The FSM spans two time zones. Yap and Chuuk are 10 hours ahead of GMT; Pohnpei and Kosrae are GMT +11 hours.
Business Hours:
Business hours are normally from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. On weekends most retail outlets are open with some limiting hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Banks and Government Offices are closed. Restaurants and Bars are open until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.
Electricity:
Standard 110 volt and US type outlets are used.
Currency, Banking and Credit Cards:
The U.S. dollar is the official currency. There are several U.S. FDIC insured banks operating in the FSM. Most major credit cards are welcome at most visitor-oriented businesses.
Tipping:
Visitors to the country are guests and hospitality is an honor in our culture. Tips are neither expected nor encouraged.
What to Wear:
Travel light. It never gets cold in FSM, so only lightweight clothing should be brought. Attire is very casual and formal wear is considered unnecessary and impractical. Hats, sunglasses and sun screen are recommended when enjoying the sun.
Media:
Several newspapers, government and private, are available. There are several AM and FM radio stations as well as cable stations on Pohnpei and Chuuk where one can watch live satellite broadcasts of CNN and ESPN.
Telecommunications:
The FSM enjoys modern, reliable telecommunication links worldwide. TV, FAX and Internet services are readily available throughout the FSM through the services of the FSM Telecommunications Corporation.
Medical Facilities:
The FSM is a healthy place to visit. There are no tropical diseases and health care is readily available. Each of the FSM states has a modern major hospital.
Postal Services:
U.S. Postal rates apply, and there are post offices on all the four states of the FSM. Post offices are open daily during regular business hours and are closed on week-ends.
Immigration & Customs
Each island airport has its own customs and immigration officers. If you plan on visiting several islands on one trip, you will be passing through customs and immigration lines at each stop and filling out the usual paperwork.
U.S. citizens may enter any FSM state with a U.S. passport or proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate). Non U.S. citizens must have a valid passport from their country of origin.
Vaccination or certification is not required unless the traveler comes from an infected area. Plants and animals must be given prior approval before entry, and animals must be quarantined. Importation of controlled substances or weapons is strictly prohibited.
Departure Tax
$20 for YAP, $20 for POHNPEI,$20 for CHUUK, and $15 for KOSRAE
Access to States:
Travel to the FSM is available via Guam of Hawaii through United Airline. For detail information, please access to www.united.com.
≫ YAP
GUAM ⇔YAP : about 1h35m PALAU ⇔ YAP : about 1h
United Airline service Between GUAM and YAP (State:YAP Island), and Between PALAU and YAP.
≫ CHUUK
GUAM ⇔CHUUK : about 1h40m
(Island hopper line from Hawaii) POHNPEI ⇔ CHUUK: about 1h40m
United Airline service Between GUAM and CHUUK (State:WENO Island), and Between HAWAII and CHUUK.
≫ POHNPEI
GUAM ⇔ POHNPEI (transit Chuuk) : about 2h30m
(Island hopper line from Hawaii)
KOSRAE ⇔ POHNPEI: about 1hour
United Airline service Between GUAM and POHNPEI (State:POHNPEI Island), and Between HAWAII and POHNPEI.
≫ KOSRAE
GUAM ⇔ KOSRAE (transit Chuuk,POHNPEI) : about 3h30m (Island hopper line from Hawaii)
Hawaii ⇔ KOSRAE
United Airline service Between GUAM and KOSRAE (State:KOSRAE Island), and Between HAWAII and KOSRAE.
Visiting Outer Islands:
A trip to the outer islands is sure to be a memorable experience but the logistics are complicated and arrangements should be made at least several months in advance. For detail information, please contact the tour operators , hotels and states visitors bureau.
Transportation:
Taxis are plentiful in the state centers and can be called to most locations. Hire and rental cars, local boats and buses are also available.
