Marshall Islands (MH)

A remote Micronesian atoll nation using USD, with English as an official language, a Compact of Free Association relationship with the United States, high imported-goods costs, limited medical capacity, and relocation risks centred on immigration status, housing supply, land tenure, health evacuation, and outer-island logistics.

Capital: Majuro

Region: Oceania

Language: Marshallese

Currency: USD ($)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 911 / 625-8666

Expat Community

Connect with fellow expats and integrate into life in Marshall Islands.

Expat Groups & Forums

→"Expats in Marshall Islands" Facebook Group — the primary English-language expat community for Majuro; housing, jobs, daily life questions, and social events: search "Expats in Marshall Islands" on Facebook
→Embassy and development-worker networks — US Embassy Majuro, UNDP Pacific, and bilateral mission communities are the main social hubs for diplomatic and development-sector expats; register with your mission on arrival
→Church communities — churches are central to Marshallese social life; respectful participation in community church events is one of the most effective integration pathways
→College of the Marshall Islands (CMI, cmi.edu) international academic community — researchers, faculty, and development-sector professionals based at CMI form a close-knit professional network
→Kwajalein/Ebeye contractor networks — US military and contractor communities on Kwajalein Atoll operate their own internal social networks; access through your employer
→Diving and sailing groups — the Marshall Islands dive community (world-class WWII wrecks, pristine atolls) self-organises via Facebook and connects expats with like-minded residents

Language Exchange

→Marshallese language tutors — available through CMI community and local churches; even basic Marshallese greetings (Iakwe = hello/love) earn significant goodwill
→Employer-arranged cultural orientation — most development sector and diplomatic employers provide structured cultural orientation for new arrivals; ask your HR department
→Alele Museum and Cultural Centre (Majuro) — the national museum occasionally hosts cultural and language exchange events; contact directly for current programme
→Community and church programmes — the most natural language immersion environment in the Marshall Islands is through church and community events where Marshallese and English mix freely

Meetup Platforms

Facebook Groups and Events — the primary platform for all social and community events in Majuro; search "Marshall Islands" for current active expat and community groupsChurch bulletins and community noticeboards — in small island communities, physical noticeboards and church announcements are primary event channelsEmployer and diplomatic mission social events — organised group outings, cultural events, and sports days are the main structured social occasions for expatsSports clubs and school events — Robert Reimers Enterprises and local community schools organise regular community sports and social events open to expat participationDive shop noticeboards — local dive operators (Kalalin Kora, Marshall Islands Resort dive operations) are good sources for community activity information

Social Apps Popular in Marshall Islands

FacebookWhatsAppMessengerViber for some regional contacts

Integration Tips

✓ Learn basic Marshallese greetings immediately
✓ Ask before accessing beaches or land
✓ Attend community and church events respectfully
✓ Do not compare every inconvenience to the US mainland
✓ Offer practical help without taking over local decision-making
✓ Build backup plans for water, transport, and internet

Sports & Leisure

Life revolves around lagoon activities, church, school sports, fishing, diving, volleyball, basketball, and family events rather than formal club infrastructure.

Sports Club Culture

Informal teams and school/community groups are more common than paid membership clubs. Relationships matter more than online booking.

Gym Chains

•Hotel gyms
•School/community sports facilities
•Employer gyms where provided
•Outdoor walking/running along Majuro roads

Find a Club

•Ask colleagues
•Check school sports calendars
•Join church/community events
•Ask dive shops or hotels
•Use Facebook groups

Outdoor Infrastructure

Lagoon, reef, boat ramps, and beaches are the main leisure infrastructure. Confirm land permission, tides, currents, and weather.

Public Pools & Saunas

Limited; schools, hotels, and private compounds may have facilities.

Volunteering

Volunteering is valued but should be coordinated through credible organisations, churches, schools, or NGOs to avoid cultural and safeguarding mistakes.

Tax Benefit

The Marshall Islands has no personal income tax framework and no specific tax exemption for volunteer stipends. Benefits of volunteering are social and community-based.

Volunteering Platforms

•WUTMI
•Youth to Youth in Health
•Marshall Islands Conservation Society
•Schools and churches
•Red Cross and disaster-preparedness partners

Structured Programmes

Coastal cleanups
Youth health education
School support
Church outreach
Disaster-preparedness work
Climate adaptation projects

Citizenship Note

Long-term community contribution helps integration and references, but does not by itself create immigration rights.

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