Saipan is the largest island and capital of the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a group of 15 tropical islands belonging to the Mariana Archipelago. Saipan is a nation of 16 volcanic islands in Micronesia, of which only three are inhabited – Saipan, Tinian, and Rota – and the rest are uninhabited. Saipan has a diverse natural landscape, with beautiful beaches, dense jungle, and volcanic terrain, as well as a painful history of World War II and many cultural sites.
1. Saipan Quick Facts
Language English / Carolinian
Religion Protestant
Currency US Dollar ($)
Visa US visa accepted or 30 Day(s)Visa free access (with ETA) for many nationalities
Power Plugs 120 V 60 Hz (A,B Type)
Capital Capitol Hill
ATM
Bank of Hawaii and Bank of Guam (in Garapan and Suupe) have automated teller machines. They are available 24 hours a day and have a daily limit of $600. You can withdraw no more than $200 per card swipe.
Use card
Paying by credit card is very convenient and there are many places that only accept credit cards. Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club, Amex, etc.) are accepted at almost all travel-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres.
Useful APP
Google Maps
Uber
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the International airports in the United States.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Rent a car
Saipan is not a large island, so it’s a good choice for travelling freely.
If you’re at least 21 years old, you can rent a car for up to 30 days with an international driver’s licence.
Taxi base fare $2.7, add $0.75 per quarter mile
T Galleria by DFS Shuttle Bus
Free shuttle buses operated by T Galleria can take you from major hotels on Saipan to the centre of Garapan.
There are two routes, one going north and one going south, with about one bus per hour.
Tasi Shuttle Bus
One-day pass fare (unlimited rides):
Northern Sightseeing & Hotel Route – 1-day ticket $15 for adults, $5 for children (6-11 years old)
Hotel route – 1-day pass: $10 for adults, $5 for children (6-11 years old)
*Children under 6 years old travel free
How to purchase and use: Board at each hotel lobby according to the operating hours. Pay cash to bus staff upon boarding to receive a one-day pass.
4. Safety
Saipan is a relatively safe destination, but travellers should be aware of small-scale crimes such as targeted theft and robbery, which should only be avoided if travelling to remote areas at night.
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Fire department: 911
5. Climate
There are no significant temperature differences throughout the year, making it a great place to travel in all seasons. With an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) and a year-round temperature difference of only 1-2°C, it is suitable for travelling in all seasons. Between July and September, the rainy season is characterised by squalls, which are short bursts of tropical rain, but due to the prevailing trade winds, the heat index is not as high as in Korean summers.
Saipan is subject to typhoons and occasional earthquakes. Typhoons usually occur from summer to autumn, and earthquakes can happen at any time.
6. price
The cost of living on Saipan is high. Compared to the mainland US, it’s expensive. Most everything on Saipan is imported from the US mainland, so it’s easy to assume it’s expensive.
Gasoline (1 litre) $ 1.20
McDonald’s combo meal: $11
Water (1.5 litres): $ 1.85
Milk (1 litre): $ 1.50
7. Travel precautions
If you’re street parking, you can park on a sidewalk block that’s yellow, but if you park on a sidewalk block that’s red, you can get a $500 fine. Red is a No Parking Fire Lane, so you will be towed and fined immediately.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
It is polite to look the other person in the eye when having a conversation. Avoid sensitive topics and discriminatory remarks, and avoid asking personal questions. If you sneeze in public, cover your mouth with your hand, and show courtesy to others by saying “excuse me” after you sneeze.
Tip
Tip is expected for all services. For restaurants, hairdressers, taxis, etc. 15-20% of the cost is an appropriate tip.
Tipping at restaurants: In a typical restaurant, 15-20% of the total food bill is a reasonable tip.
Taxi and hotel tips: Taxis are tipped based on the number of bags they carry, and hotels require a tip if they move your bags for you.
9. Holidays
The public holidays in USA in 2024
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
15 Jan Mon Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
19 Feb Mon President’s Day
24 Mar Sun Commonwealth Covenant Day
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
27 May Mon Memorial Day
19 Jun Wed Juneteenth
4 Jul Thu Independence Day
2 Sep Mon Labor Day
14 Oct Mon Commonwealth Cultural Day
4 Nov Mon Citizenship Day
11 Nov Mon Veterans Day
28 Nov Thu Thanksgiving Day
8 Dec Sun Constitution Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Friday, 28 February : Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day Holiday
Saturday, 1 March : Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Thursday, 1 May : Constitution Day
Friday, 4 July : Fishermen’s Day
Friday, 5 September : Dri-Jerbal Day
Friday, 26 September : Manit Day
Monday, 17 November : President’s Day
Friday, 5 December: Gospel Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day