Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Yap - update Dec. 2014 not diving

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Micronesia, Federated States of

There are two ATMs connected to the international networks in Colonia. Bank of Guam and Bank of FSM both have one.
At the ESA Hotel credit cards are accepted and there is no surcharge for paying with them. I recommend the ESA by the way. Very well run and value for money for Pacific Standards. There are cheaper options though. The Pathways Hotel / Restaurant is closed for renovations.

I also stayed in the Village View resort up north which is on the beach and ok. Their rate of 75 US plus 10% is negotiable if things are quiet, which they mostly are I think.
Tours around Yap are very expensive, so renting a car is a good option. I rented a Mazda Demio for 27,5 US per day without insurance from PBC (Pacific Bus Company). No deposit and Credit Card required if you pay cash.
The main roads are sealed with the smaller ones being dirt roads. In wet conditions some of the dirt roads become muddy and slippery, so drive with caution.
Internet is Wifi provided by FSM Telecom. The rate is 8 cents per MB which is ok for email and very expensive for social media fans. Good connection throughout my stay.
There is a trail to be hiked: the Tamilyog trail. It is not long but worth going. The tourist office has a booklet about it. There are a lot more Stone Paths to be hiked of course.
United flies to Yap nonstop from Palau both ways Saturday nights/ Sunday mornings. The other flight (Wednesday)is via Guam, which means transit passengers have to go through US immigration.
Yap is good, definitely worth the effort of getting there.