Geography
Yap is located in the Western Pacific stretching from 6 to 10 degrees North Latitude and 137 to 148 degrees East Longitude in the Western Caroline Islands. Yap is one of the four States that make up the Federated States of Micronesia and is some 450 miles southwest of Guam and 360 miles northeast of Palau.

Yap State
Yap State consists of 134 islands and atolls of which 22 are populated stretching across more than 100,000 square miles of total area. The main island of Yap is made up of four high volcanic islands and accounts for 38.7 of Yap’s total 49.7 square miles of land area. Colonia the State's Capital and commercial centre is located here. Most of the outer islands stretching nearly 600 miles east of Yap Island are coral atolls and are sparsely populated by people different from the Yapese in culture and language.

Time Zone
(GMT + 10) - Yap is on the same time zone as Sydney, Australia, and one hour earlier than Tokyo, Japan.

Climate
Temperatures in Yap are moderate and fairly constant. Average temperature in Yap is 26C°/80 F to 28C°/83F and humidity ranges from 65 to 100 percent with an annual average of 83 percent. The trade wind season (November through April – marked by strong east to northeast winds) is relatively dry while several rain showers a day tend to occur in the months of June through September that refresh the island vegetation.

Language
There are four indigenous languages in Yap: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleian and Satawalese. English is the common language of the FSM and is commonly spoken and understood. Many elderly Yapese are fluent in Japanese.

Communications
International telephone calls to anywhere in the world can be made from Yap. IDD is offered at some hotels and the telecommunications office provides telephone, fax, e-mail and telex services. The Yap Post Office located in Colonia, is a branch of the FSM Postal System, which is a part of the US Post Office System.

Entry Formalities
Visas are not required for tourists for 30 days or less. You must have a valid Passport or documentation of Citizenship. All visitors must have an onward or return ticket. Entry authorization for longer than 30 days must be obtained in advance from Immigration and Labor, FSM National Government, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FSM 96941.

Health
No immunizations are required unless coming from an infected area.

Clothing
Travel light. It never gets cold in Yap, so only lightweight clothing should be brought. Attire is very casual and formal wear is considered unnecessary and impractical. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. In Yap toplessness is common and socially acceptable, but it is considered highly offensive for women to bare their thighs in Public. Short shorts, bikinis and miniskirts are a definite no-no. Women are advised to wear long shorts, a light dress or sarong to avoid offending local custom in public places.

Currency, Banking and Credit Cards
The official currency in Yap is the US Dollar. There are two commercial banks in Yap, the Bank of the FSM and the Ayuw Credit Union. Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, travelers checks are recommended for purchases at restaurants and for shopping.

Tipping
Visitors to FSM are guests and hospitality is considered an honor in local culture. Tips are neither expected nor encouraged.

Business Hours
Business hours are normally from 7:30 – 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. On weekends most retail outlets are open with some limiting hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Banks and Government Offices are closed on weekends. Restaurants and Bars are open until 10:30 on weekdays and until 2a.m. on weekends. Drinking Permits - Visitors staying longer than 30 days are required to obtain a Yap State Alcoholic Beverage Drinking Permit, issued by the Chief of Police for a fee of $5.00. Good for a period of one year they prove to be a unique momento of a visit to Yap.

Safety and Security
The crime rate is traditionally low and there is no history of terrorism in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

Getting there
With China Airlines you can get twice a week from Europe via Taipei to Palau. After changing the plane you will arrive in Yap with the regional airline Continental Micronesia. For more information on schedules and prices please check www.china-airlines.com .

Yap is serviced from the hubs of the region, Guam and Palau, by Continental Micronesia whose schedule is readily available from most reputable travel agents and on http://www.continental.com/.