Hafa Adai

Saipan island is one of the Northern Mariana Islands and part of the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth of the United States in the Western Pacific Ocean. It’s characterized by sandy shores and mountainous landscapes and has several championship golf courses. Its highest point is 1,555-ft. Mt. Tapochau, a limestone peak at the island’s center.

History:
Saipan was under Spanish sovereignty from 1565 to 1899 and came under German rule from 1899 to 1914. It was made a Japanese mandate in 1920. During World War II the successful US-led Allied invasion and capture of the island (June-July 1944) was one of the fiercest land battles in the Pacific theatre.

Climate:
In Saipan the wet season is hot and overcast, the dry season is warm and partly cloudy, and it is oppressive and windy year-round.

Language:
Saipan has more than nine-tenths of the commonwealth’s total population. Chamorro, related to Indonesian, is the principal language. Chamorro, Carolinian and English are official languages; Chinese and Filipino are also widely used.

Time Zone:
Time zone in Saipan (GMT+10)

Current: ChST- Chamorro Standard Time

Departure Tax:
NIL

Doctors and Health:
https://www.chcc.health/

Duty Free Allowance:
Cigarettes, Cigars, Tobacco Allowances (Normal Passenger Allowance)

    • Cigarettes that comply with the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act shall not exceed 3 Cartons (30 packages of 20 cigarettes per package)
    • Cigarettes that do not comply with the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act shall not exceed 1 carton (10 packages of 20 cigarettes per package)
    • Cigars not exceeding 1 pound.
    • Tobacco not exceeding 1 pound or
    • Any combination of the above but not exceeding 1-pound net weight

Alcoholic Beverages

    • Distilled alcoholic beverages not to exceed 77 ounces or
    • Wine not to exceed 128 ounces or
    • Beer or other malt beverage not to exceed 288 fluid ounces.
    • Any combination of the above provided that it does not exceed the equivalent quantity under distilled alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer or other malt beverages.

Airlines and Airports:
Saipan International Airport is in the municipality of Saipan Island. It’s a medium airport and operates both domestic and international flights. Major airlines operating are Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, Jeju Air, Sichuan Airlines and Jin Air. Flights are direct from cities in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China and Guam.

Alcohol:
Fine liquor stores in CNMI offer a wide variety of pre-packaged alcoholic beverages suitable for every occasion. Broad selections of beers, wines, and spirits.

Bars & Nightclubs:
The main village of Garapan is lined with outlets, restaurants, and fast-food chains that you’ll recognize from larger cities in America, which are a great place to kill some time while waiting for the live entertainment to kick off. Some of the best bars in CNMI are open for tourists to grab a martini or beer at reduced prices from as early as 6pm.

Currency and Credit Cards:
The currency used in Saipan is the US Dollars. US credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at most of the hotels, restaurants, and retail shops in Saipan. However, smaller establishments may not accept them, which is why it’s also a good idea to carry a bit of cash.

Dress/Attire:
It is consistently hot in Saipan around September. Temperature average is 80s F (Low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

Internet:
HughesNet provides internet plans in the Saipan area using Gen5 Satellite Internet technology with maximum download speeds of 25 Mbps and maximum uploaded of 3 Mbps.

Post Office:
1 CHALAN KANOA VLG
SAIPAN, MP 96950-9996
For facility accessibility, please call the Post Office.
Phone 670-234-6270

Electricity:
On the Northern Mariana Islands the standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances on the Northern Marianas Islands, If the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 – 127 V (as in the US, Canada and the most South American countries)

Visa & Entry:
https://esta-center.com/en/saipan/index.html#saipan3

Religion:
Much of the native Chamorro and Carolinian population are Catholic.

For further information:
Please email reena@ppa.org.fj or access the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) website on Saipan – Marianas Visitors Authority – Saipan | Tinian | Rota (mymarianas.com)