Guam Currency & Money Guide: Exchange, Cards, and Tips

Guam uses the United States dollar (USD), so US$1 is always worth US$1 locally; travellers from Singapore should check the live SGD-to-USD rate before departure because the Guam exchange rate changes with the market. Cards are widely accepted in Tumon, Hagåtña, hotels, restaurants, shops, and car-rental counters, but carrying US$50–100 in smaller notes is sensible for tips, markets, roadside stalls, and backup cash. A mid-range traveller should budget about US$120–220 per person per day in 2026, excluding flights, while budget travellers may spend roughly US$75–120. Guam’s hotel tax and resort fees can materially increase the final bill, so compare the total price rather than the advertised room rate. Track spending in the Hello app, which supports multiple currencies, automatic exchange-rate conversion, receipt scanning, expense splitting, and budget tracking.

The local currency is the US dollar, and Guam does not have a separate island currency. For Singapore travellers, the practical Guam exchange rate is the live SGD-to-USD rate shown by your bank, card network, or currency app on the day of purchase; there is no fixed SGD conversion rate. Guam prices are normally displayed as dollars, with tax sometimes added at checkout rather than included on the menu. As a planning example, if S$1 converts to approximately US$0.74, a US$25 meal would be about S$34 before card fees and tax; verify the live rate before relying on any estimate. Guam’s advertised hotel prices may also exclude an 11.5% hotel occupancy tax, and some properties add resort fees of roughly US$20–40 per night. Keep receipts when comparing rates, because a favourable headline exchange rate can be offset by a foreign-transaction fee or dynamic currency conversion. In the Hello app, log expenses in USD while keeping your trip budget in SGD; automatic multi-currency conversion makes it easier to see what you are actually spending. For broader planning, see the Guam destination guide.

The best Guam money tip is to arrive with a small amount of US cash, then use a bank-affiliated ATM or card for most spending instead of exchanging a large amount at the airport. Airport exchange counters and hotel desks are convenient but often provide less competitive rates or additional commissions; compare the amount received after every fee, not just the displayed rate. Banks and established currency-exchange counters in shopping districts such as Tumon and Hagåtña are generally more transparent, but opening hours can vary, especially on weekends and US holidays. Guam is a US territory, so Singapore dollars are not accepted for everyday purchases, and merchants are unlikely to exchange foreign notes. Avoid changing money with individuals, street sellers, or unofficial online contacts. Before leaving Singapore, notify your bank that you will use your card in Guam and check whether your account charges foreign-currency, overseas ATM, or cash-advance fees. If a terminal asks whether to pay in SGD or USD, choose USD in most cases; letting the merchant or ATM convert the transaction can involve an unfavourable dynamic currency conversion markup. Keep a second card separately from your main wallet and photograph important travel documents securely.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Guam, while American Express acceptance is more variable; contactless payment is common in modern hotels, supermarkets, chain stores, restaurants, and shopping centres, but it should not be your only payment method. ATMs are easiest to find at banks, malls, convenience stores, major hotels, and shopping areas around Tumon, although remote beaches, southern villages, and small family-run businesses may have fewer options. A Guam ATM can charge its own operator fee, while your Singapore bank may add an overseas withdrawal or currency-conversion fee; check the confirmation screen and decline an unnecessary conversion to SGD. Withdraw modest amounts, such as US$100–200, rather than carrying a large balance. Credit cards may place a temporary hold for hotel deposits, car rentals, fuel, or incidentals, so leave room in your available credit limit. Common card-related scams include duplicate charges, inflated restaurant totals, and unattended card use. Review notifications daily and keep receipts until the transaction settles. Digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay may work where the underlying card and terminal support them, but availability is not universal. WeChat Pay and Japan’s PayPay should not be assumed to work everywhere in Guam; bring a physical card and cash backup.

Tipping in Guam follows US customs: gratuities are expected for many service jobs, but the amount depends on service quality and whether a service charge has already been added. At a sit-down restaurant, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is a normal guide; check the receipt carefully for an included service charge before adding more. Bartenders commonly receive around US$1–2 per drink, while hotel housekeeping may receive roughly US$2–5 per room per night, preferably left daily. For bell staff, US$1–2 per bag is customary, and a private driver or guide may receive around 10–20% when service is good. Taxi tipping is commonly rounded up or increased by about 10–15%, though it is not usually expected in the same way as restaurant tipping. Fast-food counters, self-service buffets, and takeaway shops generally do not require a tip, although a small amount is welcome for exceptional help. Guam’s resort areas can make tipping prompts appear on card terminals even when service is counter-based. Do not feel pressured to select the highest option. Carry US$1 and US$5 notes so you can tip easily without creating a change problem, and record shared gratuities in Hello when splitting a restaurant bill with friends.

A realistic 2026 Guam budget is about US$75–120 per day for budget travel, US$120–220 for mid-range travel, and US$220 or more for luxury travel, excluding flights. Accommodation is usually the largest expense: budget rooms may begin around US$90–130 per night, while popular beachfront resorts can cost US$220–350 or more before taxes and fees. Casual restaurant mains commonly run about US$15–25, local Chamorro plates about US$10–25, and nicer seaside meals around US$25–35. Save money by eating one meal at a food court or supermarket, booking accommodation with breakfast, and checking whether resort fees include parking, Wi-Fi, or transport benefits. Compare a rental car with tourist buses and hotel shuttles: a car can cost about US$40–60 per day before fuel, while a Tumon-area trolley pass may be around US$15 for one day or US$30 for four days, depending on the current operator and route. Beaches, viewpoints, and many coastal walks are inexpensive or free, so combine them with fewer paid excursions. Set a daily limit in Hello, scan receipts in any currency, and split shared accommodation, fuel, and meals automatically. Staying connected through a Hello eSIM for Guam also helps with maps, mobile banking, rides, and checking prices before committing.

The short answers below cover the most common Guam currency questions travellers ask before arriving.

Do I need to exchange Singapore dollars before visiting Guam? Exchange a small amount into US dollars before departure or withdraw after arrival, but do not carry your entire holiday budget in cash. Cards are convenient, and Guam uses USD exclusively.

Is Guam expensive? It can be, particularly in Tumon resorts. In 2026, a mid-range traveller should allow roughly US$120–220 daily excluding flights, while local plates, food courts, free beaches, and shared transport reduce costs.

Can I use contactless payments in Guam? Often, yes, especially at hotels, chain retailers, restaurants, and malls. Acceptance is not universal, so keep a physical card and small US notes.

How much should I tip in Guam? Allow 15–20% at full-service restaurants unless a service charge is included. Tip hotel staff, guides, and drivers according to service, but counter service usually needs no mandatory gratuity.

Are there money scams to watch for? Review card receipts, avoid unofficial currency exchanges, protect your PIN, and decline unfamiliar ATM conversion offers. Never share banking codes or hand over a card out of sight.

Which payment apps work locally? Apple Pay and Google Pay may work where supported. WeChat Pay and PayPay are not guaranteed across Guam, so do not rely on them as your primary payment method.