Micronesia Travel Tips

Social Conventions
There are considerable variations of custom and belief. Approximately 95% of Kosreans are Congregationalists with a deeply held respect for Sunday as a day of rest. Pre-European influences are stronger elsewhere and nowhere more so than in Yap where visitors are only allowed with prior permission. Use of islands, paths, beaches etc may also require permission in many areas; it is best to check beforehand.

Photography: Permission should always be sought. Though people are friendly, and usually accommodating, not to seek prior permission before taking pictures is considered an insult, especially on some of the more remote islands.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
Continental Micronesia (CS) (website: www.continental.com) flights link the major islands with Guam, Honolulu, Manila and Tokyo. Cape Air (9K) (website: www.flycapeair.com) fly to other Micronesian islands, Saipan and Rota.

Air Passes
Visit the South Pacific Pass: valid with Solomon Airlines (IE), Air Vanuatu (NF), Our Airline (ON), Qantas (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Aircalin (SB), Polynesian Airlines (PH), Air Marshall Islands (CW), Royal Tongan Airlines (WR) and Air Pacific (FJ). The pass allows flexible island-hopping within the South Pacific, for up to 40% off normal airfares.

Departure Tax
US$10 for Pohnpei; US$15 for Chuuk; US$10 Kosrae; no departure tax for Yap.

Main Airports
Pohnpei (PNI) is 5km (3 miles) from Kolonia. To/from the airport: Taxis are available. Facilities: Car hire, light snacks and tourist information.

Guam (GUM) (website: www.guamairport.com) is 3km (2 miles) from Tumon Bay (journey time - 10 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis are available, as is car hire. Facilities: Fast food outlets, bars, shops, bureaux de change, ATMs, tourist information and car hire.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap.

Inter-island trading ships based in Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk visit the outlying islands.

Overview
The following goods may be taken into the Federated States of Micronesia without incurring customs duty by travelers aged over 18 years and above:

• 600 cigarettes or 454g of cigars or tobacco.
• 2l of alcoholic beverages (over 21s only).
• A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.

Prohibited Imports
Firearms and ammunition. Plants and animals must be declared and will be subject to restrictions.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Continental Micronesia (website: www.continental.com) flies between Pohnpei and the three other states. Flights to the outer islands of Pohnpei State are operated by Caroline Islands Air. These services are expensive.


Getting Around by Water
The Micro Glory and the FSM Caroline Voyager run infrequently between Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele and Moen. Contact FSM Visitor’s Board for more information (see General Info).

Getting Around by Road
There are good roads in and around major island centers, although most roads remain unpaved.

Bus: No scheduled service, although some buses may be available for hire or charter. On Yap, a school bus runs twice daily from Colonia to the villages.

Taxi: Available throughout Micronesia and inexpensive.

Car hire: Self-drive cars are available in major towns.

Documentation: National driving license or International Driving Permit required.


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