The Basics

Time

GMT +10

Electricity

Electricity in Guam is 110 volts, 60Hz. Two-prong, flat-blade plugs are standard.

Language

English and Chamorro are the official languages of Guam.

Travel Health

Although no vaccinations are required for travel to Guam, some are recommended by travel authorities: hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all travellers; a typhoid vaccination is recommended for those who plan to eat and drink outside of major restaurants and hotels; a japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for those planning to spend time in rural areas or outdoors; an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination is recommended if not previously given; revaccination for tetanus-diphtheria is recommended every 10 years.

Do not drink tap water in Guam unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and don't have ice in your drinks. Avoid food from street vendors and raw or undercooked meat and fish. Make sure fruit is peeled. There are medical facilities available on the island but for life-threatening injuries or diseases you may well need to be transferred overseas to receive treatment; comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. It is best to bring along any medication you require, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing the medication you need and why.

Safety Information

Generally trips to Guam are trouble free but travellers should take precautions to protect themselves against petty theft and pickpocketting, which is a problem on the island. Make sure you have duplicate copies of your travel documents and don't carry all your valuables in one pocket or bag. Make use of hotel safes and don't display conspicuous wealth with expensive jewellery, watches and the like.

Terrorism is a problem all over the world and as Guam is an unincorporated US territory the same threats apply to Guam as to the United States. However, the island has no travel alerts for terrorism and is generally considered safe.

Local Customs

The urban population if Guam is diverse and generally accepting, however modest clothing is always good etiquette. The native Chamorro people are predominantly Catholic, and respect for the elderly and authority figures is crucial.