Money in Guam

US dollar only — no exchange needed for American travellers

Guam is a US territory and uses the US dollar exclusively, so travellers from the mainland need no currency exchange at all. Visitors from elsewhere can bring dollars or simply withdraw them from ATMs in Tumon. Hotel desks and exchange counters in the resort area change other major currencies, though rarely at the best rates, and because so many visitors come from Japan and South Korea, yen and won are the easiest currencies to change.

ATMs cluster in Tumon and Hagåtña

Local and Hawaii-based banks run ATMs throughout Tumon, the main resort strip, in Hagåtña and at the larger malls, and international Visa and Mastercard cards work in them. Coverage thins out in the southern villages and the rural north, so withdraw enough cash in Tumon or Hagåtña before a day of driving to the south or up to Ritidian.

Cards and phone payments work as on the mainland

Guam's payment systems are the same as the US mainland's. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, and phone and contactless payments work at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, the duty-free stores and most tour operators in Tumon. Cash is still handy in rural villages, at small local eateries and at market stalls, including the Wednesday night market at Chamorro Village.

US prices, tax-free shopping

Prices follow US levels, set in dollars, and are well above those of most Southeast Asian destinations; check current rates for hotels, car hire and tours when you plan, since they move with the season. The island's financial draw is its shopping: Guam has no sales tax on most purchases, and for many visitors from Japan and South Korea, cosmetics and luxury goods cost noticeably less than at home.