Pohnpei Travel Information |
||||||
| ||||||
| TravelMart.net » Micronesia Hotels » Pohnpei Hotels » Pohnpei Travel Information | ||||||
|
POHNPEI TRAVEL INFORMATION Customs, Imigration and Health Requirements U.S. citizens may enter Pohnpei with a U.S. passport or proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate). Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport from their country of origin. Plants and animals must be given prior approval before entry. Importation of controlled substances or weapons is strictly prohibited. There is a US$5 departure tax from Pohnpei, US$15 from Chuuk and US$10 from Kosrae. Yap has no departure tax. Departure Tax US$ 10 for Pohnpei Access to the Federated States of Micronesia Pohnpei is serviced by jet via Hawaii or Guam through Continental Airlines. Currency, Banking and Credit Cards The U.S. dollar is the official currency. There are several U.S. FDIC insured banks operating in the Federated States of Micronesia. Most major credit cards are welcome. Time Pohnpei is GMT +11 hours. Telecommunications Pohnpei enjoys modern, reliable telecommunication links worldwide. TV, FAX and Internet services are readily available through the services of the FSM Telecommunications Corporation. The country code for use in telephone is "1", and the area code is "691". Medical Facilities The Federated States of Micronesia ia a healthy place to visit. There are not tropical diseases and health care is readily available. Postal Services U.S. Postal rates apply, and there post offices open daily during regular business hours and closed on weekends. FedEX and DHL are available. What to Wear Travel light. It never gets cold in Federated States of Micronesis, so only lightweight clothing should be brought. Attire is very casual and formal wear is considered unnecessary and impractical. Hats, sunglasses and sun screen are recommended. Language English is the official language of the government and of commerce. English is commonly spoken and understood. Pohnpeian is spoken locally. Media Several newspapers, government and private, are available. There are several AM and FM radio stations as well as cable stations on Pohnpei with live satellite broadcasts of CNN and ESPN. Tipping Visitors to the country are guests, and hospitality is an honor in the culturre. Tips are neither expected nor encouraged. Electricity Standard 110 volt and US type outlets are used. Transportation Taxis are plentifulin Pohnpei and can be called to most locations. Rental cars, local boats and hotel buses are also available. Shopping The stores in Pohnpei offer a variety of goods including T-shirts with local expressions, handicrafts, items of local manufacture such as jewelry, carvings and other local products. Business Hours Business hours are normally from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mondays through Fridays. On weekends most retail outlets are open. Banks and government offices are closed. Restaurants and bars are open until 10:00 pm on weekdays and until 1:00 am on weekends. Local Foods The staple foods of the island are taro, yam, breadfruit, sweet potatoes and coconut. The main source of protein are fish, crabs, clams and pork. Restaurants offer local fare on their menus along with a wide selection of international dishes. Visiting Outer Islands A trip to the outer islands is sure to be a memorable experience but the logistics are complicated and arrangements should be made at least several months in advance. Photography in the Tropics Pohnpei has little in the way of shops that cater to photography needs, so visitors should bring all of their own film, cameras and lenses. Wildlife photographers may want to bring tele-zoom lenses for birdlife like the 80-400 stabilizer lenses. As it can rain frequently, a dry bag or waterproof case is recommended to keep equipment dry and also to protect it from spray while on boats or in kayaks. Digital photographers can easily set up a computer in the hotel room and download the day's events. Room voltage is US standard. Bring a voltage converter if necessary. Local Etiquette Pohnpeians are a friendly people who welcome visitors. But a few things should be rememberd when traversing local land. Pohnpeians reside on and farm most of the island's land. Since most of the trails cross private property, it is always courteous to ask permission before heading across someone's property. And it is just easier to take a local guide on most excursions. Please be crespectful and do not talk loudly or play loud music. And to prevent temptation, lock your car and secure or carry any valuables to avoid theft problem. Tropical Checklist Hiking, kayaking and snorkeling in Pohnpei can be a safe and fun experience if one remembers to bring just a few safeguards while enjoying the outdoors in Pohnpei. Here's a checklist to help you be safe and comfortable: • Sunscreen • Water or a drink with electrolytes like Gatorade • Light clothing that breathes well and dries quickly • Brimmed hat • Hard sole shoes or sandals • Camping poncho • Energy bar • Dry bag Local customs dictate that men and women should dress modestly, especially in rural areas, so as not to offend residents. Speed-o type trunks on men and bikinis on women should be avoided or at least should be reserved for boats and snorkeling only. Women should always wear a dress, sarong or shorts that cover the thigh. |
» Car Rental » Plane Tickets
» Pohnpei Hotels & Resorts » Basic Information » Pohnpei Attractions » Pohnpeian Culture » Events and Festivals » Travel Information
» The Village  |
USA: +1(310)691-8047, +1(818)793-5651, +1(805)426-4564, Guam: +1(671)488-3878, Philippines: +63(2)687-2343, +63(2)910-0201
Office hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:30am-6:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am-3:00pm, GMT +8:00; OR leave your message on the voice mail.
Fax Numbers: USA: +1(801)805-6622, Guam: +1(671)632-8118, Philippines: +63(2)687-5465
If you are dialing from within Canada, US, or any Pacific or Carribean Island to the UK or to Philippines,
dial international access code: 011.
This page was last modified on Monday, 12 May 2008
Copyright © 2003-2008. TravelMart Network Group, Inc. All rights reserved.