Pohnpei, Micronesia 🇫🇲
#1700 6.906766, 158.104554

Nomad Score: 48%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Pohnpei is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
👥 Population Approximately 35,000 people.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps, though it can vary significantly due to infrastructure limitations.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (US Dollar is the official currency). Major banks include Bank of Guam and Federated States of Micronesia Development Bank.
🚰 Tap Water Generally considered safe to drink, but some prefer bottled water.
🔌 Power 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets.
📶 SIM Card Available from providers like FSM Telecom, with prepaid options for tourists.
💳 Banking for Expats Major credit cards accepted at most establishments, but cash is still widely used.
🛌 Accommodation Various options include hotels like the Pohnpei Surf Club and guest houses. Airbnb is also available.
💳 Cashless Friendly Somewhat cashless friendly, but cash is recommended for smaller businesses.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Available through platforms like Airbnb and local property rentals.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Pohnpei Hostel offers affordable lodging for travelers.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Pohnpei Business Center offers shared workspace for remote workers.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Cafe Aloha is a popular spot among locals and expats for working remotely.
💼 Networking Events Occasional community gatherings organized through local expatriate groups on social media.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Meetups and social events are organized informally through Facebook groups for expatriates.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App No formal ride-sharing apps, taxis can be hailed on the street.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycles are available for rent at Pohnpei Cycles.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Nankinou Beach is a popular local beach destination.
✈️ Top Regional Airline United Airlines serves regional flights, including connections to Guam.
✈️ Top International Airline United Airlines is the primary international carrier to and from Pohnpei.
🛣️ Highway Access Pohnpei is connected by a central road system; however, traffic is limited.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Public transportation is limited; however, local bus services operate on main routes.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No dedicated transport passes available; payment is usually cash.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel between the islands is primarily by boat or small regional airlines.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Pohnpei State Hospital is the main healthcare facility on the island.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; often yoga classes are organized informally in local parks.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness centers are limited; some hotels provide small gym facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services available at local laundromats like Pohnpei Laundry.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App No formal food delivery apps; local restaurants typically offer takeout options.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try the local delicacy 'tinak' (fermented breadfruit) and traditional sashimi.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Several restaurants offer vegetarian options, like Mr. Pohnpei's.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Local bakeries offer sweet treats; try the coconut candy from local shops.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets such as the Pohnpei Town Market for fresh produce and snacks.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited local e-commerce options; international shipping takes time.
🛒 Grocery Delivery No local grocery delivery services, but supermarkets allow for bulk purchases.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Mostly limited to hotel bars; Pohnpei Surf Club has a vibrant atmosphere.
🍻 Local Brewery No local breweries, but some bars serve imported beers.
🍷 Wine Bars Limited; hotels often have wine selections available.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Occasional street vendors available, mainly during local events.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Local restaurants offer a mix but lean heavily towards local cuisine.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks Nan Madol, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Pohnpei Museum showcases local artifacts and history.
🏰 Historical Sites Nan Madol is also a key historical site, with ancient ruins and structures.
🕍 Religious Sites Various churches present on the island, showcasing the local architecture.
🎉 Annual Events Pohnpei's annual culture festival celebrates the local heritage with music and dance.
🎨 Cultural Districts Palikir is the cultural heart of Pohnpei, hosting various local events.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited performance spaces; local schools and community centers often host events.
🛍️ Local Markets Pohnpei Town Market is a vibrant place to experience local culture.
🎼 Music Scene Traditional music can be enjoyed at local festivals, with modern influences present too.
🎨 Street Art Street art is limited; the primary artwork is often traditional and cultural.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Occasional local cooking classes available through community centers.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Limited; local artists showcase their work in community spaces.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Several historic buildings from pre-colonial times can be found in Nan Madol.
🏴 Local Heritage Pohnpei's cultural heritage is rich with traditions, music, and dances unique to the island.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Pohnpei is surrounded by lush landscapes and offers hiking trails in the mountains.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Pohnpei's protected areas include the Pohnpei State Forest Reserve.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited bike paths; however, walking along the beaches is popular.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Sokehs Ridge offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Pohnpei is home to various tropical birds, best observed at the Pohnpei Forest Reserve.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Permitted at some beaches; check local regulations.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Limited international shipping services through local couriers.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited local tech repair shops; basic services available in town.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Community centers may have table tennis; general sports facilities are available.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Limited language classes focusing mainly on English and local languages.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Pohnpei Public Library provides resources for studying.
🏘️ Community Centers Local community centers often host cultural events and activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges No dedicated gaming lounges; however, some cafes may offer gaming options.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos available on the island.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 1% for foreign corporations.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 20% tax rate applies to dividend distributions.
🏦 Tax System Territorial tax system applies; only income sourced from within the country is taxed.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket No personal income tax for residents.
🧾 VAT No VAT, but sales tax may be applicable.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No strict CFC rules apply.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxation based on property value; rates vary.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Approx. 2% of the transaction value.