Oceania · Micronesia
Guam
🏛️ Capital
Hagåtña
👥 Population
153,836
📐 Area
549 km²
💱 Currency
United States dollar ($)
🗣️ Languages
Chamorro, English, Spanish
📞 Calling Code
+1671
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+10:00
🌐 Region
Oceania / Micronesia
About Guam
Guam is a sun-drenched island paradise rising from the Western Pacific, where ancient Chamorro culture meets the modern pulse of an American territory. Framed by turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and a warm tropical breeze, Guam offers a destination unlike anywhere else in Oceania — one that blends the relaxed rhythms of island life with the comfort of familiar infrastructure. Whether you are strolling through the colorful waterfront of Tumon Bay or watching the sky burst into color at sunset over the Philippine Sea, the island never fails to captivate.
You will find that Guam's geography is compact yet endlessly varied. In the north, dramatic limestone cliffs and jungle-topped plateaus give way to hidden coves, while the south features rolling hills, ancient latte stone pillars, and traditional fishing villages where life moves at its own unhurried pace. The island spans just 212 square miles, yet packs in a remarkable concentration of scenic overlooks, dive sites, and historical landmarks that reward every curious traveler who explores beyond the resort zone.
Guam's position as a crossroads of the Pacific means you will encounter a delightful mix of influences — Japanese, Filipino, American, and indigenous Chamorro — all layered into the food, festivals, and everyday life of this remarkable island. The Chamorro people are celebrated for their warm hospitality, and local fiestas, farmers markets, and cultural villages give you an authentic window into a living tradition that has survived centuries of foreign influence. Once you set foot on Guam, you will understand why so many visitors return year after year to this jewel of Micronesia.
You will find that Guam's geography is compact yet endlessly varied. In the north, dramatic limestone cliffs and jungle-topped plateaus give way to hidden coves, while the south features rolling hills, ancient latte stone pillars, and traditional fishing villages where life moves at its own unhurried pace. The island spans just 212 square miles, yet packs in a remarkable concentration of scenic overlooks, dive sites, and historical landmarks that reward every curious traveler who explores beyond the resort zone.
Guam's position as a crossroads of the Pacific means you will encounter a delightful mix of influences — Japanese, Filipino, American, and indigenous Chamorro — all layered into the food, festivals, and everyday life of this remarkable island. The Chamorro people are celebrated for their warm hospitality, and local fiestas, farmers markets, and cultural villages give you an authentic window into a living tradition that has survived centuries of foreign influence. Once you set foot on Guam, you will understand why so many visitors return year after year to this jewel of Micronesia.
History & Background
Guam's history begins with the ancient Chamorro civilization, which developed a sophisticated society of skilled navigators, farmers, and stone builders over several millennia. The towering latte stones — mushroom-shaped limestone pillars found across the island — are the most visible remnants of this pre-contact era, believed to have served as foundations for the homes of high-status families. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan became the first European to arrive in 1521, and Spain subsequently colonized the island in 1668, a period that brought both Catholicism and devastating population decline due to disease and conflict.
After three centuries of Spanish rule, Guam was ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War of 1898. The island was occupied by Japan during World War II from 1941 to 1944, a brutal period that left deep scars on the local population and is commemorated at memorials and museums across the island today. American forces liberated Guam in July and August 1944 during a fierce battle, and the island subsequently became a key U.S. military hub in the Pacific. This layered colonial history — Chamorro, Spanish, American, Japanese — is woven into the very landscape and identity of modern Guam.
After three centuries of Spanish rule, Guam was ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War of 1898. The island was occupied by Japan during World War II from 1941 to 1944, a brutal period that left deep scars on the local population and is commemorated at memorials and museums across the island today. American forces liberated Guam in July and August 1944 during a fierce battle, and the island subsequently became a key U.S. military hub in the Pacific. This layered colonial history — Chamorro, Spanish, American, Japanese — is woven into the very landscape and identity of modern Guam.
Culture & People
Guam's culture is anchored by the Chamorro people, the indigenous inhabitants who have called this island home for more than four thousand years. Their traditions — fiesta cooking, weaving, oral storytelling, and communal respect for elders — remain central to daily life even in a modern American territory. The concept of inafa'maolek, roughly translated as "making things right for everyone," underpins social interactions and gives Guamanian society its notably cooperative and generous character. You will encounter this spirit in everything from the way neighbors share food to the pride locals take in welcoming visitors.
Spanish colonization from the seventeenth century layered Catholic traditions onto Chamorro foundations, and today nearly all of Guam's village fiestas are tied to patron saints. This blending gives the island's cultural calendar a uniquely Pacific-Latino flavor. Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and mainland American communities have added further texture to the mix, creating a multicultural society that celebrates diversity without losing its indigenous core. Village fiestas, cultural parks, and the Guam Museum in Hagåtña are excellent starting points for understanding the depth and resilience of Chamorro heritage.
Spanish colonization from the seventeenth century layered Catholic traditions onto Chamorro foundations, and today nearly all of Guam's village fiestas are tied to patron saints. This blending gives the island's cultural calendar a uniquely Pacific-Latino flavor. Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and mainland American communities have added further texture to the mix, creating a multicultural society that celebrates diversity without losing its indigenous core. Village fiestas, cultural parks, and the Guam Museum in Hagåtña are excellent starting points for understanding the depth and resilience of Chamorro heritage.
Food & Cuisine
Guamanian cuisine, known as Chamorro food, is a hearty and flavor-packed culinary tradition built around barbecued meats, coconut milk, fresh seafood, and the bright tang of the native finadene sauce. Red rice colored with achote seeds is the beloved staple that accompanies almost every meal, and kelaguen — a dish of marinated chicken or seafood dressed with lemon juice, coconut, and chili — is the island's signature crowd-pleaser. You will find these dishes at every local fiesta, roadside grill, and family gathering, served with an infectious warmth that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Beyond traditional Chamorro fare, Guam's diverse population means you can eat your way through excellent Japanese ramen stalls, Filipino turo-turo eateries, Korean barbecue restaurants, and contemporary Pacific Rim bistros all within a few miles of each other. The Chamorro Village Night Market, held on Wednesday evenings in Hagåtña, is an unmissable culinary event where local vendors serve everything from barbecued short ribs to fresh coconut candy. For the full experience, attend a village fiesta if one coincides with your visit — tables groan with communal dishes and the community welcomes visitors with open arms and generous portions.
Beyond traditional Chamorro fare, Guam's diverse population means you can eat your way through excellent Japanese ramen stalls, Filipino turo-turo eateries, Korean barbecue restaurants, and contemporary Pacific Rim bistros all within a few miles of each other. The Chamorro Village Night Market, held on Wednesday evenings in Hagåtña, is an unmissable culinary event where local vendors serve everything from barbecued short ribs to fresh coconut candy. For the full experience, attend a village fiesta if one coincides with your visit — tables groan with communal dishes and the community welcomes visitors with open arms and generous portions.
Top Attractions
- Tumon Bay — The island's premier beach strip, lined with luxury hotels, turquoise water, and vibrant nightlife options.
- Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes) — A dramatic cliff-top overlook with a legendary Chamorro love story and panoramic Pacific views.
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park — Seven sites across the island honoring the fierce WWII battles that shaped modern Guam.
- Latte Stone Park, Hagåtña — Ancient Chamorro stone pillars set in the heart of the capital, a powerful link to pre-colonial civilization.
- Ritidian Point — A pristine wildlife refuge at the island's northern tip featuring white sand beaches, sea turtles, and ancient cave art.
- Guam Museum — A beautifully designed cultural institution in Hagåtña telling the full sweep of Chamorro and Pacific island history.
Practical Travel Tips
- Rent a car to explore beyond Tumon Bay — the south of the island has stunning scenery and far fewer tourists.
- The U.S. dollar is the currency, and major credit cards are widely accepted, making transactions effortless for American visitors.
- Japanese is widely spoken in tourist areas; learning a few words of Chamorro like "håfa adai" (hello) will earn you warm smiles from locals.
- Typhoon season runs July through November — always check the National Weather Service Pacific forecast before and during your trip.
- Tipping is customary as Guam follows American service culture; 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect Guam's coral reefs, which are already under environmental pressure.
- Book diving excursions in advance — Guam's underwater wrecks and blue holes are world-class and popular year-round.
Visa Overview
As a U.S. territory, Guam follows United States immigration rules. Citizens of the United States enter without restriction. Visitors from many countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and most EU nations, can enter Guam visa-free for up to 45 days under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which is separate from the mainland U.S. visa waiver. Citizens of other countries may require a valid U.S. visa to enter. Always verify current entry requirements with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before traveling, as policies can change.
Getting Around
Guam has no public bus system that is practical for tourists, so renting a car is the most efficient and recommended way to explore the island. International driving licenses are accepted, and driving is on the right-hand side of the road following U.S. rules. Taxis and rideshare apps operate in Tumon and Hagåtña but can be expensive for longer journeys. Many resorts offer shuttle services to major attractions. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport connects Guam to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland with multiple daily flights.
Safety Notes
Guam is generally a very safe destination for travelers. Petty theft can occur in tourist-heavy areas of Tumon, so keep valuables secured and avoid leaving belongings unattended on the beach. Water safety is important — some beaches have strong currents and limited lifeguard coverage, so heed posted warning signs. Typhoon preparedness is essential during the summer and autumn months; register with your country's embassy and follow local emergency management advisories. The island's medical facilities are adequate for most needs, but serious conditions may require medical evacuation to Hawaii or the U.S. mainland.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Guam.
United States dollar (USD) $
Updated: 2026-10-05
United States dollar (USD) $
Updated: 2026-10-05
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 9.582581 |
| AAVE | 0.005539 |
| ADA | 3.749389 |
| AED | 3.672500 |
| AFN | 64.492270 |
| AKT | 1.262293 |
| ALGO | 7.636260 |
| ALL | 81.756641 |
| AMD | 362.256419 |
| AMP | 1,580.493976 |
| ANG | 1.800524 |
| AOA | 917.586839 |
| APE | 5.960812 |
| APT | 1.265149 |
| AR | 0.223478 |
| ARB | 4.974078 |
| ARS | 1,532.218454 |
| ATOM | 0.574193 |
| ATS | 12.304097 |
| AUD | 1.441438 |
| AVAX | 0.091809 |
| AWG | 1.7900 |
| AXS | 0.763432 |
| AZM | 8,500.142867 |
| AZN | 1.700029 |
| BAKE | 4,164.175508 |
| BAM | 1.748852 |
| BAT | 9.736068 |
| BBD | 2.0000 |
| BCH | 0.003141 |
| BDT | 122.970708 |
| BEF | 36.070875 |
| BGN | 1.748852 |
| BHD | 0.3760 |
| BIF | 3,013.898073 |
| BMD | 1.0000 |
| BNB | 0.001265 |
| BND | 1.281879 |
| BOB | 11.976893 |
| BRL | 5.220959 |
| BSD | 1.0000 |
| BSV | 0.050024 |
| BSW | 2,407.291432 |
| BTC | 0.000012 |
| BTCB | 14.110044 |
| BTG | 1.511574 |
| BTN | 96.443484 |
| BTT | 2,670,394.374865 |
| BUSD | 0.997666 |
| BWP | 13.811388 |
| BYN | 3.005557 |
| BYR | 19,572.073258 |
| BZD | 2.012689 |
| CAD | 1.428474 |
| CAKE | 0.400372 |
| CDF | 2,311.497170 |
| CELO | 9.509332 |
| CFX | 18.544841 |
| CHF | 0.830036 |
| CHZ | 59.832158 |
| CLP | 979.840491 |
| CNH | 6.710739 |
| CNY | 6.705126 |
| COMP | 0.039890 |
| COP | 3,280.395372 |
| CRC | 458.097054 |
| CRO | 14.646758 |
| CRV | 2.611271 |
| CSPR | 387.921128 |
| CUC | 0.998576 |
| CUP | 23.947117 |
| CVE | 98.600526 |
| CVX | 0.429327 |
| CYP | 0.523337 |
| CZK | 21.842351 |
| DAI | 0.998752 |
| DASH | 0.016792 |
| DCR | 0.054265 |
| DEM | 1.748852 |
| DFI | 1,511.544193 |
| DJF | 178.328353 |
| DKK | 6.683095 |
| DOGE | 10.494849 |
| DOP | 59.858337 |
| DOT | 0.824106 |
| DYDX | 6.908386 |
| DZD | 133.691381 |
| EEK | 13.990813 |
| EGLD | 0.223903 |
| EGP | 52.645159 |
| ENJ | 29.915208 |
| EOS | 10.370619 |
| ERN | 15.0000 |
| ESP | 148.777974 |
| ETB | 163.262332 |
| ETC | 0.111562 |
| ETH | 0.000370 |
| EUR | 0.894174 |
| EURC | 0.892521 |
| FEI | 0.998608 |
| FIL | 0.953330 |
| FIM | 5.316515 |
| FJD | 2.253877 |
| FKP | 0.757047 |
| FLOW | 31.623409 |
| FLR | 138.431301 |
| FRAX | 1.007510 |
| FRF | 5.865395 |
| FTT | 3.911154 |
| GALA | 403.240272 |
| GBP | 0.757047 |
| GEL | 2.595397 |
| GGP | 0.757047 |
| GHC | 117,242.529397 |
| GHS | 11.724253 |
| GIP | 0.757047 |
| GMD | 74.071361 |
| GMX | 0.119249 |
| GNF | 8,801.525724 |
| GNO | 0.008277 |
| GRD | 304.689665 |
| GRT | 33.410452 |
| GT | 0.090098 |
| GTQ | 7.641428 |
| GUSD | 1.000476 |
| GYD | 209.028204 |
| HBAR | 9.693602 |
| HKD | 7.846672 |
| HNL | 26.910684 |
| HNT | 1.740675 |
| HOT | 2,233.441003 |
| HRK | 6.737151 |
| HT | 27.691696 |
| HTG | 130.854755 |
| HUF | 329.701910 |
| ICP | 0.307242 |
| IDR | 17,941.405273 |
| IEP | 0.704219 |
| ILS | 3.051835 |
| IMP | 0.757047 |
| IMX | 5.503652 |
| INJ | 0.132233 |
| INR | 96.443484 |
| IQD | 1,309.239401 |
| IRR | 1,744,050.969731 |
| ISK | 122.668856 |
| ITL | 1,731.361578 |
| JEP | 0.757047 |
| JMD | 158.183671 |
| JOD | 0.7090 |
| JPY | 158.075387 |
| KAS | 23.416806 |
| KAVA | 14.518269 |
| KCS | 0.133442 |
| KDA | 107.615524 |
| KES | 128.791296 |
| KGS | 87.455202 |
| KHR | 4,054.325644 |
| KLAY | 26.518742 |
| KMF | 439.904590 |
| KNC | 7.105416 |
| KPW | 898.717967 |
| KRW | 1,346.578278 |
| KSM | 0.194013 |
| KWD | 0.308907 |
| KYD | 0.829791 |
| KZT | 448.500645 |
| LAK | 22,538.713449 |
| LBP | 89,646.259292 |
| LDO | 2.144682 |
| LEO | 0.111942 |
| LINK | 0.070951 |
| LKR | 330.483243 |
| LRC | 95.034966 |
| LRD | 171.724411 |
| LSL | 16.734451 |
| LTC | 0.014280 |
| LTL | 3.087403 |
| LUF | 36.070875 |
| LUNA | 19.706377 |
| LUNC | 19,013.463104 |
| LVL | 0.628425 |
| LYD | 6.399576 |
| MAD | 9.858900 |
| MANA | 9.843836 |
| MBX | 33.602085 |
| MDL | 17.853823 |
| MGA | 4,456.320952 |
| MGF | 22,281.604762 |
| MINA | 6.246274 |
| MKD | 54.763689 |
| MKR | 0.000454 |
| MMK | 2,099.237102 |
| MNT | 3,599.204460 |
| MOP | 8.082072 |
| MRO | 401.604068 |
| MRU | 40.160407 |
| MTL | 0.383869 |
| MUR | 48.447264 |
| MVR | 15.459538 |
| MWK | 1,732.749461 |
| MXN | 18.228361 |
| MXV | 2.068593 |
| MYR | 4.088019 |
| MZM | 63,832.625306 |
| MZN | 63.832625 |
| NAD | 16.734451 |
| NEAR | 0.205058 |
| NEO | 0.392755 |
| NEXO | 1.162795 |
| NFT | 4,160,304.597426 |
| NGN | 1,327.120551 |
| NIO | 36.741107 |
| NLG | 1.970499 |
| NOK | 9.664156 |
| NPR | 154.381907 |
| NZD | 1.788744 |
| OKB | 0.008021 |
| OMR | 0.384781 |
| ONE | 6.840342 |
| OP | 7.634948 |
| ORDI | 0.221568 |
| PAB | 1.0000 |
| PAXG | 0.000241 |
| PEN | 3.460492 |
| PEPE | 227,738.226145 |
| PGK | 4.491883 |
| PHP | 62.741798 |
| PI | 11.512252 |
| PKR | 276.893485 |
| PLN | 3.923455 |
| POL | 9.210616 |
| PTE | 179.265718 |
| PYG | 5,838.516818 |
| QAR | 3.6400 |
| QNT | 0.004010 |
| QTUM | 1.018186 |
| ROL | 47,786.732011 |
| RON | 4.778673 |
| RPL | 0.524021 |
| RSD | 104.480542 |
| RUB | 83.860163 |
| RUNE | 1.279753 |
| RVN | 419.300832 |
| RWF | 1,477.161949 |
| SAND | 13.698482 |
| SAR | 3.7500 |
| SBD | 8.068725 |
| SCR | 14.257985 |
| SDD | 60,024.963751 |
| SDG | 600.249638 |
| SEK | 10.085162 |
| SGD | 1.281879 |
| SHIB | 169,431.368574 |
| SHP | 0.757047 |
| SIT | 214.279769 |
| SKK | 26.937875 |
| SLE | 23.045097 |
| SLL | 23,045.096751 |
| SNX | 3.976693 |
| SOL | 0.008288 |
| SOS | 569.878423 |
| SPL | 0.166667 |
| SRD | 37.815872 |
| SRG | 37,815.871558 |
| SSP | 5,712.591514 |
| STD | 22,095.113445 |
| STN | 22.095113 |
| STX | 2.534035 |
| SUI | 0.821135 |
| SVC | 8.7500 |
| SYP | 12,983.474565 |
| SZL | 16.734451 |
| THB | 33.688332 |
| THETA | 4.416004 |
| TJS | 9.207724 |
| TMM | 17,499.935820 |
| TMT | 3.499987 |
| TND | 2.990272 |
| TOP | 2.403092 |
| TRL | 49,159,603.200107 |
| TRX | 2.980540 |
| TRY | 49.159603 |
| TTD | 6.776365 |
| TUSD | 0.998974 |
| TVD | 1.441438 |
| TWD | 31.803149 |
| TWT | 1.760313 |
| TZS | 2,631.857735 |
| UAH | 44.972277 |
| UGX | 3,988.513920 |
| UNI | 0.111017 |
| USDC | 0.998648 |
| USDD | 0.999079 |
| USDP | 1.000509 |
| USDT | 0.998896 |
| UYU | 40.274695 |
| UZS | 11,777.070892 |
| VAL | 1,731.361578 |
| VEB | 86,709,809,094.4905 |
| VED | 867.098091 |
| VEF | 86,709,809.094491 |
| VES | 867.098091 |
| VET | 115.044437 |
| VND | 26,013.912562 |
| VUV | 120.438434 |
| WAVES | 3.323721 |
| WEMIX | 5.118893 |
| WOO | 74.145526 |
| WST | 2.774177 |
| XAF | 586.539453 |
| XAG | 0.016421 |
| XAU | 0.000242 |
| XAUT | 0.000242 |
| XBT | 0.000012 |
| XCD | 2.706398 |
| XCG | 1.800524 |
| XCH | 0.634969 |
| XDC | 30.395455 |
| XDR | 0.738538 |
| XEC | 123,093.754554 |
| XEM | 1,748.990953 |
| XLM | 4.488207 |
| XMR | 0.001857 |
| XOF | 586.539453 |
| XPD | 0.000855 |
| XPF | 106.703297 |
| XPT | 0.000585 |
| XRP | 0.664070 |
| XTZ | 3.044524 |
| YER | 236.392574 |
| ZAR | 16.734451 |
| ZEC | 0.000759 |
| ZIL | 279.059931 |
| ZMK | 19,639.321526 |
| ZMW | 19.639322 |
| ZWD | 361.9000 |
| ZWG | 26.766364 |
| ZWL | 66,881.762527 |
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Cities in Guam 21
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Cities in Guam 21
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Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Guam needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Guam?
The capital of Guam is Hagåtña.
What currency does Guam use?
Guam uses the United States dollar ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Guam?
The official language(s) of Guam include Chamorro, English, Spanish.
What is the population of Guam?
Guam has a population of approximately 153,836 people.
What region is Guam in?
Guam is located in Oceania, specifically in the Micronesia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Guam?
The international dialing code for Guam is +1671.
What time zones does Guam observe?
Guam observes the following time zone(s): UTC+10:00.
What is the current time in Guam?
The local time in Guam is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Guam?
Guam covers a total area of 549 km².
How many states or provinces does Guam have?
Guam is divided into 16 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Guam in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Guam in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Guam?
Visa requirements for citizens of Guam vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.