Kiribati Don't forget to shake hands when greeting - a nod of acknowledgement is common too.
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Nauru Don’t forget Nauru is a Christian country, a prayer opens most gatherings. Children are expected to honour and respect their elders. Mothers are particularly honoured.
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Northern Mariana Islands Don't forget the locals are on intimate terms with one another - when one encounters an older Chamorro, one need not say much, but is expected to at least nod with a bow or to kiss the elder’s hand briefly as a sign of respect. Casual ”Hellos” consists of raising of the eyebrows only.
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Palau Don't forget to shake hands when greeting, but between friends, it’s often a kind of a forearm grab.
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Guam Don't forget food is a significant part of the cultural economy - sharing food is a part of system reciprocity.
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Marshall Islands Don’t expect any public transportation system, except for the widely available taxis.
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Palau Don’t forget Palauan society follows a strict matrilineal system - the practices are seen in nearly every aspect of Palauan traditions, especially in funeral, marriage, inheritance and the passing of traditional titles.
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Guam Don't necessarily discuss religion. Good conversation starter is "Tell me about the local politics.”
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Kiribati Don’t forget eyebrows up (a sign of surprise in many cultures) means yes!
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Kiribati Don’t put your feet close to someone head, e.g. when passing someone who is laying down. Placing foot near someone’s head is considered very bad.
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Marshall Islands Don’t be surprised by the power of community - it’s a way of social organisation.
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Marshall Islands Don’t walk in front of, upwind of, or elevate one’s head above the level of one’s seniors.
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Marshall Islands Don't be surprised by a ranked society, where elders rank above young people and chiefs rank above commoners.
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Micronesia Don’t remove the ”souvenirs" from sunken World War II vessels and aircrafts - it’s illegal and dangerous as well.
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Micronesia Don’t forget the rules of etiquette among locals focus on displays of respect related to kinship, gender, age, political rank, and religious title.
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Micronesia Don’t be surprised seeing women walking behind their husbands or serving them first during meals - it’s a sign of respect from them.
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Nauru Don’t expect taxis or public transport - there are no, but vehicles can be hired from local suppliers.
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Nauru Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Palau Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Palau Don’t forget that Koror State, where most tourist facilities are located, may enforce a curfew between 2:30 am. and 5:00 am, Monday through Thursday, and between 4:00 am. and 6:00 am, Friday to Sunday, and on national holidays.
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Palau Don’t take it wrong raising eyebrows can mean an affirmative answer to a question (not like in other western countries).
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Kiribati Don’t forget same-sex sexual conduct between men is illegal.
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Kiribati Don’t expect locals to be direct communicators - Kiribati culture is all very indirect in communication. It’s best to slow down and let the humour to take over.
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Kiribati Don’t use your finger for pointing or indicate something - it’s considered rude. Better to use your nose.
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Kiribati Don’t touch someone’s head - it’s considered as ”ta-buaki" (bad form).
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Micronesia Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Northern Mariana Islands Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Kiribati Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Marshall Islands Don’t be a victim of mosquito-borne diseases - protect yourself against bites by mosquitoes.
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Guam Don’t be surprised by occasional typhoons in Guam, especially in August.
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Kiribati Don’t forget the wet season lasts typically from November to April.
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Marshall Islands Don’t forget the monsoon season runs typically between June and December.
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Micronesia Don’t forget the main monsoon season in Micronesia usually runs from June to December.
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Nauru Don’t forget the wet season takes place from November to April. Nauru does not experience tropical cyclones due to its proximity to the equator.
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Northern Mariana Islands Don’t forget the rainy season usually runs between July and October.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Palau Don’t forget the rainy season takes place from June to December.
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