Living in the Marshall Islands: An EscapeArtist Quick Take

Living in the Marshall Islands

Getting There and Getting Around

You will arrive at the Amata Kabua International Airport at the south side of Majuro Atoll, the capital of the Marshall Islands either by United Airlines if you come from Asia or Honolulu, or by Our Airline, if you fly in from Australia.

If you decide to stay on Majuro, there are taxis available to take you around the island, prices ranging from USD 0.50 up to USD 35.00, depending on your destination. It is a ride-sharing system and there are no current regulations for taxi prices on Majuro so you should check the price with the driver prior to getting into the taxi.

Shuttle services are available running the length of Majuro for a fee of USD 2.50, as well as rental cars including sedans, trucks and minivans.

If your destination is outside the Majuro Atoll, the domestic airline Air Marshall Islands offer regular flights to the other islands.

Visas

Citizens of the United States, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, as well as citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, European Union, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, can get a tourist visa upon arrival which is valid for 30 days. Citizens from all other countries must apply for a tourist visa prior to traveling to the Marshall Islands. All visas can be extended for up to 90 days in total.

All visitors must have a passport, that is valid for at least 6 months, enough funds to pay for their stay and an onward or return ticket.

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Marshallese Culture

The family unit is very important and there is a strong sense of community. When you arrive as a stranger you will most probably be warmly welcomed and sometimes even symbolically adopted into the family so you don’t feel lonely.

The land is owned by clans, where the chief is in charge of land tenure, use of resources and their distribution as well as a settlement of disputes. The clan head supervises the maintenance of the lands and the daily activities while the workers are responsible for the daily work on the land, like cleaning, farming and construction activities. The land is passed down from generation to generation through the mother.

Owning Real Estate

Foreigners are not allowed to own land or property as all land is owned by clans and families. But land can be leased if all clan members agree to it.

Health Issues

The lagoon and ocean have traditionally been used as toilet facilities. And despite the population increase it is still used as such and causes health problems. Common infectious and communicable diseases in the Marshall Islands include amoebiasis, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, gonorrhea, influenza, leprosy, scabies, syphilis, and tuberculosis caused by water supply, sanitation, personal hygiene and overcrowding among other reasons.

Health facilities in Majuro and Ebeye are adequate for routine medical problems. There are few or no health facilities available elsewhere in the Marshall Islands. Most outer islands have medical dispensaries. Serious medical problems may require medical evacuation to the United States.

Prescription and over the counter medicine may not be available. So visitors are advised to bring sufficient supplies of prescription and other medicines they may need during their stay. Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment for health services. However, the local cost for service is quite minimal.

Working in the Marshall Islands

It is possible for Americans to get work on either Kwajalein or Roi-Namur Islands in Kwajalein Atoll. Only citizens of the Marshall Islands and US Military personnel are allowed to disembark at Kwajalein Atoll. The island nation is massively short on skilled professionals and is increasingly advertising posts for skilled positions, especially focused around infrastructure development and healthcare. Approach the government sites or Visitors Authority for more information.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Islands

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