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Guide
Yap, Micronesia 🇫🇲
#1772
,
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Yap is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia, known for its traditional culture, stone money, and beautiful natural scenery. |
👥 Population | Approximately 11,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 10-25 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | US Dollar (USD). Most transactions are conducted in cash, but some locations accept credit cards. |
🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Local providers include FSM Telecom and Digicel, offering prepaid SIM cards. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Bank of the FSM and various local credit unions are available. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, motels, and limited Airbnb availability. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless facilities; cash is king. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb availability is limited; local guesthouses are preferred. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Yap Homestead Hotel offers reasonable rates and a local experience. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Colonia is the main town with access to amenities and attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Colonia provides the best balance of connectivity and local culture. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces exist; local cafes are commonly used for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Cornerstone Cafe offers Wi-Fi and a relaxing work environment. |
💼 Networking Events | Limited formal networking events; engaging with local community events is encouraged. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly community events occur; check local bulletin boards for information. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No specific ride-sharing apps; local taxis and private arrangements are used. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals are limited; it's best to explore on foot or by local transportation. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Yap has numerous beautiful beaches; TongKong Beach is a notable spot. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines services Yap with flights from Guam. |
✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines is the primary international airline connecting to the U.S. mainland. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Limited highway access; most travel is conducted on small local roads. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; connections are primarily by road or boat. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport system; taxis and arrangement with locals are common. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Local ferries connect Yap to nearby islands for exploration. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Yap State Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes may be available at community centers periodically. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited fitness centers; outdoor activities are popular. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available in Colonia. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited options; most food is available through local restaurants. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'bwiich,' a traditional Yapese dish made of taro and coconut. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited veggie options; local markets offer fresh vegetables. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional pastries, try coconut buns. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Colonia markets provide fresh local produce at reasonable prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access; local businesses may have basic online presence. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | No grocery delivery services available; local stores operate. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; most socializing happens in local restaurants. |
🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; most drinks are imported. |
🍷 Wine Bars | No wine bars; local establishments primarily serve beer and cocktails. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Limited, but local markets may offer snacks on occasion. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local seafood and Pacific fare dominate; international restaurants are scarce. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Stone money banks, traditional villages, and the island's cultural festivals. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Yap State Museum displays local history and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient stone money sites, crucial in Yap's cultural heritage. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Various local churches reflect the diverse culture on Yap. |
🎉 Annual Events | Yap Day Festival held annually in March celebrates Yapese culture. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Colonia is the cultural heart of Yap, showcasing local traditions. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Limited venues; community events take place in various local spots. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Colonia’s weekend markets offer a variety of local produce and crafts. |
🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music is part of local community events. |
🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local culture is more preserved through traditional means. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking workshops available through local community centers. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; community art exhibits occasionally take place. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Yapese architectural styles are visible in villages. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Yapese cultural heritage is reflected in their lifestyle, including fishing and weaving practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Yap is surrounded by stunning coral reefs; diving and snorkeling are popular. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No major national parks, but natural reserves and beautiful landscapes abound. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; best explored by walking through villages and beaches. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various viewpoints near coastal areas; perfect for sunsets. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Yap is home to unique bird species; look for them in natural reserves. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires; check with locals for proper spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; USPS and FedEx service available. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited to local shops; generally less accessible for expats. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited language classes; local community may offer informal lessons. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Yap State Library offers basic resources for reading and study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Active community centers provide various programs and activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; social gaming may occur in local gatherings. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Yap. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $150,000 for a studio in Colonia. |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $120,000 for a studio outside of Colonia. |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $200,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Colonia. |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $160,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment outside of Colonia. |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in Colonia. |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $220,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment outside of Colonia. |
💼 Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax for registered businesses in FSM. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Taxation varies; no local income tax for many residents. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No income tax imposed on residents. |
🧾 VAT | No VAT in Yap. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC regulations in place. |
🏠 Property Tax | Very minimal property tax applied. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typical transaction fees apply; usually less than 1%. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax; appealing for remote workers seeking a tax-friendly living. |