepted Answer

Guam: closest US territory (4h Seoul direct, 1h time difference), Tumon Bay strip, duty-free shopping, $150-450/day. Saipan: smaller, quieter, fewer flights, cheaper, more for divers and quiet-beach travelers. Hawaii: more expensive, more variety, more atmospheric — but 9h from Seoul with a 19h time difference. Guam is the easiest 'first US trip' for East Asian families; Hawaii is the upgrade trip.

Question 8

How much does Guam cost per day?

Accepted Answer

Budget travelers: $120/day (3-star hotel, food court meals, the Hop-On Trolley, free beaches). Mid-range: $250/day (4-star Tumon resort, sit-down restaurants, one paid day tour). Luxury: $450+/day (Dusit Thani or Westin, Cocos Island, private driver). Expect 30-50% more than Korea or Japan — most goods are imported and tipping adds 18-22% to restaurant bills.

Question 9

How much are hotels?

Accepted Answer

3-star: $100-200/night (Tumon Bay, breakfast included). 4-star: $200-400 (Westin, Hyatt, Sheraton Laguna). 5-star: $400-1,000 (Dusit Thani, Hilton, The Tsubaki Tower). Hotel occupancy tax 11.5% is added on top, plus a $20-40/night resort fee at some properties. Peak rates (Christmas-New Year, Lunar New Year, July-August) run 1.3-1.5× standard.

Question 10

How much are attractions?

Accepted Answer

Underwater World aquarium $25-30. Cocos Island day pass $80-120 (ferry + beach + snorkel + lunch). Two Lovers Point $3 for the viewing tower; the lookout itself is free. Tumon and Ritidian beaches are free. Jungle ATV tours $80-120. Sunset dinner cruise $80-120. Klook and KKday pre-bookings save 15-20% vs. on-island prices.

Question 11

Are tips expected?

Accepted Answer

Yes — American tipping rules apply. Restaurants 18-22% (sometimes auto-added as 'service charge' for parties of 6+). Hotel bellhop $1-2 per bag. Taxi 10-15%. Tour guides $5-10/day. K-Mart, ABC Stores and food courts are self-serve — no tip expected. Build the 18-22% into your meal budget; a $40 dinner is really $48-50.

Question 12

What hidden costs should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Resort fees $20-40/night at major hotels (covers Wi-Fi, pool, gym). The Cocos Island ferry is a separate add-on to the day pass. Tax-free at K-Mart and ABC Stores applies to most goods (no general sales tax), but the 11.5% hotel tax is on top of the room rate. ATM withdrawal fees $3-5/transaction at non-bank ATMs. Rental car insurance $20-30/day on top of the base rate.

Question 13

How do I get to Guam?

Accepted Answer

Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM). Direct flights: Seoul Incheon 4h 30min ($300-600 round-trip, Korean Air / Asiana / T'way / Jin Air / Air Premia), Tokyo Narita 3h 30min, Manila 3h, Honolulu 7h. From Korea, Guam is one of the shortest international flights to a US destination.

Question 14

What's the best way to get around?

Accepted Answer

Most travelers split between the Tumon Hop-On Trolley ($15/day or $30/4-day, covers Tumon-Hagatna and major shopping) and a rental car ($40-60/day) for day trips south. Taxis are metered at $3-5 base + $0.30/quarter mile — useful for short hops, expensive across the island. Hotel shuttles to Tumon Sands and the Micronesia Mall are usually free.

Question 15

Are Uber and ride apps available?

Accepted Answer

Uber does not operate in Guam. Local options: Stroll Guam (Guam's local rideshare app, $5-20 typical fares) and Hooli Cab. Traditional taxis are widely available, especially around hotels and the airport. For most visitors a rental car + Trolley combo works better than relying on rideshares.

Question 16

How do I get from the airport to Tumon Bay?

Accepted Answer

Taxi $20-30 (15-20 minutes). Hotel shuttle $15-25 per person (book ahead — Dusit Thani, Hyatt, Westin, Sheraton, Hilton, Lotte all offer it). Rental cars: pick up at the airport (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Nissan, Enterprise). Rideshare apps are limited; the taxi line outside arrivals is the simplest first-night option.

Question 17

How do I get to Cocos Island?

Accepted Answer

Drive or trolley to Merizo Pier (50-60 minutes from Tumon by car), then 15-minute ferry to Cocos Island Resort. Day pass $80-120 covers ferry both ways, beach access, snorkel gear and lunch. Klook discounts run 15-20% vs walk-up. Last return boat is around 17:00 — confirm before you go.

Question 18

What food is Guam famous for?

Accepted Answer

Chamorro BBQ — marinated chicken, beef and pork served with red rice (colored with annatto), kelaguen (citrus-cured chicken or fish with coconut), and fiery finadene dipping sauce, $15-25 a plate. Other essentials: garlic shrimp ($15-22, Beachin' Shrimp is the local standard), kadon pika (spicy stew, $12-20), pickled mango snacks ($3-8). Korean BBQ joints catering to tourist demand run $30-80 per person.

Question 19

Where should I eat at Tumon Bay?

Accepted Answer

Beachin' Shrimp (the must-try garlic shrimp spot, $15-22). Tony Roma's for baby-back ribs ($30-50). Outback Steakhouse and Hard Rock Cafe at Tumon Sands Plaza ($20-60). Roy's Tumon for Hawaiian fusion at the higher end ($40-80). Local-style: Jamaican Grill for jerk chicken and Chamorro BBQ ($12-20).

Question 20

Where do I find authentic Chamorro food?

Accepted Answer

Proa Restaurant in Tumon — the standard for Chamorro fine dining, $20-50. Mestiza for Chamorro-Filipino fusion ($30-50, reservations recommended). Chamorro Village Night Market in Hagåtña on Wednesdays 17:00-21:00 — live music, $5-15 per plate, cash preferred. Linda's Coffee Shop in Hagåtña for a classic Chamorro breakfast ($10-20).

Question 21

Where to eat at the resorts?

Accepted Answer

Aqua at Dusit Thani Guam — modern Pacific fine dining with Tumon Bay views ($50-150). Prego at the Westin — wood-fired Italian ($40-100). Al Dente at Hyatt Regency — Italian ($30-60). Fisherman's Cove at Hyatt — Friday/Saturday seafood buffet $80, Sunday brunch $90. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead in peak season.

Question 22

What's the food cost?

Accepted Answer

Chamorro plates: $10-25/meal. Mid-range American: $20-60/meal. Korean BBQ: $30-80. Resort fine dining: $40-150. Hotel breakfast buffets: $20-40. Add 18-22% tip to restaurant bills. Food court at the Micronesia Mall ($6-12) and K-Mart hot bento ($5-10) keep budget travelers under $25/day.

Question 23

Where should I stay in Guam?

Accepted Answer

Tumon Bay is the default — 4 km of beach, the Tumon Sands strip, Hop-On Trolley access, and most major hotels. $150-1,000/night. Hagåtña (the capital) is cheaper at $80-200/night but quieter and less central. Tamuning sits just outside Tumon and runs $100-300. Cocos Island Resort is a private-island option at $300-600 for travelers who want to stay overnight rather than day-tripping.

Question 24

What are the landmark luxury hotels?

Accepted Answer

The Tsubaki Tower (2020-opened, 17-floor oceanview tower with private pool, $400-800). Dusit Thani Guam (Tumon Bay 5-star, 421 rooms, $400-1,000). Hyatt Regency Guam (Tumon, 425 rooms, $300-800). The Westin Resort Guam (Tumon beachfront, 436 rooms, $300-700). Sheraton Laguna ($250-600). Hilton Guam Resort & Spa in Tamuning (646 rooms, $250-550).

Question 25

Is the Pacific Islands Club worth it for families?

Accepted Answer

Yes — PIC is the most popular all-inclusive on the island for families with kids. $350-600/night for a family of four covers meals, the waterpark with 6+ slides, kids' club (6 months to 12 years), and watersports. Korean-speaking staff in peak season. Book 6 months ahead for summer holidays and Christmas.

Question 26

Are Airbnbs an option?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Guam allows short-term rentals. Tumon Bay and Tamuning condos run $100-250/night and are popular with longer-stay travelers. Booking.com, Airbnb and Agoda are the main platforms. Cocos Island Resort and the Hagåtña neighborhood have fewer listings.

Question 27

When should I book?

Accepted Answer

Christmas-New Year and Lunar New Year peaks: 6 months ahead — the Tsubaki Tower, Dusit Thani and PIC sell out first. Summer (July-August): 3-4 months. Cherry-blossom shoulder months: 1-2 months. Off-season (September-November): 2-4 weeks works, prices drop 20-30%.

Question 28

American dining etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Tip 18-22% at restaurants unless 'service charge' is already on the bill. Auto-gratuity for parties of 6+ is common. Pay at the table US-style. Bellhops $1-2 per bag. Coffee shop tips are appreciated but not required ($0-1).

Question 29

What's Chamorro culture?

Accepted Answer

Chamorros are Guam's indigenous people — about 37% of the population. Family-oriented, deeply hospitable, with Spanish-Catholic, American and Filipino layers from centuries of colonization. The Chamorro Village Night Market on Wednesdays is the easiest way to see live Chamorro music and traditional dance. The greeting 'Håfa adai' (hello) is universally appreciated.

Question 30

Beach and reef etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Reef-safe SPF 50+ is mandatory at many beaches (most regulators enforce). Don't touch coral. Box jellyfish and cone snails appear on the more remote southern beaches — wear reef shoes. Topless sunbathing is not customary at most Tumon resorts. Don't take coral, shells or sand off the island — it's illegal.

Question 31

Any cultural quirks?

Accepted Answer

Korean and Japanese signage is everywhere in Tumon — Korean is the 2nd-largest tourist market. Driving is on the right (US-style). Most public holidays follow the US calendar, with the Liberation Day parade (July 21) being uniquely Guamanian. Duty-free advantage: Korean cosmetics, American chocolate and Japanese sake are noticeably cheaper than at home.

Question 32

Tipping in Guam?

Accepted Answer

Standard US tipping: 18-22% restaurants, 10-15% taxis, $1-2 per bag for bellhops, $5-10 per day for tour guides, 18-22% for spa services. Cash USD always works; cards usually have a tip line at checkout.

Question 33

Guam Liberation Day (July 21)?

Accepted Answer

Guam's biggest civic holiday — commemorates the 1944 US liberation from Japanese occupation in WWII. Daylong parade in Hagåtña, carnival rides, fireworks, BBQ stands. Hotels stay busy; book 2-3 months ahead if you want to be present for it.

Question 34

Guam Micronesian Island Fair (May-June)?

Accepted Answer

Annual celebration of Pacific Islander cultures — Chamorro, Palauan, Yapese, Marshallese — at Ypao Beach Park. Traditional food stalls, music, dance and craft demonstrations. Free entry; 2-3 days, usually on a long weekend.

Question 35

Christmas-New Year peak?

Accepted Answer

December 25 to January 3 is the busiest and most expensive period of the year. Tumon Bay illumination, hotel countdowns, sold-out resort dining. Hotels run 1.3-1.5× standard rates and flights from Korea hit 1.5-2× normal. Book 6 months ahead, or hit early December / mid-January for better value.

Question 36

Lunar New Year (Jan-Feb)?

Accepted Answer

Major surge in Korean and Taiwanese arrivals over the holiday. Tumon Sands and DFS Galleria get crowded; Korean restaurants run promotions. Hotels and flights spike 1.3-1.5×. Like Christmas, book 2-3 months ahead or shift dates outside the holiday week.

Question 37

What's the weather like?

Accepted Answer

Tropical — 24-32°C year-round with 70-80% humidity. December-May is dry (sunny most days, ~150mm/month). June-November is the wet season (250-350mm, mostly 1-2h afternoon squalls). UV is extreme year-round (11-12) — reef-safe SPF 50+ is non-negotiable. Sea temperature stays at 27-29°C all year.

Question 38

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen (mandatory at many beaches). Light cotton, swimwear, a cover-up. Sandals and reef shoes (Cocos Island, southern beaches). USD cash + cards. Type A/B plug (110V — same as US/Japan, different from Korea and EU). Travel insurance with typhoon-cancellation coverage if traveling Aug-Oct. Light rain shell during the wet season.

Question 39

Is Guam wheelchair-accessible?

Accepted Answer

Major Tumon hotels (Dusit Thani, Hyatt, Westin, Sheraton, Hilton, PIC) and the Tumon Sands shopping complex are accessible with ramps and accessible rooms. Beach access varies — some hotels offer beach wheelchairs. Cocos Island and the southern beaches are limited. Pre-confirm with hotels and tour operators.

Question 40

Where can I store luggage?

Accepted Answer

Antonio B. Won Pat Airport has coin lockers ($5-10/24h). Most Tumon hotels store bags free of charge on check-in/check-out day. K-Mart and the Micronesia Mall do not offer left-luggage.

Question 41

Pharmacy and medical?

Accepted Answer

Pay-Less, Cost-U-Less, Walgreens and CVS are widespread for over-the-counter medicine (Tylenol, Advil, antacids). Guam Memorial Hospital (public) and Guam Regional Medical City (private, newer) are the main hospitals. US-level medical costs — travel insurance with medical-evacuation coverage is essential. Emergency: 911.

Guam Travel FAQ

Guam Travel FAQ — Key Answers

General Travel Info