Quick answer. Guam's airport, Antonio B. Won Pat International, is about ten minutes from the Tumon Bay hotels. Guam uses the US dollar, so American travellers have nothing to exchange. There is no rail and little public transport: a taxi to Tumon costs roughly $20 to $30, many hotels run shuttles, and hire-car desks are in arrivals. For cash, use a bank machine; expect a US-style surcharge. Visitors with Japanese or Korean cards will be offered conversions into yen or won: choose dollars. Bank of America has no branches on Guam, and Guam is not part of the Global ATM Alliance.
Where to get US dollars at GUM
For an American card, Guam is a domestic trip: the costs are ATM surcharges, not exchange rates. For a Japanese or Korean card, the conversion prompt is the trap. Figures assume $100.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| US card, no currency exchange needed | Everywhere | None (USD purchase) | $100 |
| Bank ATM with a US debit card | Arrivals and island-wide | Owner surcharge plus your bank's out-of-network fee | ~$103-106 |
| Japanese or Korean card accepting the yen/won conversion | Terminals island-wide | +3-7% conversion markup | ~$103-107 |
| Exchanging yen or won at the counter | Arrivals | Spread plus commission | ~$105-110 |
Bank machines at Guam (GUM), and getting to Tumon
Guam's airport is the hub of the western Pacific, with flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul, Busan, Taipei and Manila, and United's island-hopping routes to Honolulu, Saipan, Palau and Micronesia. Passengers arriving from Asia clear US immigration and customs here, so allow time in the queue. Bank machines are in the public arrivals area, alongside exchange counters that serve visitors from Japan and Korea. Locally, Bank of Guam has the largest network on the island. Our Guam money guide covers the 11 percent hotel tax, why a few US card issuers charge a foreign fee in Guam, and the night market.
Arrivals hall
United, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way, Philippine Airlines and others
Bank machines are in the public area after customs. US cards work as at home, with a surcharge shown on screen. Japanese and Korean cards will be offered a conversion into yen or won: decline it and accept the dollar amount.
Hire-car and shuttle counters
Car rental companies and hotel shuttles
Rental desks take a credit card for the deposit. Many Tumon hotels run shuttles timed to the big morning and late-night Asian arrival banks; check with your hotel.
Departures and duty-free
Flights to Asia, Hawaii and Micronesia
Guam has no sales tax, and the airport's duty-free shops price in dollars with yen and won shown alongside. Pay by card in dollars.
Do you actually need cash at Guam (GUM)?
No. Taxis, hotel shuttles and hire desks take cards:
Taxi to the Tumon hotels (roughly $20-30): About 10 minutes; most take cards, but confirm first.
Hotel shuttle (free to around $15): Many Tumon hotels meet flights; book with the hotel.
Hire car (from around $40 a day): The cheapest way to see the island; US licences valid.
Ride-hail (varies): Apps operate on Guam; billed to your card.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Guam (GUM) to Tumon?
No. Taxis, shuttles and hire desks take cards. Keep 50 to 100 dollars in small notes for the Chamorro Village night market, small local restaurants and tips.
Can I order US dollars before flying?
Not needed for Americans: Guam uses US dollars. Visitors from elsewhere can pay by card in dollars. CEI Currency Exchange can ship yen or won to a US address in 2-5 days if your trip continues to Japan or Korea.
Do I need to exchange money at Guam airport?
Not if you are from the United States: Guam uses the US dollar. Visitors from Japan, Korea and elsewhere get a better rate paying by card in dollars, or withdrawing dollars from a bank machine, than at the exchange counter.
Do I go through customs arriving in Guam from Japan or Korea?
Yes. Guam is US territory, so passengers arriving from Asia clear US immigration and customs at the airport. Flights from Honolulu and the US mainland arrive as domestic flights.
How much is a taxi from Guam airport to Tumon?
Roughly 20 to 30 dollars to the Tumon Bay hotels, a ride of about ten minutes. Most taxis take cards, but confirm before setting off. Many hotels offer shuttles, and hire cars are often cheaper for a stay of several days.