Micronesia Travel Guide
GENERAL
Geography
As a country located in Oceania listed on naturegnosis, Micronesia is made up of four archipelagos: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Each archipelago consists of hundreds of smaller archipelagos, which are very different in their topography. More detailed descriptions under the individual headings. There are primarily three different population groups: Malays from Indonesia and from the Philippines; Melanesians from the islands in the southwestern Pacific and Polynesians from the South Pacific.
Electricity
110/115/120/230 V, 60 Hz. US plugs are standard. (See individual entries).
TRAVEL WARNING
Overview
Current advice
A severe seaquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan on March 11th, as a result of which a tsunami flooded large parts of the coast, claiming numerous victims and causing severe damage.
The earthquake created a critical situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant and other nuclear power plants.
With regard to the current situation in the region, it is recommended that all Germans follow the development of events in Japan via the media as well as the information on the website of the Federal Foreign Office, which is constantly updated:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Aussenpolitik /Laender/Aktuelle_Artikel/Japan/110311-JPN-Tsunami-node.html
to track.
There you will find other important links, including travel and safety information from the Foreign Office on Japan and all other countries, as well as on technical issues:
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
Federal Office for Radiation Protection
International Atomic Energy Organization (English)
Technical Relief Agency
German Research Center for Geosciences Potsdam
‘Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’ (English).
MONEY
Currency
US dollars (see USA). The Japanese yen is also accepted as a means of payment on many islands.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in most major cities and tourist areas; you should still have enough cash with you. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
There is an ATM on both Pohnpei and Chuuk, from which cash can be withdrawn with a credit or debit card.
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / 6 p.m. (deviations are possible).
Foreign exchange regulations
Different, s. Money in the entries of the individual states.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can only be exchanged to a limited extent on some islands.
LANGUAGE
Overview
Along with other languages, English is an official language everywhere. Micronesian and Polynesian languages are also spoken. (See individual entries).
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Overview
See statutory holidays in the entries of the individual states.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
Duty Free in the entries of the individual states.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Light suits or shirts with ties or summer dresses are usually sufficient. Appointments and business cards are common. Business trips are best placed between May and October.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Authorities: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing to all island states. Further information in the individual headings.
Cellphone
Mobile telephony is possible in the Federated States of Micronesia and in Palau.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes at least 10 days. The post offices are located in the main business areas of the states.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Some hotels have cocktail bars with live entertainment. There are night clubs in Saipan with music and dancing. There are cinemas in the larger centers. More in the descriptions of the individual states.
CULINARY
CULTURE
Religion
Roman Catholic and Protestant as well as Mormons, Baha’i and other minorities. (See individual entries).
Social rules of conduct
Western perceptions of property and private property are unknown in many parts of Micronesia, and visitors should keep an eye on their belongings. Paths and land are generally private property and you should always ask permission to enter the land.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The 2000 islands have very different climatic conditions. Autumn and winter (November – April) are the most pleasant, the rainy season lasts from May to October. The climate is tropical, but sea breezes prevent extreme temperatures and excessive humidity. More in the individual headings.
COUNTRY DATA
Member of the EU No.