Micronesia (Fed.States of Micronesia)
Visitors Info
Getting There & Away wpe3D.jpg (260959 bytes)
The main gateways into the Federated States of Micronesia are Honolulu, Manila and Guam (flights arrive there from the USA, Australia and Asia). There are also twice-weekly flights from Taipei. A Circle Micronesia air pass originating in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a Visit Micronesia pass originating in Guam, will let you hop around the islands.

There is a US$5 departure tax from Pohnpei, US$10 from Chuuk and US$10 from Kosrae. Yap has no departure tax.
Getting Around
Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae are linked by air, and there are small airstrips on just about every other island in the Federated States of Micronesia. The major islands have extensive road systems. Most roads are unpaved, with the main drag in town and the road to the airstrip being notable exceptions. Yap is the only island with any sort of public bus system - school buses will take visitors between Colonia and outlying villages twice a day. Weno Island (Chuuk) has an efficient share taxi system, while Pohnpei runs minivan taxis. Yap has private taxis. You really need to rent a car - at around US$50 a day - if you want to have a good look around the larger islands.

Boat is the cheapest means of travel between islands. Chuuk has an extensive weekday system of commuter boats between its islands, and private speedboats do short runs throughout the country. Field trip ships link district centres with the outer islands - they're primarily cargo boats, but they're a good, cheap way to get around, with the added bonus that you'll meet a lot of locals. The trips may take several days and can be pretty grubby and tiring.

When to Go
Go to the Federated States of Micronesia whenever the boss gives you time off. The temperature hovers around a balmy 81°F (27°C) all year, so don't worry about the weather. If it's a little more humid between July and November, at least you're never far from a cooling dip in the ocean. The islands are off the tourist trail so there's no distinct high season and few visitors at any time of year. See also next weeks weather forcast for Chuuck (Truk), Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap Island.

Money & Costs
In part because the islands are so spread out, and in part because the economy is reliant upon imported items, the Federated States of Micronesia can be an expensive place to travel. Your airfare will be the biggest outlay, but accommodation is also pretty expensive - there's not much in the way of budget rooms, and if you want to stay at a beach resort you'll be shelling out about US$150 a night. If you stick to local foods, public transport and rustic accommodation, you'll still need to budget close to US$100 a day. Travelling comfortably costs around US$150 a day; US$200 if you rent a car or go diving.

US dollars are the official currency of the country, and there's really no point bringing anything else. US dollar travellers' cheques are accepted just about everywhere, with most large hotels, restaurants and shops accepting them as cash. There are no commercial banks on Chuuk or Kosrae, so make sure you've got enough cash to get by before you visit these areas. Credit cards are widely accepted on Pohnpei and Kosrae, and they're making inroads on Chuuk and Yap.

Tipping 10% to 15% is catching on in Pohnpei but, despite the American influence, it's not really done elsewhere in the country. Most things are sold with a fixed price, although there are a few fruit markets where you could give your haggling skills a polish. Don't expect miracles.

Meals
  • Budget: US$35-50
  • Mid-range: US$50-100
  • Top-end hotel: US$100 and upwards

Factsheet
  • Visas: Visas are not required for tourist visits up to 30 days. Your 30 days start afresh each time you move to a different island group. US citizens can extend their permit for up to a year.
  • Health risks: Typhoid
  • Time: GMT/UTC plus 10 hours in Yap and Chuuk; GMT/UTC plus 11 hours in Pohnpei and Kosrae
  • Electricity: 110/120V, 60Hz
  • Weights & measures: Imperial
  • Holidays & Festivals: 

    The Federated States of Micronesia celebrate most of the standard Western holidays: Christmas, New Year's Day and the American staple, Thanksgiving. In addition to FSM Constitution Day, on 10 May, and FSM Independence Day, on 3 November, each of the island groups celebrates its own national days. Kosrae's big holiday is Liberation Day, on 8 September, marking the American defeat of Japan on the islands at the end of WWII. Celebrations include sports competitions and canoe races. Christmas on Kosrae is a bit of a treat, with formation marching and singing competitions - Kosraen church choirs can belt out a spectacular tune - and a grand feast open to all.

    Yap's big shindig is Yap Day, in the first week of March, with plenty of colourful ceremonial dancing and sporting events. Mitmits - all-out feasts accompanied by the liberal distribution of gifts and ceremonial singing and dancing - are held throughout the year. One village holds a mitmit for another village, which reciprocates the following year.