Need cash when I land, best place in Micronesia? Airport or places in the city?
There aren’t many currency exchange kiosks at Micronesia airports. If you need cash on arrival, bring some USD with you because local banks like Bank of Guam branch in Pohnpei have ATMs but limited cash exchange spots. Cities don’t have tons of exchange bureaus, so plan for a cash fallback.
I found that the currency exchange options at Micronesia’s airport were practically nonexistent or expensive. Bank ATMs in the main city areas offer better rates and more reliable service. The island uses USD, so cash from your home country can get you started until you find a trustworthy spot downtown for bigger exchanges.
Airport exchange offices in Micronesia can be pricey and limited. Most travelers recommend withdrawing cash from the Bank of Guam or purchasing USD at local money changers in Kolonia or Weno. Don’t count on many currency exchange counters at the airport. Having some USD cash beforehand also helps since most islanders transact in USD anyway.
When I landed in Pohnpei, skipping the airport exchange counter was a good call because their rates were steep and fees high. Instead, I waited until I got into town and used Bank of Guam’s Pohnpei branch to withdraw USD directly from ATMs or exchange cash. USD is widely accepted here, so carrying some on arrival is smart, and city banks usually offer far better rates than airport counters.