How to Handle Your PCS Like a Pro: A Military Spouse’s Guide to Guam

By Katie McDonald

Håfa Adai, new neighbor! In the busyness of PCS season, you may have moved thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean to Guam, a strategically important island that many people would struggle to find on a map. Such a move may have left you feeling intimidated and overwhelmed—I know it did for me last year. But my husband and I have come to call Guam home and have found our community and our rhythm here. If you’re feeling lost, curious, or anxious after your move, these six tips will help boost your confidence and get you excited to explore!

1. Embrace the History and Culture

While Guam is a US territory, it has a distinct Chamorro culture and history that stretches back thousands of years.

Guam Museum and Valley of the Latte Adventure Park are excellent, family-friendly places to learn more about island life.
If you’re ready for a hike, Ritidian Beach (Guam National Wildlife Refuge) hosts latte site and cave tours where you can see remnants of latte homes and pictographs.
The Battle of Guam was a key victory in the Pacific Theater during World War II; War in the Pacific National Historic Park remembers the brave heroes through six learning sites.
Liberation Day (July 21) is a massive, island-wide celebration.

The memorial for the Marine Corps at Asan Beach Unit War in the Pacific National Historic Park helps tell the stories of sacrifice and bravery during World War II.

2. Celebrate Like a Local

Guam is known for its hospitality, and there’s no better way to experience that than a fiesta or village festival. The Catholic churches and 19 villages host celebrations for patron saints and local produce throughout the year. From the Agat Mango Festival to the Mangilao Donne’ (pepper) Festival, you’ll find incredible food, music, and dancing. Looking for a weekly celebration? Check out one of the three weekly Night Markets!

Chamorro Village (Hagåtña) on Wednesdays is the biggest and most famous.
Mangilao hosts a Night Market in the fairgrounds next to Santa Teresita Catholic Church on Thursdays, and it offers a smaller community atmosphere.
There is a new night market in Tumon at Pleasure Island on Sundays - perfect if you’re staying in one of the main hotels and resorts

The fairgrounds next to Santa Teresita Catholic Church host a Thursday Night Market, the annual Donne Festival, and a fiesta for the church's patron saint.

3. Get Involved

Making friends in a new place can be difficult, but there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in your community! The MWR and USO centers offer many events like group fitness classes, art workshops, cooking classes, chances to paddleboard, and book clubs.

If you’re looking to socialize off-base, here are some of my favorite places to go:

Volunteer: Guam Animals in Need (GAIN) and Guam National Wildlife Refuge.
Game Night: Carabao Brewing (music bingo and trivia on alternating Saturday nights) and Guam Brewery (trivia every Thursday night).
Group workouts: Ina Wellness Collective and Synergy Studios.
Late-night fun: Boonies for cornhole, plus karaoke bars all over the island.

Guam Animals in Need is the only animal shelter on Guam, and volunteers can help to socialize the dogs and cats.

4. Learn Where to Shop

Missing two-day shipping? While you may have been used to the convenience of Amazon or strolling the aisles of your local Target or Trader Joe’s, Guam has plenty of options for your daily essentials and retail therapy.

Ross and Macy’s offer a wide variety of clothing and home items.
Kmart is your Walmart equivalent and is open 24/7.
Guam Farmers Market and Farm to Table Guam have the freshest local produce.
Guam Fishermen’s Co-Op, Don Don Donki, and the Payless Maite have great meat and fish selections.
And of course, the Commissary, NEX, and BX offer great deals and a wide selection.

Check out Where to Buy Fresh, Local Produce on Guam

Don Don Donki's colorful eye-catching displays make it hard to stick to your shopping list! They have a variety of foods from Japan as well as specialty items from around Asia and America.

5. Be Prepared

During your time on Guam, you will probably experience a few typhoon warnings. The rainy season stretches from July to November and, as the name implies, you’ll see plenty of heavy rain and wind during that time. Always be sure to have water, nonperishable food, and flashlights on hand. Regardless of the season, you’ll experience plenty of heat, humidity and a high UV index, so remember to wear plenty of sunscreen and drink enough water. Here's a Guam Typhoon Preparation Guide.

While the rain may stop your plans, the rainbows afterwards, like the one I saw at Two Lover's Point, definitely make up for them.

6. Beating Island Fever

If you find yourself itching with island fever, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Saipan are just a short flight away. A long weekend in Tokyo was a total game-changer for us, especially to experience autumn! MWR’s Tickets & Travel office can help you book your trip and may have a discount available.

If you’re looking for a stay-cation to shake things up, the resorts in Tumon offer a variety of amenities, activities, bars, and restaurants within walking distance to fantastic shows like TaoTao Tasi, Super American Circus, and Karera. Keep an eye out for military discounts to get the best deals on your booking!

How to Handle Your PCS Like a Pro: A Military Spouse’s Guide to Guam