Money and payments
Cards and cash
Major credit cards are accepted at most retailers and restaurants.
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Oceania · MicronesiaOutline guideU.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean
Photo: David Burdick, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a territory of the United States in Micronesia, visited mainly by tourists from East Asia. The Marianas' top activity among Americans is scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition to the coral reefs you might expect, the waters around the islands were the scene of fierce fighting during World War II and there are many ship wrecks and even rusting tanks stuck on the seabed. Many Asian (particularly South Korean) visitors come to the CNMI for gambling (especially on Tinian), and karaoke/hostess bars.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Northern Mariana Islands.
Cards and cash
Major credit cards are accepted at most retailers and restaurants.
Carolinian, Chamorro, English
English is universally spoken, but 86% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, including the native languages Chamorro and Carolinian, both of which are official in the territory along with…
Authorities say the tap water is drinkable, but it tastes bad and most people don't drink it.
The Commonwealth Health Center is Saipan's overburdened and understaffed public hospital. There are also many excellent but expensive private clinics.
Veneration of the elderly, ancestors, and departed family members is a large part of Chamorro culture. Always give respect to the older people in the room.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Public transport and paid services in Northern Mariana Islands.
Scheduled flights on Cape Air/United Express connect Saipan to Guam several times a day and Rota 4 times a week.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Northern Mariana Islands.
Finding apps for Northern Mariana Islands…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
I Fadang, Saipan · Regional · SPN
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Saipan
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 27° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 65 | 38 | 32 | 45 | 47 | 74 | 154 | 302 | 262 | 226 | 103 | 59 |
| Humidity | 77% | 77% | 77% | 79% | 79% | 80% | 82% | 82% | 82% | 82% | 80% | 78% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$90
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$245
Per person, per day
Luxury
$620
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $45 | $135 | $360 |
| Food and drink | $25 | $55 | $130 |
| Local transport | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $75 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
No advisory found from this source.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advisory found from this source.
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Northern Mariana Islands.
Travel tipsEnglish is the main language in many places, an important language in others, and spoken as a second language in most of the rest of the world.
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Culture & historyThe American Civil War from 1861 to 1865 has been described as "the most destructive armed conflict in the history of North America", with more than 600,000 deaths in total.
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