Pacific beaches, Chamorro culture and World War II history

Guam Travel Guide

Explore Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific known for Tumon Bay resorts, coral reefs, tropical beaches, Chamorro heritage and major World War II historical sites.

  • Tumon Bay beaches
  • Chamorro culture
  • Snorkeling and diving
  • World War II historic sites
Explore Guam vacation packages
Tropical beach and turquoise water in Guam
Guam in the western Pacific

Essential travel information

All About Guam

Find practical information about Guam’s tropical seasons, car-based transportation, U.S. dollar, official languages and U.S.-style tipping customs.

Guam beach and island cultureGuam FAQLearn what Guam is known for, where to visit, how long to stay and what currency and languages travelers can expect.

What is Guam known for?

Guam is known for tropical beaches, clear Pacific water, coral reefs, duty-free shopping, Chamorro culture and significant World War II sites.

Tumon Bay is the main resort district, while the rest of the island offers scenic viewpoints, villages, waterfalls, hiking and historical locations.

What are the best places to visit in Guam?

Guam is one island and Tripmasters lists Guam Island as the principal destination, so visitors normally use a single hotel base or change resorts rather than build a multi-city itinerary.

Tumon BayThe principal resort and shopping area combines beaches, hotels, dining and nightlife.
HagåtñaGuam’s capital contains historical landmarks, government buildings and cultural sites.
Southern GuamScenic coastal roads, villages, Spanish-era sites and viewpoints reward a rental-car day trip.
Northern GuamWildlife refuge areas and beaches provide a quieter contrast to Tumon.
Apra Harbor and Central CoastHistorical sites, dive areas and military history are concentrated around the central-western coast.
Interior LandscapesHiking routes, waterfalls and elevated viewpoints show a greener side of the island.

How many days should I spend in Guam?

Approximately 4-6 days works well for a first visit, with additional time useful for diving, beach relaxation or a slower resort stay.

Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.

What currency is used in Guam?

Guam uses the U.S. dollar (USD), since it is an unincorporated territory of the United States.

Which languages are spoken in Guam?

English and Chamorro are official languages. Filipino languages and several other Micronesian and Asian languages are also widely heard.

Guam tropical coastline during dry-season weatherBest Time to Visit GuamCompare Guam’s drier and wetter tropical periods and account for the island’s exposure to Pacific tropical storms.

When is the best time to visit Guam?

The drier period generally runs from roughly January through June, while July through December is wetter. Tropical storms and typhoons are possible, with risk generally higher in the second half of the year.

January – March

Drier Season

Humidity is somewhat lower and rainfall is generally reduced, making this a popular period for beaches and sightseeing.

Best for: Beaches, snorkeling, road trips and outdoor activities.

April – June

Warm Transition

Hot conditions continue with increasing humidity toward the start of the wetter season.

Best for: Diving, beaches and island touring.

July – September

Wet Season

Rainfall, humidity and tropical-weather risk increase. Heavy showers can interrupt outdoor plans.

Best for: Flexible resort stays and value travel.

October – December

Late Wet / Transition

Typhoon risk can remain elevated before conditions gradually move toward the drier season.

Best for: Indoor-outdoor itineraries with weather flexibility.

Guam restaurant and hospitality sceneTipping in GuamUnderstand gratuities in restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided tours while traveling in Guam.

Is tipping customary in Guam?

Guam generally follows U.S. tipping practices more closely than most Asian destinations. Restaurant, hotel, taxi and tour gratuities are common when service is not already included.

Which currency should I use?

Use U.S. dollars.

Restaurants, cafes and bars

Around 15-20% is customary for table service when gratuity is not already included.

Hotel staff

Porters, housekeeping and valet staff are commonly tipped in U.S.-style amounts.

Taxi drivers

A gratuity of roughly 10-15% is customary for good service.

Tour guides

Guides, dive crews and activity staff commonly receive tips depending on service and trip length.

Check resort bills for automatic service charges before adding another gratuity.

Boat and clear tropical water in GuamGetting Around GuamA rental car is the most flexible way to explore Guam, supplemented by buses, trolleys, taxis and local ride services.

What is the best way to travel around Guam?

Guam has no passenger rail system. The island is small on a map but attractions are spread out, sidewalks are limited outside resort areas and public transportation is less comprehensive than in major Asian cities.

Rental carsA car is strongly recommended for travelers who want to explore beyond Tumon and Hagåtña at their own pace.
GMTA busesGuam Mass Transit Authority operates public bus routes connecting many villages, though frequency may be limited.
Trolleys and hotel shuttlesVisitor-oriented services connect some hotels, shopping centers and popular resort districts.
Taxis and local ride servicesTaxis are available at hotels, the airport and major attractions; local app-based ride services supplement them.

What should I verify before traveling?

  • Drive on the right
  • Carry a valid U.S. or accepted driving license as applicable
  • Allow time for limited bus frequencies
  • Check tropical-weather advisories before long outdoor days
  • Do not plan on rail travel within Guam
  • Use U.S. dollars for all ordinary payments

The legacy country page contained copied ferry information from St. Vincent; Guam has no regular inter-island passenger ferry system and should be planned around road transportation and air connections.

One island destination

Top Destination in Guam

Tripmasters lists Guam Island as the country’s single principal destination, so the Sweden layout is used without artificial secondary city cards.

Prepare for your vacation

What to Expect While Traveling

Review Tripmasters guides covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can understand each component of your Guam vacation.

Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across Asia with Tripmasters.

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