Palau Travel Guide

• Koror & Babeldaob: shop dive operators, visit the Belau National Museum, drive to waterfalls, eat at waterfront cafés and arrange boat trips.
• Rock Islands & Southern Lagoon: kayaking among islets, snorkelling coral gardens, glass-bottom boat tours, lagoon swimming and photography.
• Diving sites & outer reefs: scuba at Blue Corner and German Channel, wreck diving, night dives and reef conservation trips.
• Peleliu & southern islands: visit WWII memorials, snorkel remote reefs, small-boat island hopping and quiet beach walks.

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.

Typical non-diving daily spend is $100-200; diving and resort stays push costs higher, while guesthouses and self-catering cut expenses.

• Hostel dorm bed: $30-50
• Basic guesthouse room: $60-120
• Mid-range hotel: $120-250
• Upscale hotel: from $200
• Market or street-stall meal: $6-10
• Bottle of local beer: $3-6
• Organised tour or activity: $120-220
• Taxi across town: $5-15

For current prices on hundreds of everyday items, see Numbeo’s Palau cost of living, a crowd-sourced database that is updated often.

Ways to save

• **Book dives in packages**: Bundled dive packages or multi-day liveaboards reduce per-dive cost versus single bookings.
• **Eat local and buy supplies in Koror**: Markets and simple eateries are cheaper than resort restaurants; stock up on basics before island trips.
• **Share boat trips and transport**: Join other travellers for Rock Islands tours and transfers to split charter costs.

Full trip budgets are in Palau Itineraries.

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: $0.01, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25, $0.50, $1

Palauans place high value on respect for elders, village protocol and marine stewardship; observe local rules, remove hats in formal village settings and accept invitations politely. Locals are generally forgiving of tourists who show respect and follow conservation guidelines, but taboos around reef and village behaviour are enforced.

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.

• Electricity: 120V, 60 Hz; plug types A, B.

Yes - for most visitors; violent crime is rare but marine risks, roads and petty theft are the main hazards.

Staying healthy is straightforward if you prepare; limited medical facilities and mosquito-borne illness and sun/sea injuries are the main issues.

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.

Palau relies on strict visitor responsibility to protect world‑class reefs and customary lands. Follow the Palau Pledge, support local conservation programs, and use community‑based operators to ensure tourism benefits residents.

• Palau Pledge & Visitor Responsibility: All visitors are required to sign the Palau Pledge on arrival; read and honor it - it commits you to protect Palau’s environment and culture during your stay. Keep a signed copy visible and follow local instructions about protected zones and fishing restrictions.
• Responsible Diving & Reef Care: Palau protects its reefs and shark populations; use mooring buoys, never touch corals or marine animals, and follow dive operator briefings especially in Jellyfish Lake and around the Rock Islands. Respect no‑take zones and avoid bringing invasive species on boats.
• Support Conservation Science: Learn about and, where appropriate, donate to the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), which leads reef monitoring and restoration. Book eco‑certified operators who contribute to local conservation efforts.
• Respect Local Customs & Landowners: Many visitor sites lie on customary land - always ask permission before landing on islands or visiting villages, remove shoes when invited into homes, and accept local protocols for gift giving. Hiring local guides ensures benefits reach communities.
• Avoid Single‑Use & Support Local Business: Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and reusable bottles; prefer locally owned guesthouses, restaurants and dive shops to channel tourism income into Palauan communities and conservation initiatives.

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.