Planning & Arrival Info

Visitor Entry Requirements
All visitors arriving in the FSM must have and present proof of citizenship or nationality by possessing a valid passport or other travel document issued by the government of the country of citizenship or nationality. The document must be valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry into the FSM. Citizens and nationals of the FSM, Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the United States may prove citizenship or nationality by possessing a passport, birth certificate or FSM entry permit.

Upon arrival, all non-citizens without a valid entry permit must present a completed "FSM Immigration Arrival and Departure Record." This form is furnished by a carrier prior to arrival at the point of entry. Those wishing to visit the FSM for a period exceeding 30 days must also complete a entry permit. A permit is not required for a person visiting the FSM for 30 days or less. Every visitor must demonstrate the ability to travel onward beyond the FSM and to leave the FSM at the end of the visit. For more information on any aspects relating to entry into, or immigration to, the FSM, please contact the following:

Main Office:
Chief, Division of Immigration & Labor
Department of Justice
FSM National Government
PO Box PS-105
Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941
Tel: 691.320.5844/2605
Fax: 691.320.7250/6240
E-mail: imhq@mail.fm

Chuuk Immigration & Labor Office
PO Box 866
Weno, Chuuk FM 96942
Tel: 691.330-2335
Fax: 691.330-4135
E-mail: cil@mail.fm

Health
Chuuk is a generally healthy place but there are no major health facilities here, the closest being in Guam. The dive chamber is also located there. Typhoid has been found here in the past.

Money
The US dollar is the currency used in Truk. There are US banks here and some banking services. It is best to bring US dollars with you to Truk as money exchange can be a problem at times.

Time Zones
GMT/UTC plus 10 hours in Yap and Chuuk; GMT/UTC plus 11 hours in Pohnpei and Kosrae

Electricity
110/120V, 60Hz

Language
Chuukese is spoken in Truk Lagoon but English is also the official national language and most people speak it quite well. There are eight major indigenous languages of the Malayo-Polynesian linguistic family spoken in the FSM: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi.

Electricity
Truk is US standard 110/120V, 60Hz

Weights & Measures
The Imperial system is used in Truk.

Weather
The Federated States of Micronesia has a tropical oceanic climate that is consistently warm and humid, with some of the most uniform year-round temperatures in the world. Most days it is around 81°F (27°C) - sometimes it gets up to 90°F (32°C), sometimes it drops to 70°F (21°C). It is a little drier, cooler and breezier between December and April than it is the rest of the year. The wettest months are October and November and annual rainfall is about 140 inches. Typhoon season is between August and December but Chuuk rarely gets a direct hit from a typhoon.

Typical Expenses
There is a US$15 Departure Tax that must be PAID IN CASH when leaving from Chuuk. Other than that, the usual money for T-shirts, restaurants and souvenirs is all that is needed. Most hotels and live aboards offer packages that may include diving and room and meals on the ships. Money for liquor at typical “hotel prices” should be budgeted for those who imbibe. Only major hotels accept credit cards, so it is wise to bring some US dollars for expenses.

Attire
Casual, tropical attire is the norm in Truk. The dress codes around the hotels is often relaxed and fitting of those on holiday. We ask that swimsuits and short shorts be confined to boats and beaches and that guests dress modestly when in public places, such as local stores or walking through town.

Getting There
The main gateways into the Federated States of Micronesia are Honolulu, Manila and Guam (flights arrive from the USA, Australia and Asia). Circle Micronesia air pass originating in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a Visit Micronesia pass originating in Guam, will let you hop around the islands.

Banking
Chuuk has two full service banks. Hours are normally limited to 10-3 daily. The Bank of Guam has a 24/7 ATM machine.
Bank of FSM
Tel: (691) 330-2354
Bank of Guam
Tel: (691) 330-2567/2331

Communications
International Phone, Fax and e-mail communication is available at major hotels and at the Chuuk/FSM Communications Center. Cell phones are out of reach of most satellite signals.

Suggested Reading
Hailstorm Over Truk Lagoon – Klaus Lindemann – Amazon.com (Out of Print - Limited Availability)
Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Chuuk Lagoon, Pohnpei and Kosrae – Tim Rock, Lonely Planet Pisces Publications - Amazon.com
World War II Wrecks of the Truk Lagoon - Dan E. Bailey - Amazon.com

Etiquette
The elderly are respected and held in high regard in Truk. Dresses for women are expected to cover the thigh. Swimwear for men and women should only be worn at the hotel beaches and on the dive boats.

Say It In Chuukese
Ran Annim – Hello, Good Day
Kinisou Chapur – Thank you
Nesor Annim – Good Morning
Nonowas Annim – Good Afternoon
Nepong Annim – Good Evening
Ifa Usum? – How are you?
Amusano – Excuse me.
Nioch – Beautiful
Itei – My name is .....
Ia – Where is ..... ?

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