Group trips to the Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands are in the Chamorro Standard Time Zone, which is 10 hours ahead of GMT. If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 10 pm there. From the USA, the time difference depends on the region. If it is 12 pm Eastern Time in the USA, it will be 2 am the next day in the Northern Mariana Islands. Keep in mind they do not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year.

The Northern Mariana Islands use the United States Dollar (USD) as their currency. You won't need to worry about exchanging money if you're coming from the USA. However, if you're coming from the UK or other European countries, you can exchange currency at major banks or airports before you travel. Keep an eye on the daily exchange rates for GBP to USD and EUR to USD to get the best deal.

Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in the Northern Mariana Islands, making them a convenient payment method for travelers. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments that might not accept cards. ATMs are available, especially in urban areas, so you can withdraw cash as needed. Keep in mind that the local currency is the United States Dollar (USD), which simplifies transactions if you're coming from the USA.

Tipping in the Northern Mariana Islands, while not mandatory, is appreciated for good service. It's similar to tipping practices in the USA. You might want to leave around 15-20% in restaurants. For hotel staff, a few dollars per day is a nice gesture. If you're taking a taxi, rounding up to the nearest dollar is common. Remember, tipping is a way to show gratitude for excellent service, so feel free to adjust based on your experience.

In the Northern Mariana Islands, internet access is generally available, but it can be slower and less reliable than what you might be used to in the UK or the USA. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but speeds and availability can vary. Since the Northern Mariana Islands are not in the Schengen area, we suggest you consider buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for better coverage and convenience. Local providers like IT&E and Docomo Pacific offer various data plans to suit different needs.

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the main languages spoken are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian. Here's a handy list of some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Thank you: Si Yu’us ma’åse’ (Chamorro), Olomwaay (Carolinian)
• Hello: Håfa adai (Chamorro), Tiroow (Carolinian)
• Goodbye: Adios (Chamorro), Woow (Carolinian)
• Please: Put fabot (Chamorro), Felowaay (Carolinian)

English is widely spoken, so you should have no trouble communicating while you're there.

In the Northern Mariana Islands, you will find Type A and Type B plugs, similar to those used in the USA. The voltage is 110 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. If you're coming from a country with different plug types or voltage, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to charge your devices.

The main religion in the Northern Mariana Islands is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant denomination. There are also Protestant communities present. The islands celebrate various Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. When visiting, you'll find that religious practices are an integral part of the local culture, and many events and festivals have religious significance. Be mindful of local customs, especially when visiting religious sites.

For your trip to the Northern Mariana Islands, pack light and be ready for tropical weather. Here’s a handy list of what to put in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Light, breathable t-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Eveningwear for dining out
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking sandals
  • Flip-flops for the beach
  • Water shoes for water activities
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Portable power bank
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Motion sickness tablets
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol

The islands have a warm climate year-round, so prioritize comfort and sun protection.

The Northern Mariana Islands have a tropical marine climate, so you can expect warm temperatures year-round. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Dry Season (December to June): Mostly sunny, less humidity, and pleasant temperatures around 27-30°C (80-86°F). This is the best time to visit.
• Rainy Season (July to November): More rain, occasional typhoons, and higher humidity, with temperatures similar to the dry season.

Overall, the weather is generally warm and inviting, but if you prefer fewer chances of rain, aim for the dry season.