Last update: Oct 23, 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Palau Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
"Best for" scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
"Your personal" scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
"Suited for" badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travelers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Palau – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Palau, particularly in tourist areas and businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in Palau, with 10-15% being the usual amount in restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel staff appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, and alcohol is served in licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | None |
| Other: | Palau is a beautiful island destination known for its pristine nature, beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colors of the months:
The color shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the color is shows the travel season: full color means high season, soft color means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The gray info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Palau, Palau
Dry season November to April, wet season June to October, diving good year-round
Typhoons are rare but possible, mainly July to December
Don't miss
- 🌊 Swim among harmless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake
- 🤿 Dive into the stunning Blue Corner reef
- 🛶 Paddle a kayak through Palau’s turquoise Rock Islands
- 🐠 Snorkel around the coral gardens of Ngemelis Island
- ⚓ Visit the WWII relics and sunken wrecks near Peleliu
- 🌅 Watch the sunset over Koror’s serene lagoons
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Palau?
Palau is mainly a water destination. Diving is the biggest reason to go, with reef walls, current-swept channels where sharks gather and WWII wrecks. Blue Corner and German Channel are the best-known sites. The country made its waters a shark sanctuary in 2009. You don't have to dive to enjoy it. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon has hundreds of limestone islets, many with undercut mushroom-shaped bases. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage site. Boat trips there go to snorkeling spots, small beaches and kayak routes. Jellyfish Lake, where visitors can snorkel among jellyfish, is the best-known stop. Jellyfish numbers have collapsed before and the lake has been closed at times, so ask operators about its current status. On land there's less to do, but it's worth setting aside time. Peleliu, a small island south of Koror, was the site of a major WWII battle in 1944. Caves, bunkers and rusting equipment from it can still be seen. Babeldaob, the largest island, has waterfalls such as Ngardmau, traditional villages and the Badrulchau stone monoliths, all reachable by car on the Compact Road. A week is enough for several days on the water plus Peleliu and Babeldaob. Beaches tend to be small and reached by boat. There's little nightlife. Costs add up with the environmental fee, permits and boat trips.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Palau Independence Day
-
Olechotel Belau Fair
-
Palau Fishing Tournament
-
Palau Arts Festival
-
Palau Eco-Challenge
-
Constitution Day
-
Youth Day
-
Palau Sailing Regatta
-
Palau Cultural Day
-
Christmas Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Book Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake permits through your tour operator.
- Palau bans sunscreens containing reef-toxic chemicals, so buy a reef-safe one before you arrive.
- On Peleliu, go with a local guide, since unexploded WWII ordnance still poses a risk.
- Palau uses the US dollar. ATMs are mainly in Koror, so take cash before heading to Peleliu or Kayangel.
How to travel to Palau
All international flights land at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob, about 7.5 mi from central Koror and around 20 minutes by car. No direct flights come from the US or Europe, so travelers connect through Asia or Guam. Direct flights come from cities such as Guam, Tokyo, Manila, Taipei and Seoul, some of them seasonal. Taxis wait outside the terminal and car rental counters are in the arrivals hall. Hotels can arrange shuttles ahead of time. Visitors can stay up to 30 days without a visa, since border officials issue a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival and have two blank pages. You may be asked for proof of onward travel. The Palau Entry Form is completed up to 72 hours before arrival. Expect an environmental fee of $100 ($100).
Access summary
- Koror & Rock Islands: Fly to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) via regional hubs.
- From Asia-Pacific (Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, Australia): Connect through Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, Guam, Brisbane.
- No major homegrown global airline; access mainly via United, China Airlines, Qantas.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Palau
Accommodation is concentrated in Koror and nearby Malakal, where hotels, dive resorts and apartments are close to dive shops, restaurants and the boat docks. Airai, near the airport, has a few options and is practical for early or late flights. Rates tend to be mid-range or higher, with few budget places. Babeldaob has fewer places to stay, mostly small lodges and guesthouses, which suits travelers who want waterfalls and villages over dive shops. Peleliu and Kayangel have only basic guesthouses, so many people visit them as day trips from Koror. Liveaboard dive boats leave from Koror and reach far sites in a few days, which is a way to dive the outer reefs without daily transfers. Book ahead for the drier months from about December to May.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Palau
Koror, the main town, is on a small island joined to Babeldaob by a bridge. The airport is on Babeldaob, a short drive away. A road called the Compact Road goes around Babeldaob, while the Rock Islands, Peleliu and Kayangel are reached by boat or small plane. Driving is on the right and Palau has no traffic lights.
Taxis and drivers:
Taxis are easy to find in Koror and fares are fixed rather than metered, so ask for the rate sheet or agree a price first. Ride-hailing apps aren't available. You can also hire one driver for a full day or a longer stay.
Rental cars:
Cars can be rented at the airport and in Koror, usually from age 21. A valid foreign license or an International Driving Permit covers you for 30 days. Passing slow vehicles is illegal and drunk driving causes serious crashes, so take extra care at night.
Boats:
Dozens of operators run day trips from Koror to the Rock Islands, with private charters also available. Unscheduled boats also go to Babeldaob and Kayangel.
Small planes:
Belau Air flies between Koror and the southern islands of Peleliu and Angaur. Palau Helicopters runs scenic flights over the Rock Islands.
Food in Palau
Palau's food mixes local taro and seafood with Japanese, Filipino and American influences. Rice comes with most meals. Koror has the most restaurants, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean and American places, while Babeldaob and the outer islands have far fewer. Groceries are easiest to buy in Koror. Rock Islands boat tours often include a picnic lunch on a beach.
Taro:
Taro is a staple root crop here and appears as soup, salad and crispy cakes. It's often served with fish or rice.
Fruit bat soup:
A traditional dish of fruit bat cooked in coconut broth. It's served at some local restaurants and isn't on every menu.
Broiled fish:
Whole fish cooked with garlic, ginger and banana leaf is a common way to eat the day's catch.
Tinola:
A chicken soup with papaya and ginger that shows the Filipino influence on local cooking.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when traveling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customize this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Palau are around 25% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
This place also uses US Dollar, so no money exchange necessary.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when traveling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when traveling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l / 16 oz |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Gas, 1 l / ¼ gal |
Other
| 🎞️ Movie ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Palau is generally safe, with low crime beyond occasional petty theft. The bigger risks are on the water and the road, such as strong currents in dive channels, impaired drivers and unexploded WWII ordnance on Peleliu. Cyclones are possible from November to April.
Health & Medical
Belau National Hospital in Koror can handle routine care and operations and has a hyperbaric chamber for diving accidents. Serious or specialist cases may need evacuation, so insurance with medical evacuation matters. Dengue and Zika occur, so use repellent.
Accessibility
Koror is spread out and has no public transport, so getting around depends on taxis or a rental car. Boat trips to the Rock Islands involve stepping onto small boats. The walk to Jellyfish Lake is short but uneven.
Tap water
Tap water in Palau is often unsafe to drink. Koror and Airai have the most reliable supply, while elsewhere on Babeldaob and the outer states water can be cloudy or contaminated. Bottled water is safer and easy to buy in Koror.
Packing recommendations for Palau
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Hiking boots
📷
Camera
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Rain jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🤿
Snorkeling gear
though rentals are available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
🌞
Reef-safe sunscreen
👒
Sun hat
📷
Waterproof camera
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
👕
Quick-dry clothing
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal power adapter
🩺
Prescription medication
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Palau
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Top island destinations and tropical getaways
Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…
Read more
Discover
Top boating destinations and cruising waters
Boating travel encompasses an enormous range of experiences from river cruising and canal boating to motor yacht charter, liveaboard diving and the growing circuit of destinations…
Read more
Discover
Top kayak and SUP destinations worldwide
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have developed from niche pursuits into mainstream water activities with accessible rental infrastructure, guided tour programmes and dedicated…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple vacation destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel…
Read more
Discover
Top scuba diving destinations and coral reefs
The world's best diving destinations share a few things in common: visibility, healthy reef structure and enough marine biodiversity to reward repeated dives in the same spot.…
Read more
Discover
Top rural retreat destinations and countryside getaways
Rural retreat travel is defined by the deliberate removal from urban pace and density, with landscape immersion, slower rhythms and direct engagement with food, nature and local…
Read more
Discover
Extraordinary natural wonders and scenic landscapes
Natural wonders occupy a different category from other travel destinations. They are places where the scale, the geology, the light or the sheer improbability of what exists there…
Read more
Discover
Amazing wildlife encounters and natural habitats
Wildlife encounters of real quality are becoming rarer, and finding them requires more intention than it once did. The destinations that still offer genuine, undisturbed wildlife…
Read more
Discover
Top ecotourism destinations and sustainable travel hubs
Travel and conservation do not always go hand in hand, but eco tourism is built on the idea that a trip can truly support the places it visits rather than just pass through them.…
Read more
Discover
Best rural retreat destinations in Oceania
Oceania's rural retreat offer is anchored by the agricultural hinterlands, wine regions and coastal farmland of Australia and New Zealand, where a strong tradition of farm stays…
Read more
Discover
Best ancient ruins destinations in Oceania
Oceania's ancient sites are less monumental than those of other regions but offer a distinct and often underappreciated window into the settlement of the Pacific, one of the most…
Read more
Discover
Best kayak and SUP destinations in Oceania
Oceania's kayaking and SUP offer is defined by the region's extraordinary marine environments, island archipelagos and coastal wilderness, with the Pacific's vast ocean geography…
Read more
Discover
Best island getaway destinations in Oceania
Oceania is defined by its islands more than any other region, with the Pacific's vast ocean geography encompassing everything from the continental landmasses of Australia and New…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in November in Oceania
Oceania moves toward early summer in November, with warming temperatures building steadily across the region. Australia and New Zealand both see comfortable, mild weather this…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customization options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
