What to pack lists are always useful: Print it out and tick the items off as you pack (first crossing out any you don’t want/need). I’ve added a bunch of comments as to why I’ve included some items in the list.
Travel Documents
Airline Tickets, itinerary and passport/s: Each must be valid for at least six months.
Cash: American dollars … it’s either impossible or hugely expensive to exchange other currencies at the Bank of Guam website or the Bank of Marshall Islands Facebook page.
Credit cards: The bigger hotels and supermarkets accept credit and debit cards. There are three ATMs owned by Bank of Guam on Majuro (outside RRE Hotel in Uliga, Payless Supermarket Uliga, K&K Island Pride Supermarket Delap).
Optional documents
Travel insurance: Majuro has a decent hospital and one private doctor, but the general rule of thumb is that if you are seriously injured or sick you should fly out to a first world country.
Dive certification … Note: If you’re diving, you are required to buy a $50 annual permit from the Historic Preservation Office.
Clothes for men
Open, smart sandals for dining out or events, flip flops for relaxed events, closed toe shoes for business or government meetings.
Shorts for most purposes, but long trousers for business and government meetings/events paired with a collared shirt.
T-shirts.
Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts for sun protection.
Swimwear and towel.
Lightweight waterproof jacket.
Hat or cap for sun protection.
Clothes for women
Open, smart sandals for dining out or events and flip flops.
Shorts … to the knee is best.
T-shirts … no spaghetti strap tops without a cover-up.
Lightweight, long-sleeve shirt for sun protection.
Swimwear and towel.
Dress or skirt that falls beneath the knees … necessary if you will be doing business in RMI, particularly with the government.
Sarong … great for covering up knees in a flash.
Lightweight waterproof jacket.
Hat or cap for sun protection.
Other essentials
Driver’s license
Prescription glasses and a spare
Personal medications and simple first aid supplies… if you’re prone to seasickness include some medication. Note there are three pharmacies on Majuro (at the hospital, at Majuro Clinic and at MediSource) but their range of stock generally doesn’t include specialty items.
Sunglasses and retaining strap.
Sunscreen (reef safe).
Personal Toiletries.
Mosquito repellent.
Electronic devices including camera and the complementing electronic cords and batteries. The National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) sells phones.
Ziplock freezer bags to keep things dry and organize gear.
Large dry bag, particularly if you intend to be regularly on or around the water.
Other non-essential but useful items
Laundry Bag … for used underwear or wet bathing suit/towel.
Reusable Shopping Bag … Stores are banned from proving plastic bags.
Hand Sanitizer … Medium size for your suitcase and hotel room, small for your carry-on.
Lip Balm … the air is different in the tropics!
Copies of Travel Documents … both in hard copy form and scanned on your favorite device and emailed to yourself.
Gifts for your hosts or new friends … Small tokens are always much appreciated, particularly if they reflect your home area.
The Indies Trader Packing Checklist for Surfers
World champion Kelly Slater surfs Ailinglaplap. Photo: Todd Glaser
The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. (See the Beran Island page on this site.)
MAIN CHECKLIST
Long sleeve rash vest / 1MM Wetsuit Top
Booties / Reef Walkers
Surf Hat-means you can stay out longer
Heavy duty waterproof sunscreen, lip balm
2 or 3 Pair Boardshorts
1 Pair Walk / Boat Shorts
3 Tee Shirts
A collared shirt, pair of long pants and shoes for traveling
Sandals
iPod / iPhone / Headphones / Charger
International power outlet converters
• Boats have AUS type outlets – Usually just the plug converter for iphone / computer chargers that support 110/220v
Extra supplements, vitamins, specialized food items for personal use that will not be available on the boats (cliff bars, protein powder, etc)
Seasickness medicine if susceptible (Patches seem to work the best)
Prescription medications (Please keep in prescription bottle with your name on them)
First Aid for cleaning reef cuts – Neosporin, Hibeclens, Tylenol, Antibiotics for Staph ( see Preparing for Your Trip for more info )
SURF / EQUIPMENT
2-4 boards
Tropical Surf Wax – remove your old cold water wax before the trip
New leashes-dont get caught out with on old tired leash!
Spare fins (stiff glass or carbon fibre)
Fin key
Spare leash tethers
Solarez
OPTIONAL
Camera / Batteries / SD Card Readers / USB flash drives for Photos
Laptop / Charger / Power plug converter (most chargers are 110/220v)
Specialty dive equipment – mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer
FOR WOMEN
Sarong / Cover Up for Women – *Local people are a modest culture and there may be a few times when it is much more culturally accepted if the ladies can cover up rather than be in modern bikini swimsuits, especially to walk through some of the local villages.
