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Micronesia travel guide
Ancient stone ruins, WWII wrecks and remote Pacific islands.
The Federated States of Micronesia is a scattered nation of more than 600 islands in four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Travelers come for world-class wreck diving in Chuuk Lagoon, the mysterious stone city of Nan Madol and quiet village life.
Travel tools
Getting there
Pohnpei, Chuuk and Kosrae are linked by the island-hopper route between Guam and Honolulu, while Yap has flights via Guam.
Best time to visit: Jan–Apr – drier, sunny weather and calmer seas for diving.
Tougher months: No bad time – it is hot and wet all year, though July to November sees the heaviest rain and occasional storms, especially in the west.
Weather by month in Kolonia (Pohnpei)
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Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: Pacific/Guadalcanal, Pacific/Kosrae, Pacific/Port_Moresby. Compare with your local time.
Visas: in our passport dataset, 198 of 198 other passports can enter Micronesia without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.
Background: Visa policy of the Federated States of Micronesia (Wikipedia).
Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-07-07). Read the advisory.
Source and more: Micronesia travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Micronesia are based around Pohnpei, Nan Madol or Chuuk Lagoon. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$70–100 for a backpacker and US$150–250 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Micronesia page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: A, B. Voltage: 120 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +691.
Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- Pohnpei (Pohnpei State · rainforest & ruins): The capital island, with Nan Madol, waterfalls, rainforest hikes and the town of Kolonia.
- Nan Madol (Pohnpei · UNESCO site): A unique ancient city of basalt islets, best visited at high tide with a local guide.
- Chuuk Lagoon (Chuuk State · wreck diving): A vast lagoon filled with wartime wrecks, legendary among scuba divers.
- Yap (Yap State · tradition & mantas): A deeply traditional island of stone money, men's houses and manta ray dives.
- Kosrae (Kosrae State · nature & ruins): A quiet, mountainous island with pristine reefs, mangroves and the Leluh ruins.
- Ant Atoll (Off Pohnpei · atoll): A biosphere reserve of white-sand islets and rich reefs, reached by boat.
Things to do
- Explore Nan Madol. Paddle or wade between the basalt-walled islets of a mysterious ancient city on Pohnpei's reef.
- Dive Chuuk Lagoon's wrecks. Descend to sunken wartime ships still holding trucks, aircraft parts and coral-encrusted cargo.
- See Yap's stone money. Walk village paths lined with massive stone discs that still carry cultural value today.
- Swim with manta rays in Yap. Dive channels where manta rays gather at cleaning stations for much of the year.
- Hike Sokehs Rock. Climb Pohnpei's landmark basalt ridge for views over Kolonia, the reef and the lagoon.
- Cool off at Kepirohi Falls. Swim in a pool beneath a broad waterfall cascading over columnar basalt.
- Kayak Kosrae's mangroves. Glide through quiet mangrove channels on the 'Island of the Sleeping Lady'.
- Visit the Leluh ruins. Wander the overgrown walls and canals of Kosrae's ancient royal city.
Source: full Micronesia guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- Sakau – ceremonial drink made from pepper plant root on Pohnpei
- Breadfruit – island staple, roasted, boiled or baked
- Taro – starchy root cooked in many ways
- Reef fish – fresh catch, grilled or eaten raw
Source: RoamSun Micronesia guide
Money and safety
Currency: US dollar (USD). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for dive crews and guides..
Emergency numbers: 911.
- The US dollar is the official currency.
- ATMs exist in the main towns, but bring enough cash, as cards are accepted only at a few hotels and dive shops.
- Micronesia is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious where alcohol is involved, especially on Chuuk.
- Always ask permission before entering village land, beaches or ruins – most land is privately or clan owned.
Source: RoamSun Micronesia facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Micronesia?
Jan–Apr – drier, sunny weather and calmer seas for diving. Hot and humid all year, with heavy rain, especially on Pohnpei and Kosrae.
What time zone is Micronesia in?
Micronesia uses Pacific/Guadalcanal, Pacific/Kosrae, Pacific/Port_Moresby.
Do I need a visa for Micronesia?
It depends on your passport. In our dataset 198 of 198 other passports can enter without a prior visa, 0 need an e-visa or eTA and 0 need a visa in advance. Use the visa checker and confirm with the official government source.
What plug and voltage does Micronesia use?
Micronesia uses plug type A, B at 120 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Micronesia?
The international calling code for Micronesia is +691.
Do you tip in Micronesia?
Not expected, but appreciated for dive crews and guides..
What is the emergency number in Micronesia?
911.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Micronesia?
Traffic drives on the right.