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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

General Clothing

Shorts, T-shirts, Tank Tops form the core of your daily wear. Bring a good supply, as you may change clothes frequently due to sweat or beach activities. Pack several Swimsuits as you will likely spend much time near or in the water. Casual Dresses/Skirts are comfortable for women for both daywear and casual evenings. Lightweight cover-ups are useful for moving between the beach/pool and public areas.

Seasonal Tips

  • Dry Season (Dec-Jun): Focus on general year-round recommendations.
  • Wet Season (Jul-Nov): Pack a Lightweight rain jacket or a Compact umbrella for sudden downpours.
  • Cultural Code: Dress modestly when visiting churches or traditional villages (cover shoulders/knees).

Activity-Specific Attire

Plan your clothing based on your intended activities. For walking/sightseeing, comfortable Walking shoes or sturdy Sandals are important. For hiking, sturdy Sneakers or Light hiking shoes with good grip are necessary, as trails can be muddy. Long pants can protect from insects.

Water Activities

  • Beyond Swimwear, consider a Rash guard for Sun protection.
  • Water shoes protect feet from rocky beaches or coral.
  • One outfit for upscale restaurants or special events (collared shirt for men, casual dress for women).

Footwear Recommendations

Sandals & Flip-flops

Your main footwear for casual wear and beach visits.

Daily Wear

Walking Shoes & Sneakers

For exploring towns, museums, and general sightseeing.

Exploration

Water Shoes

Very useful for rocky beaches, snorkeling over coral, or exploring riverbeds.

Water Activities

Essential Documents

Papers & Copies

Keeping your travel documents organized and secure simplifies your journey. Prepare both physical and digital copies of everything important.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid for entire stay.
  • Copies of Passport and Visa: Store separately; digital copy useful.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Policy number and emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): For non-English licenses.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: For specific medical conditions.
  • Printed/Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, accommodation, rental cars.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Physical list separate from phone.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable).

Technology & Electronics

Connectivity & Power

Guam uses Type A and Type B power outlets, identical to those in the United States and Canada (120V at 60Hz). If traveling from elsewhere, a Universal Travel Adapter is necessary. Check for dual voltage devices. Your mobile phone will likely work. Check international roaming or purchase a local ESIM from providers like Docomo Pacific or GTA. An Portable Power Bank is useful.

Online Services

Cameras & Apps

Bring a camera for capturing Guam’s landscapes and marine life. A Waterproof camera or a Waterproof case for your Smartphone is highly recommended for water activities. Consider extra batteries and memory cards. For equipment purchases, try B&H Photo.

Recommended Apps

  • Weather App: Monitor typhoon season.
  • Currency Converter: Quickly convert prices to your home currency.
  • Translation App: For Chamorro phrases or cultural immersion.

Data & Device Security

Power Considerations

Guam uses 120V, 60Hz. If from a different region, a Voltage converter or Power adapter might be needed.

Mobile Connectivity

Ensure your phone is "unlocked" for local SIM cards. Check for eSIM availability.

Data Backup

Regularly back up photos and data to cloud storage or an external drive.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments. A compact First Aid Kit for Travel is a must. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape, Pain relievers, Acetaminophen, antacids, Anti-diarrhea medication, and allergy medication. Add blister treatment for walking.

Medication Advice

  • Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with clear labels. Bring extra.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications: Pack remedies for headaches, colds, upset stomachs.
  • A doctor's note for controlled substances is recommended.

Sun & Insect Protection

Guam's intense sun requires protection. High SPF (30+ or 50+) Broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Reapply frequently, especially after swimming. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged to protect Guam's delicate coral reefs. An After-sun lotion or aloe vera soothes sunburn. Mosquitos are present, so use Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.

Water & Hygiene

Motion Sickness & Comfort

Motion Sickness Remedies

  • Altitude sickness is not applicable for Guam.
  • Motion sickness medication may be useful for boat tours.
  • Consider for bumpy car rides on less maintained roads.

Personal Comfort Items

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling/Diving

While gear is available for rent, bringing your own Travel Snorkel Set ensures fit and hygiene. A good Snorkel mask and fins enhance the underwater experience.

  • Own mask, snorkel, and dive computer for certified divers.
  • Rental equipment is readily available from dive shops.
  • Water Shoes for rocky shorelines.
  • Rash guard for sun protection.

Hiking Gear

Sturdy, broken-in Hiking shoes or boots are important. A Small daypack for water, snacks, and a First aid kit is useful.

  • Moisture-wicking Socks to prevent blisters.
  • Trekking poles for stability on steeper trails.
  • A Hiking Backpack works for longer excursions.
  • Consider rental for camping gear.

Specialty Items

An Underwater camera or Waterproof phone case to capture marine life. Surfboards and paddleboards are best rented locally.

Rental Decisions

Consider Renting

  • Surfboards/Paddleboards: Transporting them is cumbersome.
  • Camping Gear: Usually more practical unless for extended trips.
  • Dive Gear: For casual use, renting is convenient.
  • Bicycles: From some shops or tour operators.

Consider Bringing

  • Personal Snorkel Mask/Fins: For better fit and hygiene if serious.
  • Specific Toiletries/Brands: May be harder to find or more expensive locally.
  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen: If you have a particular preference.
  • Prescription Medications: Bring enough plus a few extra days.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Security & Convenience

These items improve comfort, security, and convenience. Small Padlocks for luggage or hostel lockers. A Money belt or hidden pouch for passports, extra cash, and credit cards discreetly. RFID protection for wallets or passport holders.

Reusable Items

Region-Specific & Practicalities

While Guam has supermarkets and convenience stores, specific brands of toiletries, specialized sunscreens, or niche health products might be harder to find or more expensive. If you rely on a particular item, bring it. Good quality Insect repellent with DEET is available, but if you have a strong preference, bring your own.

Practical Items

Sustainable Travel

Water Filter

Reduce plastic bottle waste.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect marine ecosystems.

Reusable Bags

Avoid single-use plastics.

Reusable Utensils

Reduce takeout waste.

Essential Regional Items

For Sunny Days

  • Wide-brimmed sun hat.
  • Quality sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Plenty of high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen.

For Water Exploration

  • Snorkel gear (your own or rental).
  • Water shoes for rocky shorelines.
  • Underwater camera or waterproof phone case.

Packing Smart

Pack light, quick-drying clothing. This helps with laundry and comfort in the humid climate. Consider bringing one outfit that can double as a nicer dinner option.

Pack a small daypack for daily excursions. This holds water, sunscreen, a hat, and any souvenirs you pick up.