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If you’re PCSing to Guam, one decision you’ll need to make before the move is whether to ship your vehicle—and which one to bring. For many military families, orders may authorize shipment of one privately owned vehicle (POV). But just because you can ship a vehicle doesn’t mean every vehicle is a good fit for Guam. Think about reliability, maintenance, your family’s transportation needs, and what driving is actually like once you get here. “ Just because the military will ship one vehicle doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best vehicle to bring.” |
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What Should You Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle?
Start with a few basic questions:
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How long will you be stationed on Guam?
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Is your vehicle reliable enough to keep for several more years?
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Does it fit your family’s needs?
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Is it expensive or difficult to maintain?
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Would selling it and buying something else make more sense?
If you already own a dependable vehicle you know and trust, bringing it may make sense.
But there are a few Guam-specific things you should know first.
Do You Really Need Two Vehicles on Guam?
For many families, eventually, yes.
Guam has limited public transportation, and most residents rely on a personal vehicle for work, school, grocery shopping, appointments, and everyday errands.
If two adults work different schedules or your family has children going in different directions, sharing one vehicle can become difficult.
That’s why we often see PCS families ship one dependable vehicle and buy an inexpensive second vehicle after they arrive.
And here’s a little Guam terminology for you.
We call it a Guam Bomb.
A Guam Bomb is an older, inexpensive vehicle used for getting around the island. It may not be the prettiest car in the parking lot, but it can make a very practical second car.
“ Many families ship one dependable vehicle and buy a Guam Bomb locally instead of paying to ship a second vehicle.”
Can Your Car Affect Which Guam Home You Choose?
Absolutely. And this is something many people don’t think about before starting their home search.
Clients bringing newer vehicles frequently tell us that covered parking is important to them.
That might mean:
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A covered carport
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An enclosed garage
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A condo with assigned covered parking
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Enough parking for two vehicles
Guam has strong tropical sun, frequent rain, humidity, and salt air. If you’ve invested in a nice vehicle, you may not want it sitting outside every day.
So when you’re looking at renting a home on Guam, tell your agent early if covered parking or two parking spaces are must-haves.
“ The car you bring to Guam may shape your housing search more than you realize.”
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What Have We Seen PCS Families Do?
One family we worked with shipped their newer SUV from the mainland and planned to use it for everything.
After living on Guam for a few months, they realized their schedules made having one vehicle difficult.
Instead of paying to ship another vehicle, they bought a Guam Bomb locally for everyday errands and kept their newer SUV parked under their covered carport.
It was simple, practical, and worked for their budget.
What Kind of Vehicle Works Well on Guam?
There isn’t one perfect Guam vehicle.
Compact and midsize SUVs, crossovers, reliable sedans, and pickup trucks are all common choices.
What matters more is whether the vehicle works for your daily life here.
And if you’re still deciding what else should—and shouldn’t—come with you, our PCS to Guam packing guide covers what to put in your suitcase versus your household goods shipment.
Should You Bring a Sports Car or Low-Riding Vehicle?
You can, but know what you’re getting into.
Guam doesn’t have freeways. Marine Corps Drive, also known as Route 1, is our main thoroughfare.
Once you get off the main roads, conditions can vary. Depending on where you’re driving, you may encounter:
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Potholes
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Uneven pavement
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Speed bumps
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Steep driveways
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Road construction
If your car sits very low to the ground, you’ll probably find yourself being extra careful.
An SUV, crossover, sedan, or another vehicle with reasonable ground clearance can simply be easier for everyday Guam driving.
“ Think about how you’ll drive every day on Guam—not just the kind of vehicle you’d like to drive.”
What If You Own a Luxury or Specialty Vehicle?
This is one area where Guam is different from many places on the mainland.
You’ll see brands such as Lexus, BMW, and Land Rover on Guam. But brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, Tesla, and other specialty vehicles are less common, and local dealership or factory-authorized service options may be limited or unavailable depending on the brand.
That doesn’t mean you can’t bring one.
But before shipping it, find out:
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Who can service it locally?
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Are parts readily available?
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How will warranty work be handled?
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What happens if it needs a specialized repair?
Parts that have to be shipped to Guam can also mean waiting longer for a repair.
“ Before shipping a specialty vehicle, find out who can actually service it once you get here.”
How Does Guam’s Climate Affect Your Car?
Guam’s tropical climate can be tough on vehicles.
We have:
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Strong sun
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High humidity
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Salt air
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Frequent rain
Over time, those conditions can contribute to fading paint, deterioration of rubber components, corrosion, and other wear.
A few simple habits help:
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Wash your vehicle regularly.
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Rinse the undercarriage, particularly after exposure to salt or ocean spray.
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Use wax or another paint protectant.
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Repair paint chips before corrosion develops.
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Park under cover when possible.
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Keep up with routine maintenance.
“ A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in Guam’s tropical climate.”
Should You Bring an Electric Vehicle to Guam?
An EV can work on Guam, but think about charging and service before you ship it.
Ask:
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Will you be able to charge at home?
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Will your landlord allow a charger to be installed?
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Does the condo have charging facilities?
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Are convenient public chargers available for your routine?
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Who will service your particular EV on Guam?
Charging infrastructure and service options can change, so verify what’s currently available before shipping your vehicle.
What About Guam Auto Insurance?
Get quotes before you move.
Your premium will depend on your vehicle, driving history, coverage, and insurance company.
If you’re bringing an expensive or specialty vehicle, don’t assume your Guam premium or coverage will be the same as what you have now.
Knowing the cost before you ship can help you budget realistically.
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How Should You Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping?
Your transportation office and vehicle shipping provider should give you the current requirements.
Follow their instructions because shipment rules can change.
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A few practical things are worth doing regardless:
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Take clear photos and video of the exterior and interior.
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Photograph existing dents, scratches, and windshield chips.
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Remove personal belongings unless they’re specifically permitted.
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Follow the shipper’s fuel-level requirements.
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Make sure your paperwork is ready.
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Keep an extra set of keys with you.
“ A few minutes documenting your vehicle before shipment can save you a lot of headaches later.”
What Should You Check When Your Vehicle Arrives?
Don’t rush through pickup.
Compare your vehicle with the photos and video you took before shipment.
Check the body, glass, wheels, tires, lights, windows, and interior. If you find damage, follow the shipping provider’s reporting procedures before you leave.
What About Registering Your Car on Guam?
Once your vehicle arrives, you’ll need to meet Guam’s current registration requirements.
These generally involve items such as:
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Proof of insurance
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Vehicle registration
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Safety inspection
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Ownership or other required vehicle documents
Requirements and military-specific rules can change, so verify the current requirements directly with the appropriate Guam government office and your military transportation resources before your PCS.
So, Is Bringing Your Car to Guam Worth It?
For many families, bringing a dependable vehicle they already own makes sense.
But don’t make the decision based only on the cost of getting the car here.
Consider Guam’s roads, climate, maintenance options, your family’s need for one or two vehicles, and even the type of parking you’ll want at your future home.
Sometimes the practical combination ends up being exactly what we see with so many PCS families:
One good vehicle + one Guam Bomb.
“ The goal isn’t simply to get your car to Guam. It’s to bring a car that works for the life you’ll actually live here.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing a Car to Guam
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Will the military ship my vehicle to Guam?
Your orders may authorize shipment of a privately owned vehicle. Confirm exactly what is authorized with your transportation office before making plans. -
What is a Guam Bomb?
It’s a local nickname for an older, inexpensive vehicle used for everyday island transportation. Some PCS families buy one locally as their second vehicle. -
Do we need two cars on Guam?
Not everyone does. But because public transportation is limited, two vehicles can make life considerably easier when adults have different work schedules or families have multiple activities. -
Should I bring a sports car or low-riding car to Guam?
You can, but low ground clearance can be inconvenient because of potholes, uneven roads, speed bumps, and steep driveways. -
Should I bring a specialty or luxury vehicle?
Possibly. Before shipping it, research local service, parts availability, warranty support, and insurance. -
Can I bring an electric vehicle to Guam?
Yes, but research home charging, public charging, and local service options for your specific vehicle before shipping it. -
Should I buy a second car after arriving?
Many families do. Waiting until you arrive allows you to see whether your household actually needs two vehicles before spending the money. - Should covered parking be part of my Guam home search?
If protecting your vehicle matters to you, yes. Tell your real estate agent from the beginning so covered parking can be included in your search criteria.
3 Key Takeaways
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Bring a vehicle that makes sense for Guam life. Reliability, ground clearance, parts, service, and your family’s daily routine matter.
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Think about whether you’ll eventually need a second car. Guam has limited public transportation. Some families ship one dependable vehicle and buy a Guam Bomb after they arrive.
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Your vehicle can affect your home search.
Covered parking and enough spaces for your vehicles may need to be part of your housing criteria from day one.
PCSing to Guam and planning to rent off base?
Build Your Guam PCS Rental Plan
PCSing to Guam?
Your vehicle is only one part of the move.
Before you begin looking for a home, read our Guam Military Rental Process so you understand how Housing, property searches, inspections, and move-in work once you arrive.
And when you’re ready to start looking, our complete guide to moving to & living in GUAM can help you prepare for your search—including finding a home with the parking setup you need.
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Leah del Mundo — Guam’s First AI Certified Agent, Guam’s Exclusive 72Sold Certified Agent
