Palau Country

A western Pacific archipelago famed above all for its diving, tropical and best Nov - Apr. The gateway is Koror. The marine life here is among the finest on Earth.

Costs: $100-200/day - higher costs for lodging and dive activities

Safety: Generally Safe - low crime; take standard water-safety precautions

Why go: some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling (Blue Corner, German Channel), the surreal Jellyfish Lake, the emerald Rock Islands, and pristine marine life.

Known for: world-class diving, the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake, pioneering marine conservation (a shark sanctuary), and pristine reefs.

Popular activities: diving and snorkelling (Blue Corner, German Channel), swimming in Jellyfish Lake, kayaking the Rock Islands, and the WWII sites of Peleliu.

Visas: Visa-free or visa on arrival for many nationalities (you sign the eco-conscious “Palau Pledge” on entry).

Money: The US dollar is used, with cards in Koror, and it’s expensive.

Accommodations & transportation: Mostly dive resorts. Getting around: boats to the dive sites; the country is small.

Customs & etiquette: Traditional and strongly eco-conscious (the Palau Pledge) - respect the reef rules.

Health & safety: Very safe; take usual sun and sea care, and respect the strong dive currents.

Koror & the Rock Islands - the hub and the famous diving and kayaking.

Peleliu & the south - WWII history and remote reefs.

Palau has a tropical marine climate with a drier season from about November to April and a wetter season from May to October. Temperatures stay warm year‑round while rainfall peaks mid‑year, affecting sea conditions and diving visibility.

Koror & Airai (Main Hub): Koror and Airai form Palau’s population and transport hub; expect a classic equatorial climate with small temperature swings and a marked wet season from roughly May-October. The drier northeast-trade months (roughly November-April) are calmer and offer the most reliable diving visibility and ferry service, while the mid-year months bring heavier showers, choppier seas and occasional storm disruptions. Travelers should plan flexible boat transfers during the wet season and book accommodations and dive trips early in the drier months.

Babeldaob (Interior & North): Babeldaob is the large, greener sister island where rainforest, rivers and cultural sites dominate; it has heavier rainfall overall than the central lagoon and a pronounced wet season from about May-October. The drier months (roughly November-April) are best for road travel, waterfalls and village visits, while the mid-year months produce swollen rivers, muddy trails and occasional road closures. Travelers planning interior treks should use local guides in the wet months and allow extra time for transfers.

Rock Islands & Southern Lagoon (Diving, Kayaking & Snorkeling): The Rock Islands and Southern Lagoon are the picture-postcard heart of Palau’s tourism: shallow, warm waters within protected bays and dramatic limestone islets. November-April (the drier season) generally brings the calmest seas and best underwater visibility for snorkeling, kayaking and dive excursions, while May-October tends to have more rain, choppier seas and variable visibility-operators often adjust itineraries accordingly. Small-boat access is most reliable in the northeast-trade months; during the wet season carry waterproof gear and expect occasional cancellations.

Peleliu & Angaur (Southern Historic Islands): Peleliu and Angaur are southern islands best known for WWII history and sheltered snorkeling; they experience the same tropical pattern as the rest of Palau but with slightly more disruption to access during the wettest months. November-April are the most reliable months for boat transfers, clear snorkeling and comfortable walks through battlefields, while May-October bring heavier rain, rougher seas and more cancellations. Travelers should plan overnight stays or flexible itineraries when visiting in the wet season.

Northern Atolls & Outer Cays (Kayangel, Ngarchelong): Palau’s northern atolls and outer cays offer remote, low-service island experiences and are the most exposed to open-ocean conditions. They are easiest to reach and most comfortable between November and April when northeast trades calm the sea; from May to October expect choppier crossings, more cancellations and occasional inundation risks on low sand cays during strong storms. Travelers should plan self-sufficiency, flexible charters and early-morning departures for the best chances of landings.

Visitors generally arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob; common international connections come via regional hubs (e.g., Guam or Manila). Palau is an island nation, so sea connections are limited and most travel is by air.

Long-term life in Palau attracts diving professionals, hospitality workers, and people seeking a remote island lifestyle with strong marine access. The economy is small and tourism-focused, so expats usually work in hospitality, conservation, or government-contracted roles. Expect limited infrastructure, high import costs, and close-knit island communities.

Long-Term Visas: Visitor entry commonly granted for around 30 days for many passports, but no dedicated nomad visa exists.

Working There: Employment concentrated in tourism, fishing, and government; work permits and local sponsorship required for foreigners.

Cost of Living: High cost of living driven by imports and tourism, with Koror significantly more expensive than outer islands.

Health & Wellness: Belau National Hospital in Koror handles general care, specialist services limited and often referred abroad.

Banking & Finance: US dollar is legal tender, local banks and ATMs in Koror, international banking and transfers can be limited.

Taxes: Palau levies personal and corporate taxes; tax administration handled locally with standard filing requirements.

Popular Places to Live in Palau

Where to live depends on whether you prioritise access to services and community or seclusion and marine scenery. Koror is the main hub with most amenities and better internet; outer islands and Babeldaob offer quieter living with longer commutes and fewer services.

• Koror - Main population and service centre, best access to shops and internet, pricier rentals and tourist crowds.
• Airai - Adjacent quieter district with lower housing costs, tradeoff is fewer cafes and fewer direct services.
• Babeldaob - Largest island, sparsely populated, suits people wanting space and nature, limited transport and amenities.
• Peleliu - Historic, remote island, ideal for solitude and history enthusiasts, very limited services and access.

Palau’s remote-work scene is tiny and tourism-oriented; most remote workers are divers, researchers, or short-term contractors who base in Koror. Infrastructure supports basic remote work in population centres, but expect higher costs, limited coworking, and occasional connectivity constraints.

Nomad Visa: No dedicated Palau remote-worker visa; remote workers rely on short visitor stays or employer-sponsored permits.

Long Term Rentals: Long-term rentals concentrated in Koror and Airai, limited inventory and higher prices during peak season.

Internet: Mobile 4G available in Koror and main hubs, fixed broadband service available but variable speeds and costs.

Monthly Cost: Costly island living, budget for at least a couple thousand USD per month depending on lifestyle and accommodation.

Coworking: Almost no formal coworking spaces; hotels and cafes commonly used for work, some meeting rooms in Koror.

Fitness & Wellness: Outdoor fitness and diving opportunities abundant, few formal gyms, wellness activities centred on nature and water sports.

Community: Small, project-oriented expat community focused on tourism, conservation, and government contracts.

Time Zone: Palau is in the Palau Time Zone (PWT), UTC+9, aligning with parts of East Asia and Australia west regions.

Popular Nomad Hubs in Palau

Nomads who come to Palau typically base in Koror for the best services, while some choose quieter Airai or nearby islands for seclusion. Koror provides the bulk of coworking-like spots, cafes, and guesthouses, but expect higher living costs and limited long-term rental inventory.

• Koror - Population and service hub, best internet and amenities, suits nomads needing convenience despite higher costs.
• Airai - Adjacent to Koror with quieter neighbourhoods, cheaper housing options, tradeoff is fewer cafes and coworking spots.
• Babeldaob - Largest island with rural communities, suits those seeking space, limited transport and services.
• Peleliu - Small island with historical sites, very quiet and remote, limited services and seasonal visitors.

Palau’s connectivity centers on Koror and the main islands, where PNCC provides mobile and fixed services. Mobile data coverage is good in populated areas but internet capacity can be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Palau uses the US dollar (USD). Cards are widely accepted in Koror and at resorts, though cash remains useful for small vendors and remote islands. ATMs are available in Koror but limited outside main tourist areas.

• Tipping: Tipping is common in tourism-related services; around 10% in restaurants or modest tips for guides and drivers.
• Cards & Cash: Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard most commonly) are accepted at hotels, many restaurants and dive operators in populated areas; carry cash for markets and remote services.
• ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs are concentrated in Koror; expect bank withdrawal fees from your home bank. Mobile payment adoption is limited-cash remains essential outside town.
• Banknotes: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
• Coins: $0, $0, $0, $0, $0, $1

Palau’s cultural identity centers on matrilineal clans, village-based community life and a deep connection to reefs and lagoons; traditional governance and modern conservation coexist and shape everyday practices.