Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You’ll need to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap). Consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid. If you’re staying longer or engaging in riskier activities, a rabies shot might be wise. Always check the latest travel advisories for any updates.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Marshall Islands, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Marshall IslandsCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, particularly in rural areas. Cover shoulders and knees; this applies to both men and women. Women travelers should be aware that swimwear is usually acceptable only at resorts or designated beach areas. Respect local customs by asking permission before taking photos of people or private property.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised. Homosexuality is not illegal but is culturally sensitive. Public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are uncommon and best avoided.
When visiting someone’s home, remove your shoes before entering. Always offer a small gift to your host, like food or drink. Avoid discussing politics or local issues unless you know the person well.
Show respect when visiting cultural sites; refrain from touching or climbing on sacred structures. Always ask if you’re uncertain about any cultural practices.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Marshall Islands.
- Jerked Meat: This is a traditional dish made from sun-dried beef, often marinated with spices. It’s a staple due to its long shelf life, making it ideal for the island’s seafaring and fishing communities.
- Poi: A fermented taro root dish, similar in texture to pudding. It’s a cultural staple often served at celebrations and gatherings. Its tangy flavor is an acquired taste but offers insight into local traditions.
- Roasted Breadfruit: A versatile staple in the Marshallese diet, breadfruit is often roasted and served with coconut milk. It’s popular due to its abundance and nutritional value, essential for island life.
- Wahoo: This local fish is often grilled or served raw as sashimi. It’s popular for its light, mild flavor and is a testament to the island’s rich fishing culture.
- Pandanas Fruit: Often eaten fresh or turned into a sweet paste, this fruit is significant due to its nutritional benefits and is deeply ingrained in the local diet.
Tap water in the Marshall Islands is not considered safe for drinking by tourists, even if locals sometimes consume it. It’s best to stick to bottled or properly filtered water to avoid any health issues. Always check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s not been tampered with.
The main language in Marshall Islands is
Marshallese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Marshallese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Marshall Islands includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In the Marshall Islands,
English is widely spoken and serves as one of the official languages, alongside Marshallese. The islands have a strong historical connection to the United States, which has influenced the prevalence of English. Most residents, especially in urban areas and among the younger population, are proficient in English, making communication relatively easy for travelers.
In schools, English is the primary language of instruction, and many government and business operations are conducted in English. However, in more remote areas or among older generations, proficiency may vary, and some residents might primarily speak Marshallese.
Travelers may encounter signs, menus, and public information in English, enhancing the ease of navigation and interaction. While English is commonly understood, learning a few basic phrases in Marshallese can enrich the travel experience and demonstrate respect for the local culture. Overall, travelers can expect a generally high level of English proficiency throughout the Marshall Islands, facilitating communication and enhancing their visit.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Marshall Islands is USD ($).
ATMs: ATMs are a bit rare in the Marshall Islands. You’ll find some in Majuro, but beyond that, you might be out of luck. So, plan ahead and withdraw enough cash when you’re in town.
Cash or Card: Cash is king here. While some places in Majuro might take cards, don’t count on it elsewhere. Keep USD handy since it’s the official currency; euros won’t do you much good.
Currency Exchange: Forget about exchanging currency here. If you don’t have USD before arriving, get it sorted out in a major hub like Hawaii or Guam.
General Tip: Always carry some small bills. You’ll thank yourself when you’re hopping between islands or grabbing a quick bite.
Tipping in the Marshall Islands is generally not expected, as it is not a part of the local culture. However, leaving a small tip for exceptional service in restaurants or hotels is appreciated but purely optional. If you decide to tip, a few dollars or rounding up the bill is sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.