Kosrae Island Travel Tips

Air Transportation
Entry into Kosrae
Banking & Money Matters
Car Rentals & Taxis
Communications
Electricity
Language
Gifts
Shopping
Sundays
Reservations

Air Transportation

The Kosrae Island Airport Departure tax is $15 US.

Continental Air Micronesia (flights 956 / 957) serves Kosrae Monday through Saturday from Hawaii and Guam.

How to get Continental's discounted Visit Micronesia fare:

As far as I know this fare is not available online, you will need to call Continental reservations or visit a Continental office.
Both domestic and international reservations agents should be able to help you.
The discounted fare is called “VISIT MICRONESIA FARES”, under the VISIT ANOTHER COUNTRY FARES.
Continental’s reference for this program in their Direct Reference System (DRS) is under VUS MIC.
Tell the booking agent that you are looking for the Visit Micronesia fares (similar to the Visit USA fares), which can be found on the DRS page under VUS MIC.
You can add several islands to your itinerary for a reasonable cost.
Right now - May 2010 - the fare from Los Angeles to Kosrae and return is $1184.00
It is OK to use a another airline for your to travel to Hawaii or Guam. The Visit Micronesia fare applies to the “IHOP” portion of your travel on Continental flights 956 / 957.

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Entry into Kosrae and the FSM

Visitors may enter on a 30 day tourist visa if they have a passport valid for 120 days and a return or continuing ticket.

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Banking and Money

US currency. There two commercial banks on Kosrae; the Bank of the FSM and the Bank of Guam. Kosrae Village Ecolodge gladly accepts Visa, Master Card and American Express. Cash and Travelers checks are recommended for stores. There is an ATM machine at the Bank of Guam.

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Car Rental and Taxis

Taxis service and car rentals can be arranged through Kosrae Village.

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Communications

International telecom services are available on Kosrae, including Internet access.

Cellular service is also available on Kosrae. Unlocked GSM 900 megahertz phones are compatible with the FSM system. SIM cards can be purchased from FSM Telecom.

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Electricity

Standard US 110 volt with US plug outlets (2 flat prongs).

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Language

Kosraean is the local language, most people also speak English.

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Gifts

If you would like to bring small gifts for the children, they will be delighted with crayons, pencils, small writing pads, baseball type hats, marbles or other small inexpensive items, playing cards and pieces for board games like checkers are appreciated too. Try to avoid candy and gum, many sweets are readily available here on the island.

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Shopping

There are a number of general stores, covering everything from groceries to clothing and hardware. The Kosrae Village gift shop offers locally made handicrafts, souvenir T-shirts, and other items.

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Sundays

Sunday is still observed as a day of rest; therefore few stores and other businesses are open.

The Inum Restaurant, housekeeping, and the office at Kosrae Village Ecolodge will all be open during egular hours.

There are a number of churches on the island, Congregationalist being the most predominant. The Sunday church service offers a glimpse of Kosraean life and visitors are very welcome. Kosraeans are famous for their choral singing.

Sunday Suggestions:

Long pants and a shirt for men during church services
A dress or skirt and covered shoulders for women during church services
Modest dress during the rest of the day, long shorts, skirts and t shirts will show your respect.
Feel free to attend church
Visit friends, read and relax
Sunday afternoon is a good time to visit the forests and waterfalls.