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Practical Information

Practical Information

Local Connectivity

Guam has two main mobile providers: Docomo Pacific and GTA. Purchase local SIM cards upon arrival at the airport or at their retail stores.

Phone Options

  • Local SIM cards for competitive rates.
  • Your mobile phone should be "unlocked."
  • eSIM options for digital activation. Airalo eSIMs are a choice.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi generally reliable in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Wi-Fi Access

  • Hotels and resorts often include Wi-Fi.
  • Many restaurants and cafes provide free Wi-Fi.
  • Major malls have free Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

Guam is part of the US postal system. Mail letters and packages via USPS. Post offices are located in various villages.

Mail Services

  • Part of the US postal system.
  • USPS services are available.
  • Post offices in various villages.

Language & Communication

English and Chamorro are the official languages. English is widely spoken and understood throughout Guam.

Language Notes

  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Chamorro is spoken in community settings.
  • Other languages include Tagalog, Japanese, and Korean.

Phrases

Greetings

  • Håfa Adai (Hah-fah Ah-dye): Hello/Welcome
  • Si Yu'us Ma'åse' (See Joo-oos Mah-ah-see): Thank You
  • Adios (Ah-dee-ohs): Goodbye
  • Amigo/Amiga (Ah-mee-go/Ah-mee-gah): Friend (male/female)

Cultural Gesture

  • Manengge' (Mah-neng-gee): To say hello to elders
  • Gently touching elder's hand to your nose.
  • Not expected of tourists, but shows awareness.
  • A Chamorro Phrasebook for more vocabulary.

Communication Tip

Learning a few basic Chamorro phrases can enrich your interactions with locals. Consider a portable Wi-Fi device like Solis Wi-Fi for consistent internet access.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigate Guam's daily rhythms with information on operating hours and holiday closures.

Retail Hours

Malls typically open 10-11 AM to 9-10 PM. Smaller shops may close earlier.

Restaurant Hours

Breakfast places open early; dinner restaurants often close around 9-10 PM.

Attraction Hours

Most attractions operate during daylight hours, typically 9-10 AM to 5-6 PM.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally operate during standard business hours, Monday to Friday (e.g., 9 AM to 4-5 PM). Some might have limited Saturday hours.

Financial Access

  • Banks Monday-Friday.
  • ATMs widely available 24/7.
  • ATMs at malls, convenience stores, airport.

Holiday Impact

Guam observes US federal holidays and local Guam holidays. Government offices, banks, and some businesses may close.

Public Holidays

  • US federal holidays observed.
  • Liberation Day (July 21st), Discovery Day (March 6th).
  • Businesses may have reduced hours or close.

Seasonal Operations

Low Season

  • Some smaller businesses might close.
  • Occasional maintenance closures.
  • Always check in advance.

Typhoon Season

  • July-November for severe weather.
  • Temporary business closures.
  • Airport operations may pause.

Planning Ahead

Confirm specific operating times for attractions and businesses before your visit, especially around holidays or during typhoon season. For flight delays, Compensair assists with claims.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Chamorro culture values respect, hospitality, and family. Adhering to local customs shows appreciation.

Greeting Customs

A warm "Håfa Adai" is always appreciated. A traditional gesture of respect towards elders is "manginge'."

Ways to Greet

  • "Håfa Adai" is a welcome.
  • "Manginge'" gesture with elders.
  • A polite handshake among adults.

Appropriate Attire

Guam is generally casual. Modest dress appropriate when visiting religious sites or cultural centers.

Dressing Guidelines

  • Casual wear for daily activities.
  • Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
  • Swimwear only at beaches and pools.

Dining & Tipping

Dining has a relaxed atmosphere. Tipping is similar to US expectations.

Mealtime Guide

  • Wait to be seated in restaurants.
  • Tip 15-20% for good service.
  • Round up for taxis.

Photography Guidelines

Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals, especially children, or in cultural settings.

Photo Courtesy

  • Ask permission for people.
  • Avoid photographing military areas.
  • Be respectful at religious sites.

Sensitive Topics & Taboos

Discussions to Avoid

  • Avoid sensitive political topics.
  • Do not remove artifacts or natural items.
  • Respect Chamorro cultural values.

Cultural Norms

  • Family and elders are highly valued.
  • Community customs are important.
  • Protect natural resources.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Legal Protections

  • Anti-discrimination laws include sexual orientation.
  • Marriage equality is legal.
  • Generally welcoming in tourist areas.

Travel Discretion

  • Similar to other destinations.
  • Exercise general discretion.
  • Most visitors have positive experiences.

Cultural Appreciation

Embrace and respect local customs. Your efforts to learn a few phrases or observe traditions are genuinely appreciated by the Chamorro people.

Accessibility Information

Guam, as an U.S. Territory, generally aims for American accessibility standards, though real-world conditions vary.

Mobility Infrastructure

Newer public buildings and major tourist facilities generally comply with ADA standards, meaning ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Facility Access

  • Airport and major malls are accessible.
  • Newer resorts in Tumon are compliant.
  • Older sites may have limited access.

Transportation Access

GRTA public buses are generally wheelchair accessible.

Getting Around

  • Public buses are accessible.
  • Accessible taxis may need advance booking.
  • Accessible rental vehicles may need advance booking.

Specific Impairments

Information in Braille or audio guides is not widely available. English is widely spoken.

Support Options

  • Braille/audio guides not widespread.
  • English is widely spoken.
  • Direct inquiries are best.

Information Resources

Contact the Guam Visitors Bureau for current accessibility information and recommendations.

Where to Inquire

  • Guam Visitors Bureau (visitguam.com).
  • Inquire directly with hotels and tour operators.
  • Online forums for travelers with disabilities.

Accessibility Tip

Verify Access

Always confirm the accessibility of specific attractions and transportation options.

Call Ahead

Call ahead to inquire directly about features.

Planning

Pre-trip planning assists your experience.

Travel Advice

Thorough pre-trip research helps match your itinerary to specific accessibility needs. Enjoy a more comfortable visit by planning.