Passport only. Although Guam is a U.S. Territory, because flight routes might take you into other countries (intentional or unintentional), a passport is required.
Hi Randy, I appreciate you mentioning my video and correcting some things I got wrong. I really enjoyed my time in Guam and hope to learn more about life there.
His name is John, it's on every one of his video intro's. And he's a pretty good guy. He is a Cebu guy for a while now with a fairly successful outsourcing firm. He also has a restaurant in Cebu. He just opened his third outsourcing branch in Davao. I have heard all the same things about Guam that he talks about. The one thing I know for sure about Guam is that they need to replace those awful metal benches at the sleepy little airport where all the concessions close by 5pm while international travelers have to wait for several hours at a time into the late evening on layovers. I quit flying United and the Guam layover was one of the reasons. United just recently started flying direct to Manila.
United has been flying to Manila from Guam for years. I think the first N/S flight from the mainland began late last year. Guam was a sleepy airport during and after the pandemic and it's just now starting to see more flight activity. Nothing close to what it was pre-pandemic.
It helps being retired military and having access to shopping on base helps. I don't live there anymore but again having access to Space A flights helps when I come to visit.
I just visited Guam last week. The main thing I experienced was just transportation. Some prices were higher but some things were not bad at all. I was able to take the trolly. Taxies were not real bad. Most will only deal in cash.
Good commentary of the information put out by the California expat blogger. I happen to know this person and he generally puts out good information. I really appreciate the clarification of some of his comments. Especially, regarding the constitutional protection.
He was pretty spot on... except for the constitutional issues. As a side note though, when you vote here, you do get to "checkmark" a presidential candidate, it's just not counted in the results. I could be wrong, but I believe it's done simply to check the political "temperature" of Guam, IMO.
@@tropicshade I use the absentee voting system. I set it up through the US consulate here in Cebu City, Philippines. I use my military retiree FPO address to mail the ballot back to California. I assume a US citizen can do the same from Guam.
Although U.S. citizens, permanent residents of Guam cannot vote in the U.S. election. But AD military and DOD personnel can vote absentee if they desire (as long as they maintain a home of record address on the mainland.
@@tropicshade Glad to see that you're getting a lot of interaction of this video. Also as a FYI, your channel showed up for the first time in a while on my RUclips feed.
Agreed with everything you said. I think that prices have gone up here in the United States and the prices are not that far more expensive than here in the United States. Even beer. Rental cars are very reasonable and so are hotels.
Just went to the chain resturant Texas Roadhouse with the wife, steaks, 1 drink each, I app shared, and tip was over 100 bucks!1 Ouch!! I am glad we both perfer diners. Any good diners there? I am ex-Navy with base privledges. We are looking at a place to "retire" to in a couple of years so we can go exploring the world around there. We are not sure it will work for us, but we are look closely at Guam.
Made my first trip to Guam last October as a planned historical trip starting in Honolulu, then using Guam as the starting point for Saipan, & Tinian. Unfortunately, the typhoon warning that happened when I was there made me abandon my Saipan/Tinian trips, so I’ll try again later this year. There’s still stuff on Guam that I didn’t see that can justify a return trip this fall.
@@tropicshade That was my intent. However, big Air Force has reactivated parts or all of North Field, so I'm not 100% sure the bomb pits are accessible to the general public any longer.
@@tropicshade I believe the operational term for it is dispersal of forces. Given the increasing tensions in the region over Taiwan & North Korea in general means not having all your eggs in one basket at Anderson AFB & Naval Base Guam.
You got it right about everything being so expensive, suffice to say we are experiencing the same problems here in the mainland. I'm thankful my late husband was a retired military (Navy) and it does help some shopping at the commissary and the Navy exchange but they're also beginning to feel the effects of the shut-downs. But I'm an optimist and I also believe that things will get better at some point.
We actually found the Commissary and Exchange on the mainland (Columbus AFB) to be more expensive than Walmart... not to mention the cost of a 60 minute drive. We would only go on occasion for Calrose rice and Kikkoman soyu and would stock up. Then one day Walmart began carrying Botan rice (brand) and we never went back to Columbus.
@@tropicshade how are the prices at the Guam commissary? More expensive than the mainland commissaries? I used to go to the Los Angeles Air Force Base commissary to stock up on the meats, dairy and others specific items.
Honestly, I can't say. It's been 11 year since we left the mainland, but from what I remember, Walmart beat their prices on most everything. Remember that Commissaries now all fall under one roof (DECA) and they all charge a surcharge at checkout. Add in the tip for the baggers and well, savings probably don't amount to much. Then subtract your travel expense and... 😢
We are on the last day of the huge Sinulog Festival here in Cebu City and it appears the crowds are much smaller with many hotels still having rooms available when they would normally all be booked at this time. The "economy" and personal incomes were devastated by 2 years of lockdowns and it is a slow recovery especially with inflation. I might want to visit Guam at some time for medicare issues. I wonder how "backed up" the medicare system is there or is it easy to get an appointment?
Inflation is hurting the masses. As long as you are current with Part B premiums, no issue getting appointments here. Not hard to book appointments - couple weeks out. Or you can just head to the emergency room. You can book an appointment in advance at any Dr.'s office or FHP... www.takecareasia.com
Same here Rod, let me know when you want to go and maybe we can coordinate our itineraries. I need to go to take care of some VA health issues that aren't covered here at the VA Manila Clinic.
To add on the topic of not being able to vote for President if you are a U.S. citizen on Guam….if you are born on Guam, and you move to a State and become a resident there, you can vote for President. I think that fact is often misunderstood.
Yea, rent a car and drive to the south. It is best to do a loop, see both sides of the island. I've been here 38 years. My children are "Chamaoles".Their mother (RIP Helen, cancer) is Chamoru and I'm a haole from Alberta. The locals are very chill, unless you are an outsider "know it all", trash talking beautiful 'Isla Guahan'.
I'm 200 Days from Retirement @ 100% Income Replacement from Pensions... But, no Healthcare in my Pensions. I'll be less than Three Years from Medicare Eligibility. Planning to be in the Philippines until then. Guam is on my "Radar" once I get Medicare at least to visit for Healthcare.
That guy is John Smulo and lives in Cebu city. He has a business in San Francisco and Cebu city. Another of his youtube channels is called American Entrepreneur in the Philippines.
I love this vlog, what will I need to visit Guam from the Midwest USA?
Passport only. Although Guam is a U.S. Territory, because flight routes might take you into other countries (intentional or unintentional), a passport is required.
@@tropicshade very nice, thank you 😊
My father was stationed on Guam and I decided to come over to visit him for a month. A months vacation turned into living there for 12 years.
I've always said that Guam is an affliction there is no cure for.
Hi Randy, I appreciate you mentioning my video and correcting some things I got wrong. I really enjoyed my time in Guam and hope to learn more about life there.
I sent you an email. Next trip, I'll show you where to get Mexican! 😉
@@tropicshade I responded and I'll come back just for the good Mexican food lol. I'm missing that in the Philippines
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Let me know when you're heading this way!
@@tropicshade Will do!
His name is John, it's on every one of his video intro's. And he's a pretty good guy. He is a Cebu guy for a while now with a fairly successful outsourcing firm. He also has a restaurant in Cebu. He just opened his third outsourcing branch in Davao.
I have heard all the same things about Guam that he talks about. The one thing I know for sure about Guam is that they need to replace those awful metal benches at the sleepy little airport where all the concessions close by 5pm while international travelers have to wait for several hours at a time into the late evening on layovers. I quit flying United and the Guam layover was one of the reasons. United just recently started flying direct to Manila.
United has been flying to Manila from Guam for years. I think the first N/S flight from the mainland began late last year. Guam was a sleepy airport during and after the pandemic and it's just now starting to see more flight activity. Nothing close to what it was pre-pandemic.
It helps being retired military and having access to shopping on base helps. I don't live there anymore but again having access to Space A flights helps when I come to visit.
Absolutely! Thanks.
I just visited Guam last week. The main thing I experienced was just transportation. Some prices were higher but some things were not bad at all. I was able to take the trolly. Taxies were not real bad. Most will only deal in cash.
If you're gonna be here for just a day or two, can't beat a car rental. Hope you enjoyed it!
Thanks Randy! I am lookinf forward to my visit!
Have fun!
Good commentary of the information put out by the California expat blogger. I happen to know this person and he generally puts out good information.
I really appreciate the clarification of some of his comments. Especially, regarding the constitutional protection.
He was pretty spot on... except for the constitutional issues. As a side note though, when you vote here, you do get to "checkmark" a presidential candidate, it's just not counted in the results. I could be wrong, but I believe it's done simply to check the political "temperature" of Guam, IMO.
@@tropicshade I use the absentee voting system. I set it up through the US consulate here in Cebu City, Philippines. I use my military retiree FPO address to mail the ballot back to California.
I assume a US citizen can do the same from Guam.
Although U.S. citizens, permanent residents of Guam cannot vote in the U.S. election. But AD military and DOD personnel can vote absentee if they desire (as long as they maintain a home of record address on the mainland.
@@tropicshadethanks for the clarification - important information!
@@tropicshade Glad to see that you're getting a lot of interaction of this video. Also as a FYI, your channel showed up for the first time in a while on my RUclips feed.
Agreed with everything you said. I think that prices have gone up here in the United States and the prices are not that far more expensive than here in the United States. Even beer. Rental cars are very reasonable and so are hotels.
According to RentCafe, the average rental price on a 2BR apartment in the U.S. is $1702. 😬
Now thats cool❤
Great info
I was stationed at Andersen AFB, when it was a SAC Strategic Air Command, many moons ago.
Just went to the chain resturant Texas Roadhouse with the wife, steaks, 1 drink each, I app shared, and tip was over 100 bucks!1 Ouch!! I am glad we both perfer diners. Any good diners there? I am ex-Navy with base privledges. We are looking at a place to "retire" to in a couple of years so we can go exploring the world around there. We are not sure it will work for us, but we are look closely at Guam.
There are a few "diner" type places here, and a bunch of mom & pop eateries. If you've been here before, you know that Guam is good!
Made my first trip to Guam last October as a planned historical trip starting in Honolulu, then using Guam as the starting point for Saipan, & Tinian. Unfortunately, the typhoon warning that happened when I was there made me abandon my Saipan/Tinian trips, so I’ll try again later this year. There’s still stuff on Guam that I didn’t see that can justify a return trip this fall.
Check out the bomb loading pit in Tinian when you get there.
@@tropicshade That was my intent. However, big Air Force has reactivated parts or all of North Field, so I'm not 100% sure the bomb pits are accessible to the general public any longer.
@@get2dachoppa249 WTH? 🙄
@@tropicshade I believe the operational term for it is dispersal of forces. Given the increasing tensions in the region over Taiwan & North Korea in general means not having all your eggs in one basket at Anderson AFB & Naval Base Guam.
You got it right about everything being so expensive, suffice to say we are experiencing the same problems here in the mainland. I'm thankful my late husband was a retired military (Navy) and it does help some shopping at the commissary and the Navy exchange but they're also beginning to feel the effects of the shut-downs. But I'm an optimist and I also believe that things will get better at some point.
We actually found the Commissary and Exchange on the mainland (Columbus AFB) to be more expensive than Walmart... not to mention the cost of a 60 minute drive. We would only go on occasion for Calrose rice and Kikkoman soyu and would stock up. Then one day Walmart began carrying Botan rice (brand) and we never went back to Columbus.
Agree.
@LivinginthePacific sorry got interrupted ...I do agree about the AFB commissary and exchange.
@@tropicshade how are the prices at the Guam commissary? More expensive than the mainland commissaries?
I used to go to the Los Angeles Air Force Base commissary to stock up on the meats, dairy and others specific items.
Honestly, I can't say. It's been 11 year since we left the mainland, but from what I remember, Walmart beat their prices on most everything. Remember that Commissaries now all fall under one roof (DECA) and they all charge a surcharge at checkout. Add in the tip for the baggers and well, savings probably don't amount to much. Then subtract your travel expense and... 😢
💙🇬🇺🤙🏽
We are on the last day of the huge Sinulog Festival here in Cebu City and it appears the crowds are much smaller with many hotels still having rooms available when they would normally all be booked at this time. The "economy" and personal incomes were devastated by 2 years of lockdowns and it is a slow recovery especially with inflation. I might want to visit Guam at some time for medicare issues. I wonder how "backed up" the medicare system is there or is it easy to get an appointment?
Inflation is hurting the masses. As long as you are current with Part B premiums, no issue getting appointments here. Not hard to book appointments - couple weeks out. Or you can just head to the emergency room. You can book an appointment in advance at any Dr.'s office or FHP... www.takecareasia.com
Same here Rod, let me know when you want to go and maybe we can coordinate our itineraries. I need to go to take care of some VA health issues that aren't covered here at the VA Manila Clinic.
Make sure to give the VA here a heads up that you are coming.
To add on the topic of not being able to vote for President if you are a U.S. citizen on Guam….if you are born on Guam, and you move to a State and become a resident there, you can vote for President. I think that fact is often misunderstood.
Absolutely, residency makes all the difference. Thanks for that!
Yea, rent a car and drive to the south. It is best to do a loop, see both sides of the island. I've been here 38 years. My children are "Chamaoles".Their mother (RIP Helen, cancer) is Chamoru and I'm a haole from Alberta. The locals are very chill, unless you are an outsider "know it all", trash talking beautiful 'Isla Guahan'.
"Respect" is a very powerful concept here.
@@tropicshade "Respetu para Isla Guahan". Yes, show it and you will usually be treated the same. Esta
I'm 200 Days from Retirement @ 100% Income Replacement from Pensions... But, no Healthcare in my Pensions. I'll be less than Three Years from Medicare Eligibility. Planning to be in the Philippines until then. Guam is on my "Radar" once I get Medicare at least to visit for Healthcare.
Good plan.
Btw, being a u.s. territory, your Medicare works here. How is the healthcare in Guam?
Decent. I had back surgery here, no complaints.
That guy is John Smulo and lives in Cebu city. He has a business in San Francisco and Cebu city. Another of his youtube channels is called American Entrepreneur in the Philippines.
I like his editing style... but it's a lot like work! 😳
Can i go to a restaurant in Guam and get a great steak?
Yes you can, many places! Bring dollars. 😏
I ate at a Mexican restaurant last night in Ladera Ranch and spent $150 for two.
Seriously? 😲 What are they stuffing the Chili Rellenos with, Wagyu Beef and Lobster? 🤣
Maybe that was the eight margaritas that you guys had? Seriously, what did you guys eat and was it worth it?
🤣🤣🤣
Don't forget the LA 4% health tax
Whaaat? 😳😳😳
HOW ABOUT THE JONES ACT? HOW DOES THIS INFLATE THE LIVING COSTS?
Some claim it adds a lot to the cost of goods. I would tend to agree.