One of the issues we commonly face just before move in is how to pay the rent, especially the first month's rent and security deposit.

Normally direct deposit is the easiest way to pay your rent on a monthly basis. It's the initial costs due at move in that cause last minute drama. You've only been on Guam for a few days and you just realized your check book is packed with your household goods. If you don't have checks with you, or you don't have an account with a bank or credit union that has a local branch that you can access, things can get thrown off track.

Owners here are hesitant to accept checks from off-island. The reason is pretty simple. Banks here on Guam will hold off island checks for anywhere from 10 to 20 days. Most of us know that it doesn't take anywhere near that long for a check to actually clear, but that's the reality that the local banks impose on us. Even Credit Unions like Navy Federal and Pentagon Federal are considered "off island banks" for the purposes of accepting checks. But even an off island check, is better than no check at all.

Many landlords understand and are flexible when it comes to paying move in costs such as security deposits and the rent for the month, and will give you some time to come up with a way to pay it. But when it turns into weeks before they're paid, they're understandably a little concerned.

So, if you're a check user, it's a good idea to make sure that opening an account with a local bank on your list of things to do soon after your arrival. There are a number of banks available to choose from, as well as several credit unions such as Navy Federal and Pentagon Federal Credit Unions which both have branches here.