Island, Guam
Guam
A US territory with Tumon Bay resorts, shopping, WWII sites and good diving. Easy for Americans and English speakers, but car-dependent, pricey and short on public transport; heat and typhoon season shape the year.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,800–5,500Comfortable, one person · $3,800–5,500Details
- Value for money7/100Better value than 6% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: Jun, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated, but boil-water notices can follow typhoons or pipe damage; check local advisories.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$100–200Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental carWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in malls, hotels and most restaurants; carry some cash for small shops and tips.Details
Where to stay in Guam
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tumon | Resorts, shopping, restaurants and the main beach |
| Hagåtña | Capital: history, markets and quieter stays |
| Tamuning–Harmon | Cheaper hotels and apartments near the airport |
| Piti–Asan | Divers and locals near war memorials and wrecks |
Apps that work in Guam
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Messenger, WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis are few and pricey; rely on rental cars or book rides through your hotel.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guam.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in malls, hotels and most restaurants; carry some cash for small shops and tips.
- ATMs: ATMs are widespread; operators often charge foreign cards a few dollars. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: US-style: 15–20% in restaurants (check bills for an added service charge), plus tips for drivers and hotel staff.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- US entry rules apply: an ESTA or US visa, or the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver for 12 eligible nationalities with an online G-CNMI ETA.
- The Guam-CNMI waiver covers stays of 45 days or less and doesn't allow onward travel to Hawaii or the US mainland.
- Complete Guam's mandatory electronic customs declaration form within 72 hours before arrival.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Docomo Pacific and GTA sell prepaid SIMs in their stores; travel eSIMs also work. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Guam solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Guam meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.