Moving to Guam

• Chapter 1 Understanding Guam: Geography, History, and Culture

• Chapter 2 Legal Matters: Residency, Visas, and Work Permits

• Chapter 3 Cost of Living: Comparing Guam to the US Mainland

• Chapter 4 Finding Housing: Rental vs. Purchase, Locations, and Considerations

• Chapter 5 Shipping Your Belongings: Options, Costs, and Customs

• Chapter 6 Navigating Guam's Healthcare System: Insurance and Access

• Chapter 7 Education on Guam: Schools, Colleges, and Universities

• Chapter 8 Transportation on Guam: Driving, Public Transit, and Other Options

• Chapter 9 Employment Opportunities: Finding a Job in Guam

• Chapter 10 Banking and Finance: Setting Up Accounts and Managing Money

• Chapter 11 Communication Essentials: Internet, Phone, and Postal Services

• Chapter 12 Local Laws and Regulations: What You Need to Know

• Chapter 13 Safety and Security: Staying Safe in Guam

• Chapter 14 Daily Life: Grocery Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

• Chapter 15 Language Matters: English, Chamorro, and Other Languages Spoken

• Chapter 16 The Chamorro Culture: Traditions, Customs, and Etiquette

• Chapter 17 Climate and Weather: Preparing for Life in the Tropics

• Chapter 18 Natural Disasters: Typhoons, Earthquakes, and Preparedness

• Chapter 19 Outdoor Recreation: Beaches, Hiking, Diving, and More

• Chapter 20 Traveling To and From Guam: Air Travel and Regional Hubs

• Chapter 21 Island Hopping: Exploring the Marianas and Micronesia

• Chapter 22 Building a Social Network: Making Friends and Connections

• Chapter 23 Dealing with Homesickness and Culture Shock

• Chapter 24 Raising a Family in Guam: Considerations and Resources

• Chapter 25 Long-Term Planning: Considerations for Permanent Residency or Return

Hafa Adai and welcome! If you're reading this, chances are you're contemplating a significant life change: moving to the beautiful island of Guam. Perhaps you've already secured a job transfer, are considering retirement options, or are simply drawn to the allure of island living. Whatever your reasons, relocating to Guam is a unique and exciting adventure, and one that differs in significant ways from other moves within the United States.

This guide is specifically designed for those already familiar with the process of relocating within the U.S. It assumes you understand the basics of moving – the packing, the planning, the logistics involved in uprooting yourself and starting fresh. Instead of rehashing general moving advice, we'll focus on the specific considerations that come with moving to Guam, a U.S. territory with its own distinct character, culture, and challenges.

Guam, while part of the United States, is a world away in many aspects. This Pacific island boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. It is, however, geographically isolated, presenting unique circumstances for newcomers. From navigating the complexities of shipping your possessions across the ocean to adapting to a tropical climate, and understanding the local nuances of life on an island with both deep-rooted traditions and modern U.S. influences, this book will help you understand every step that needs to be taken on your moving journey.

Over the next twenty-five chapters, we will delve into topics that are crucial to a smooth transition. We'll explore the legalities of establishing residency and securing employment. We'll compare the cost of living to what you're accustomed to on the mainland, dissect housing options and guide you through the process of obtaining essential services like utilities and communications.

Beyond the practicalities, we'll examine aspects of daily life unique to Guam. We'll navigate the intricacies of the local healthcare system and educational opportunities and guide you through getting used to a world where typhoon preparedness is a way of life. We'll take a deep dive into the vibrant Chamorro culture, a culture that permeates every part of the lives of those living on the island. Understanding the history of Guam and how the island relates to the mainland, its traditions and customs, is the very cornerstone to making a successful move.

We will then cover the ins and outs of finding a job in Guam, what banking on the island is like, and how communication, both internal to the island, and between the island and the rest of the world, works in practice. Then we will cover the things that everyone must be aware of when arriving: local laws and regulations. We will then discuss the reality of living in such an isolated place and consider personal safety on an island that many thousands of military personnel also call home.

We will then give you some advice that will make it easier for you to go shopping and feed yourself when you are living in Guam, and take you on a culinary tour, before diving into the languages that are spoken on the island and providing guidance on how best to navigate your life there linguistically speaking. After you have familiarized yourself with the Chamorro culture, we will help you to get ready for Guam's climate. We will talk about the realities of living somewhere where the threat of natural disasters is something that needs to be kept constantly in mind, before taking you on a tour of the beaches and giving you some insight into some of the recreational activities that people like to do on the island and introducing you to some of the other nearby places which you may want to visit.

Finally, after all this, we will cover topics relevant to settling down, such as building a social network, homesickness, and culture shock. We'll offer advice on raising a family in Guam and also take a look at the considerations one might need to keep in mind when moving to such a faraway and different place.

This isn't just a guide to moving boxes and paperwork; it's your companion to understanding and embracing the essence of Guam. It's about learning to appreciate the "Hafa Adai" spirit, the island pace, and the unique blend of American and Chamorro influences that define this U.S. territory. While this guide strives to be comprehensive, remember that every individual's experience is unique. Use this book as a starting point, a foundation upon which to build your own personal journey. Be open to new experiences, embrace the local culture, and be prepared to adapt. Moving to Guam can be a truly enriching experience, filled with unforgettable moments and a chance to build a life quite unlike any other.

This book is your roadmap to successfully making Guam your new home. So, let's begin your journey to the "Land of the Chamorro" - welcome aboard!

Guam, the southernmost island in the Mariana Archipelago and the largest island in Micronesia, is a place where ancient history, a unique indigenous culture, and modern American influences converge. Before you pack your bags and board that plane, taking some time to understand Guam's geographic context, historical background, and cultural nuances is essential for a smoother transition and a richer experience.

A Speck in the Ocean: Guam's Geography

Located approximately 13 degrees North latitude and 144 degrees East longitude, Guam is closer to Tokyo than it is to Honolulu. This strategic position has played a significant role throughout the island's history, making it a crucial link between Asia and the Americas. Covering an area of roughly 210 square miles, Guam is a relatively small island, about 30 miles long and ranging from 4 to 12 miles wide.

The island's geology is a fascinating blend of volcanic origins and limestone formations. The northern part of Guam is characterized by a vast limestone plateau, a raised coral platform that houses the majority of the island's fresh water supply in the Northern Aquifer. This region also features dramatic cliffs that plunge into the ocean, creating stunning coastal scenery. The south is distinctly different, with volcanic hills and valleys that are generally considered to be more rugged. Rivers and waterfalls carve through the landscape, feeding into fertile coastal plains. The southern part of the island is, therefore, both more rugged and more verdant.

Guam's coastline offers diverse environments. You'll find pristine sandy beaches, ideal for relaxation and swimming, especially in areas like Tumon Bay, the heart of the island's tourism industry. Other stretches of the coast are lined with mangrove forests, providing crucial habitats for a variety of marine life. Coral reefs fringe much of the island, teeming with colorful fish and other marine species. These reefs, however, are under pressure from factors like climate change and pollution.

The island's tropical location has other major implications. Firstly, it means Guam sits in the path of tropical storms and typhoons, particularly during the rainy season (roughly between June and December). Secondly, Guam is located within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone of high seismic activity, and, as a consequence, earthquakes are not uncommon, although most are relatively minor. It's important to be aware of this geography and be ready to take action to protect yourself if a situation arises. We will, of course, provide guidance on this later in the book.

From Ancient Origins to American Territory: A Historical Overview

Guam's human history stretches back over 4,000 years. The indigenous Chamorro people are believed to have migrated from Southeast Asia in a series of sea voyages. They developed a complex society with a rich culture and traditions, and which had several social castes. Notable remnants of this period include the iconic "latte" stones, megalithic stone pillars used as foundations for important structures and which feature throughout the island, including in places like Ritidian Point. It's interesting that, while it is assumed that these served as foundation pillars, there are other theories, for example that they served a spiritual or religious purpose or that they were markers used to denote boundaries. Nobody knows for sure. The best preserved examples are found in Angel Santos Memorial Park.

Spanish colonization, beginning in the 17th century, dramatically reshaped Chamorro society and lasted a very long time, until the end of the 19th Century, which is far longer than in many of their colonies (the Philippines was also under Spanish rule until this time and indeed it was administered, at first, as a Captaincy General subordinate to the Mexican viceroyalty). The arrival of Catholic missionaries, notably Father Diego Luis de San Vitores, brought about both religious conversion and cultural assimilation, though some cultural practices and traditions persisted despite their best efforts. The Spanish period was marked by resistance, with several notable uprisings by the Chamorro people. However, Spanish rule had lasting impacts on the island's demographics, language, and culture. Indeed, today it's often been noted that, of all Micronesian islands, Guam feels closest to being part of the Hispanic cultural sphere, perhaps due to that long, long period of Spanish colonization, and the fact that they ruled from nearby Manila for around a century. The Spanish influence on Chamorro language and food is, of course, another major factor in this. This long rule has also left behind many, many buildings which will be familiar to people who have visited Latin American countries, for example, the ruins of Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, Fort Santo Angel, the Merizo Bell Tower, and so on. The Spanish-era bridges scattered all over the island are also a great example of this - they were built as part of a grand network of highways linking villages to each other, an infrastructure project the Spanish were famous for elsewhere. This extensive Spanish-era infrastructure on Guam serves as a useful reminder of how long the Spanish governed the island - most of the Spanish empire had broken up into independent states long before their rule ended in the Marianas.

Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Guam was ceded to the United States. It, along with Puerto Rico and the Philippines became America's first imperial territories. The early 20th century saw Guam under the administration of the U.S. Navy, and the island became a major base for naval operations in the region, as well as an important coaling station on the long route from the Americas to Manila, which now, along with all the other Philippine islands, formed a part of the United States. This period was marked by improvements in infrastructure and public health, but also by a continuation of cultural assimilation. The American administration implemented policies aimed at promoting English and American customs, resulting in further shifts in the Chamorro cultural landscape.

World War II brought significant upheaval to Guam. The island was occupied by Japanese forces for almost three years, from 1941 to 1944. The Chamorro people endured immense hardship during this period, which remains deeply scarred in the island's memory. The Battle of Guam in 1944 was a brutal conflict that saw heavy fighting and significant loss of life before the island was liberated by U.S. forces. This liberation is still commemorated every year on July 21st, 'Liberation Day', as a reminder of how important the island's liberation by US forces was to the people living there, a people for whom America has been, in their eyes, an extremely benign and beneficial ruler.

Post-war, Guam became a strategic military outpost for the United States in the Pacific. The island hosts substantial Navy and Air Force bases, and the military presence has a profound impact on Guam's economy, society, and even its physical landscape. While the bases provide significant employment opportunities and economic contributions, they have also sparked ongoing debates regarding land use, environmental concerns, and the complex relationship between the military and the civilian population. It must be noted, however, that Guamanians are in a rather unusual situation where they overwhelmingly see the USA as a force for good on the island, and a huge number of Guamanians serve in the military as a result, a greater number per capita than any state.

In 1950, the Guam Organic Act was passed, establishing Guam as an organized unincorporated territory of the United States, and granting U.S. citizenship to its residents, as well as setting up an elected legislature to govern alongside the American appointed Governor. Guamanians, though U.S. citizens, do not vote in U.S. presidential elections and are represented in Congress by a non-voting delegate. This political status remains a subject of debate, with movements advocating for various alternatives, including statehood, free association, or even independence, though the reality is that the overwhelming majority of Guamanians are both very patriotic and proud to be US citizens, and very welcoming of the military personnel who live on the island. The debate is not, therefore, very heated or contentious, as debates over political status go in other countries.

A Cultural Tapestry: Understanding the Chamorro Identity

Chamorro culture is a dynamic blend of ancient traditions, Spanish influences, and American elements. Understanding the values and customs of the Chamorro people is crucial for building positive relationships and showing respect as a newcomer.

Family and community ties are central to Chamorro culture. Extended families often live close to one another, and there is a strong emphasis on respecting elders and maintaining close relationships within the community. Social gatherings, especially fiestas, are important occasions for celebrating milestones and reinforcing these bonds.

The concept of "inafa'maolek," which translates roughly to "making things good for each other," is a fundamental principle in Chamorro society. It emphasizes interdependence, cooperation, and mutual respect. This principle governs social interactions and highlights the importance of contributing to the well-being of the community.

Another cornerstone of this concept is, of course, reciprocity. One is expected to return favors and gifts, and not doing so would be considered an immense failure in your obligations to those around you, in other words, it's not just something which would be considered impolite, but which is central to how Chamorro society works at a deep level. These values have helped shape Guam into a society that, by the standards of the West, places great emphasis on looking after one's elders and where family members always try their best to put the interests of their wider family first and where people feel a great deal of social responsibility, even towards acquaintances.

Hospitality is another defining feature of Chamorro culture. Guests are typically welcomed with open arms and treated with great generosity. This tradition of hospitality, of course, extends also to newcomers who move to the island permanently and make an effort to become integrated into the local community, whether by learning the Chamorro language, for example, or becoming involved in the numerous local community organizations which the government promotes to ensure the survival of Chamorro culture. If you are moving to Guam, it's a very good idea to make an effort to show up and participate in these, both as a way to integrate but also to meet new people. The Guam government also takes cultural heritage and history extremely seriously and offers a variety of training courses and events that newcomers will find extremely beneficial if they are trying to better understand their new home.

While English is widely spoken and is the primary language of education and government, the Chamorro language, an Austronesian language with significant Spanish influences, remains an important part of cultural identity and is seeing something of a revival thanks to government efforts to promote it. Though not necessarily required for daily life, learning some basic Chamorro phrases can be a sign of respect and a way to connect with the local community on a deeper level. It's worth noting that many Chamorros do not necessarily expect newcomers to the island to understand their language and will certainly not be insulted if they cannot.

Catholicism, introduced during the Spanish era, plays a significant role in the lives of many Chamorros. Churches are prominent landmarks throughout the island, and religious celebrations and traditions are often integrated into community life. Guam has, however, always been a very multi-religious society with numerous Protestant churches and with Buddhist temples as a consequence of the fact that large numbers of immigrants also came to the island from, in particular, the Philippines and Japan. Guam is, however, a more religious place than many places on the US mainland, so if you are not used to that, be prepared.

Artistic expression in Guam takes many forms. Traditional arts and crafts, such as weaving, carving, and jewelry making, continue to be practiced, often reflecting the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Contemporary art forms, including painting, music, and dance, also thrive, showcasing the evolving Chamorro identity in a modern context. One interesting example of this is how storyboards came to be created on Guam, evolving from being a Japanese colonial method of communicating instructions to local workers to an indigenous Chamorro art form practiced only on the island.

Music is another interesting area. Traditional Chamorro music incorporates chants, songs, and instruments like the "belembaotuyan" (a stringed instrument made from a gourd), though nowadays more modern instruments such as guitars and keyboards are much more widely used, both for traditional and for more modern music. Indeed, Guam has a surprisingly vibrant music scene for such a small place, producing musicians who perform on the island, across the USA, and even as far away as Japan and other nearby countries. Chamorro music has often been described as "Pacific reggae" and listening to some is one of the best ways you can get ready to move to Guam!

Navigating a Unique Cultural Landscape: Key Considerations

As you prepare to make Guam your home, keep in mind that while it is a U.S. territory, it has its own unique cultural context. While American influences are undeniably present, Chamorro culture forms the bedrock of the island's identity.

One notable difference is the pace of life. Guam generally operates at a more relaxed pace compared to many parts of the mainland. This "island time" mentality can be refreshing, but it can also require some adjustment for those accustomed to a faster, more time-driven environment. It's worth noting that when people speak about "island time" it's not meant in a derogatory sense or a negative way, it's simply a reminder that, on an island with such a small population, such beautiful scenery, and a place where most people already know everyone they need to know and do business with, being 15 minutes late for a meeting isn't going to provoke the kind of exasperation it might do in Washington DC! Indeed, in Guam being "on time" often, but not always, means turning up later than expected - if invited to a party scheduled to begin at 7 pm, arriving at that time may make you an early bird by an hour or more!

Another aspect to consider is the strong emphasis on respect, especially towards elders. Using honorifics like "man åmko'" (for elders) when addressing older individuals is a common practice. Learning about and demonstrating an understanding of these cultural nuances will go a long way in building positive relationships with your neighbors and colleagues.

Finally, keep in mind that while Guamanians are generally welcoming and hospitable, there can be, as in any society, a degree of understandable sensitivity surrounding issues of cultural preservation and the impact of external influences. Engaging with Chamorro culture respectfully and demonstrating a genuine interest in learning about the island's history and traditions will help you foster meaningful connections and avoid potential misunderstandings.

By taking the time to understand Guam's geography, history, and culture, you're not just preparing for a physical move; you're laying the foundation for a more meaningful and enriching experience on this unique island. Remember that this is just an introduction – we'll delve deeper into specific aspects of Chamorro culture in later chapters. Your willingness to learn and adapt will not only ease your transition but also open doors to a deeper appreciation for the "Land of the Chamorro."