For meals, transport, tips - whats the safe amount to carry in Northern Mariana Islands ? Trying to plan a daily budget for a month long trip
My tip: Carry about $60 daily for meals and local taxis. Public buses run but are infrequent. Try dining at local diners for $12-$15 meals. For bigger shopping trips or emergencies, Bank of Guam ATMs offer decent access. Tipping around 15% is usual in restaurants but not mandatory.
Cost-wise, Northern Mariana Islands are not cheap. I recommend budgeting around $65 daily for food and transport. Combo meals and street food are good deals. Renting a car is almost necessary for exploring and costs around $60 per day. Many prefer to use major credit cards like Visa or Mastercard to avoid ATM fees.
For a month-long stay, prepare $60 daily for meals and taxis. Public bus tickets are affordable but routes are limited. Renting a car is more practical but expect to pay higher gas prices here-about $1.50 per liter. Grocery shopping also helps stretch your budget. The local bank Bank of Saipan ATMs are available but can have withdrawal limits.
Living costs here are high compared to most islands. Fast food combos cost about $11, and regular meals in the business district average $16. Public transport monthly tickets are $78, but many use taxis or rent cars which is pricier. For a daily budget, $50-$70 should cover food and local transport like taxis or occasional rental. Carry cash since not all small shops take cards.