Pohnpei, Micronesia 🇫🇲
#1700
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pohnpei is the largest island in the state of Micronesia, known for its lush landscapes, rich culture, and historic sites. |
| 👥 Population | approx. 34,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 5 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | United States Dollar (USD), 1 USD = 0.84 EUR |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include FSM Telecom and Digicel, with basic prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include Bank of Guam and ANZ Bank; credit/debit cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Rental options include Airbnb, hotels like the Pohnpei Island Hotel, and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cash is preferred, but some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Seaside Guesthouse and Pohnpei Yoga Retreat offer affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kolonia is the main town and a good base for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Collaborative spaces around Kolonia, which has more amenities and Wi-Fi. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces, but cafes such as Cafe Expresso offer Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Expresso has a relaxed atmosphere and good internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal meetups at local cafes and monthly community gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats often gather for beach BBQs and local festivals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; some guesthouses offer bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Naneong Beach, accessible from Kolonia. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines serves regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and Fiji Airways are key international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited highway access; public transport is minimal. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; local buses operate irregularly. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel via local flights or rented vehicles. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pohnpei State Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pohnpei Yoga Retreat offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; local gyms are available but may be basic. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available in Kolonia. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps; local restaurants may offer direct delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish 'Bwai' (fermented breadfruit). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; check out Island Paradise Restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The local bakery offers fresh pastries and treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Kolonia offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local services prefer cash transactions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No specific grocery delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Main bars are located in Kolonia, near the waterfront. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries, but imported beers are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local restaurants serve basic drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local snacks, especially during festivals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options include Chinese and pizza restaurants in Kolonia. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nan Madol, an ancient city built on coral islands. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Pohnpei Cultural Center offers insights into local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nan Madol Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sacred sites include the Catholic Cathedral in Kolonia. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals occur throughout the year, celebrating Micronesian traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local markets and craft fairs in Kolonia. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theater options; local events are often held outdoors. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Pohnpei Farmers Market, held weekly, showcases local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is primarily traditional; catch performances at community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited but increasing interest in public art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer informal cooking classes upon request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; local arts can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the former Japanese Administration Building in Kolonia. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Pohnpeian culture is strong, with festivals celebrating its history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sokehs Rock provides hiking opportunities with scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pohnpei is home to several protected areas but lacks formal national parks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited infrastructure for cycling; walking is common in town. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at Sokehs Rock and lakes offer stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The rainforest areas around Pohnpei are rich in bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires, especially on weekends. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; local post office handles most deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few small shops offer basic electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Informal language exchange groups may meet periodically. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; best to find quiet cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers in Kolonia host various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes might have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos or formal gaming halls on the island. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $75,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $110,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $216,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | A flat rate of 21% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on income derived from Pohnpei. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum tax rate is 8% |
| 🧾 VAT | No formal VAT; sales tax is applied to certain goods. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No formal property transaction tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Zero taxes on foreign income for tax residents of Pohnpei. |