Welcome to Palau 😊

Quick Facts About Palau

Money and Finances

The official currency of Palau is the United States dollar (USD). Coins in circulation include the 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cent pieces, as well as the 1 dollar coin. Notes in circulation include the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar bills.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found in Koror and some of the other larger towns in Palau. However, they can be limited in availability and it is recommended to withdraw cash before traveling to smaller islands.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments such as hotels and restaurants, but may not be accepted in smaller shops or on smaller islands. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than AMEX.

Internet and Phones

Palau has a relatively slow internet speed of approximately 3 Mbps download and 2.7 Mbps upload. There is no government interference in internet access.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Palau has two main telco companies, PNCC and PalauCel. A mobile phone plan in Palau can cost between $30-$70 per month. Visitors can purchase local SIM cards, but there may be compatibility issues depending on the type of phone.

Dialling to Palau

To call Palau from another country, dial +680 followed by the phone number. When dialling within Palau, the area code is typically omitted and only the 7-digit local number is dialled.

Transport Around Palau

Air Travel

Palau International Airport (ROR) is the main airport in Palau. It is located on the island of Babeldaob, about 7 kilometers away from the capital city, Koror.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Palau.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no local train network in Palau.

Buses

Palau does not have a comprehensive bus network, but there are some private buses and vans that operate on popular routes. A one-way trip can cost anywhere between $1 to $5, depending on the distance traveled.

Rideshare

There are no rideshare companies in Palau.

Driving by Car

Driving is relatively easy in Palau, as the roads are generally in good condition and traffic is minimal. The speed limit is 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h on open roads. Palau drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Palau, tipping is not expected but appreciated in certain circumstances, such as for exceptional service or hospitality. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or nod. It is important to show respect to elders and authority figures. Speaking with strangers is generally friendly and casual. Men and women typically address each other with Mr. or Ms. followed by their first name.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Palau's healthcare system is public and provides universal coverage for all citizens, but access to healthcare can be limited due to the small size and remote location of the country. Private healthcare is available and may be necessary for non-emergency cases. The approximate cost for a visit to a doctor is around $50-$100.

COVID Situation

Palau has been successful in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and currently has no active cases. The government implemented strict travel restrictions early on in the pandemic and has been actively vaccinating the population.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Palau include dengue fever, typhoid fever, and Zika virus. Visitors are advised to take precautionary measures such as using insect repellent and practicing good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of contracting these illnesses.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Palau, it is legal to consume alcohol at the age of 21. However, public intoxication is not tolerated and can lead to fines or imprisonment. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.

Recreational Drugs

The use of recreational drugs in Palau is strictly prohibited and can lead to imprisonment. This includes both hard and soft drugs, such as cannabis and party drugs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are generally accepted in Palau. However, traditional values still hold strong and many couples still choose to marry before starting a family.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex relationships are not recognized in Palau, and LGBTQ individuals may face discrimination.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is strictly regulated in Palau, with very few individuals being permitted to own firearms. The use of guns is only allowed in very limited circumstances, such as for hunting or self-defense in certain situations.