Majuro Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Majuro.
Healthcare System
Majuro has limited healthcare facilities with the Majuro Hospital (formerly Majuro General Hospital) serving as the primary medical center. The facility provides basic medical care but lacks the advanced equipment and specialist services available in developed countries. The Marshall Islands healthcare system relies heavily on medical evacuations to Honolulu for serious conditions.
Hospitals
Majuro Hospital is the only significant medical facility on the atoll. Private clinics offer limited outpatient services. The hospital has emergency services, but capabilities are restricted. Wait times can be long, and facilities may appear dated. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Honolulu (approximately 2,400 miles away) is necessary and can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more.
Pharmacies
Limited pharmacies are available in Majuro, primarily near the hospital and in the main commercial areas of Delap-Uliga-Darrit (DUD). Medication selection is restricted, and many common Western medications may be unavailable. Bring all prescription medications in original containers with sufficient supply for your entire trip plus extra in case of delays. Over-the-counter medications are limited.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation is absolutely essential and strongly recommended by all authorities. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Honolulu or another major medical center, as this is the most likely emergency expense you could face.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and all prescription medications you might need, plus extras
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers medical evacuation from the Marshall Islands
- Consider a pre-travel medical check-up and ensure routine vaccinations are current
- Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records, including blood type and allergies
- The nearest advanced medical facilities are in Honolulu, Hawaii - factor this into your risk assessment
- Water quality can be inconsistent - drink bottled or properly treated water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft of unattended belongings, particularly at beaches, hotels, and public areas. Break-ins to rental vehicles and accommodations occasionally occur.
Road conditions are poor with potholes, limited lighting, and narrow roads. Driving standards vary, and pedestrians, dogs, and children may unexpectedly enter roadways. Drunk driving can be an issue, especially on weekends.
Majuro is located near the equator with intense sun year-round. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and severe sunburn are common among visitors who underestimate the tropical sun.
Drowning risks exist due to strong currents, coral reefs, and unpredictable ocean conditions. The lagoon is generally calmer than ocean-side waters. Marine hazards include sharp coral, sea urchins, and occasionally jellyfish.
Travelers may experience gastrointestinal issues from unfamiliar food, contaminated water, or food handling practices. Tap water quality is inconsistent and not recommended for drinking.
Dengue fever occurs in the Marshall Islands, with periodic outbreaks. Zika virus has also been reported. Mosquitoes are present year-round, particularly during rainy periods.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers, particularly those without official markings, may quote inflated prices to tourists unfamiliar with local rates. Meters are not standard, so prices are negotiated.
Some budget accommodations may claim damage to rooms or excessive cleaning needs to retain security deposits or charge extra fees.
Informal tour operators may take payment for diving, fishing, or island tours but provide substandard service, unsafe equipment, or cancel without refund.
The U.S. dollar is the official currency, but visitors may encounter confusion about prices or receive incorrect change, particularly in smaller shops.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic Marshallese greetings - locals appreciate the effort and it builds rapport
- Respect local customs and traditional practices, especially regarding land and family
- Be aware that Majuro operates on a 'coconut wireless' - news travels fast in the small community
Money and Valuables
- ATMs are limited - bring sufficient U.S. cash as backup
- Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is essential for most transactions
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- Don't flash large amounts of money or expensive electronics in public
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from your main wallet
- Banking services are limited - plan financial needs in advance
Transportation
- The main road runs about 30 miles from Laura to Rita - familiarize yourself with key landmarks
- Rental cars are available but inspect carefully for damage and mechanical issues before accepting
- Taxis are available but negotiate fares beforehand
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas
- Watch for flooded roads during rain and king tides
- Fuel stations are limited - keep your tank at least half full
Food and Water
- Always drink bottled water - tap water is not reliably safe
- Eat at established restaurants, especially when first arriving
- Be cautious with raw fish and seafood unless from reputable sources
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Bring water purification tablets as backup
- Try local foods gradually to allow your system to adjust
Communication
- Cell phone coverage is available but can be spotty in some areas
- Purchase a local SIM card if staying for extended periods
- Internet is available but can be slow and unreliable
- Keep your accommodation's contact information written down
- Learn the location of your country's embassy or consulate
- Download offline maps before arrival as data may be expensive or unavailable
Cultural Respect
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional settings
- Dress modestly, particularly when visiting villages or churches
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Respect private property - much land is traditionally owned
- Sunday is a day of rest - many businesses close and activities are limited
- Learn about the history of nuclear testing and its impact - it's a sensitive but important topic
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling safe in Majuro, and the Marshallese culture is relatively respectful toward women. However, as a solo female traveler, you should take standard precautions. Unwanted attention, including catcalling or staring, can occur, particularly from groups of young men, but aggressive behavior is uncommon. The small, close-knit community means that inappropriate behavior is often socially discouraged. That said, conservative dress and awareness of surroundings are advisable.
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders and wear skirts or shorts that reach the knee, especially outside resort areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark; arrange transportation in advance for evening activities
- Stay in reputable accommodations with good security and lighting
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring isolated areas alone
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Be aware that alcohol consumption is common in certain social settings - maintain control of your consumption
- Respond firmly but politely to unwanted attention; locals generally respect clear boundaries
- Connect with other travelers or expats through your accommodation for social activities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Marshall Islands, and there are no specific laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly in public settings unless you know your audience
- Be prepared for conservative attitudes, particularly in religious contexts
- Book accommodations that are known to be welcoming; international hotels may be more understanding
- Connect with expat communities who may be more open-minded and can provide local insights
- Be aware that asking for double beds versus twin beds may require explanation in some accommodations
- Use caution when using dating apps, as the small population limits privacy
- Understand that while physical safety is generally not a concern, social comfort may be limited
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Majuro and cannot be overstated. The remote location, limited medical facilities, and high cost of medical evacuation make comprehensive insurance a necessity rather than an option. Medical evacuation to Honolulu can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more, and this expense must typically be paid upfront or guaranteed before evacuation occurs. Additionally, weather-related disruptions, limited flight options, and potential trip interruptions make insurance critical for financial protection.
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