Palau Travel Guide

Visa requirements

Visas are not required by citizens of any Schengen country (90 days), Taiwan (90 days), the United States (a year), Israel (90 days), the Marshall Islands (1 year) and the Federated States of Micronesia (1 year). Nearly all other visitors can obtain a 30 day visa on arrival, except for citizens of Bangladesh and Myanmar who must obtain a visa in advance. Upon entry, visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, a promise to protect the environment. Single-use plastics and non-reef-safe sunscreens are prohibited.

Palau uses the U.S. dollar as its currency ("$", ISO currency code: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.

Costs

As you might expect from a remote island where tourism is the main industry, prices are comparatively high, and even a low-end daily budget would be around $100/day. An increase in visitor numbers in 2015-16 (including many Chinese package tours) has caused overcrowding; in 2017, President Tommy Remengesau proposed policy intended to reposition Palau as a destination of primarily "five-star hotels" (so fewer visitors, at a higher cost) to limit the negative environmental and soci…

By taxi

There are many local taxis.

By car

If you rent a car, be prepared to drive slowly on some bumpy roads. Palau features both left- and right-hand drive cars, which can cause some confusion; traffic drives on the right. If you drive south to Ice Box Park, the facility behind it is a sewage treatment plant. The road further north is paved and is very nice... once you get past the airport.

English and Palauan are the official languages, although some islands also give official status to their own languages. The state of Angaur is actually the only place in the world where Japanese is an official language, as Japan has no official language.

Palau is quite a safe country to visit. Walking in downtown Koror at night, even past midnight is quite safe. But as with any place in the world today, common sense prevails. Pedestrians should be careful, as sidewalks are limited even in downtown Koror. Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) still exist in Palau's mangroves and in the beautiful Rock Islands and can potentially be found anywhere on the island. Despite their fearsome and, in some areas, very justified reputation, here they rarely grow to the immense size that they do in Australia and New Guinea. There was only one fatal atta…

According to the CDC, tap water in Palau is generally safe to drink. Drinking from private wells is not recommended.

There are 2 ways to get connected to the Internet in Palau. You can use free Wi-Fi, which is common around Koror, or you can get a SIM card from one of the 2 carriers (PNCC, Globus). You can buy a SIM card from mini marts, shopping centers or the carriers' official stores.

Palauans have been known throughout history for their hospitality. Many Palauans are very understanding, realize cultural differences, and easily give respect for foreign visitors. Be sure, however, to always pay respect to the local culture. As with any other ethnic group, rude remarks or any form of prejudice against the local culture is not taken kindly. Palauans can be just as angry and rude as they are kind. As long as you do not disrespect the culture, violate historic areas, pollute, or harm the ocean in any way, you will find the local atmosphere very laid back and easy going.