Last update: 22 Oct 2026
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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 travellers, 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) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| 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 snorkelling 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 colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour 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 grey 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?
What makes Palau truly special is its extraordinary marine biodiversity and commitment to conservation. The country established the world's first shark sanctuary and has protected over 80% of its maritime territory, creating a pristine underwater paradise. The famous Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers unparalleled diving experiences with visibility often exceeding 100 feet, allowing visitors to explore vibrant coral gardens, WWII wrecks and unique marine ecosystems like Jellyfish Lake, where you can swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish.
🏯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
- Complete Palau Entry Form online 72 hours before arrival.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen only; toxic ones are banned and confiscated at customs.
- Book diving tours early as Jellyfish Lake reopens seasonally with limited daily entries.
- Expect $100 Green Fee included in flights; use cashless Koror for easy island hopping by boat.
How to travel to Palau
Most international visitors arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai on Babeldaob Island, with connections primarily through Guam, Manila, Seoul and Taipei. Airlines serving Palau include United Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines and Asiana Airlines. Cruise ships occasionally visit Palau, docking at Malakal Harbor in Koror, though these visits are typically brief. Private yachts can also enter through designated ports of entry, though proper clearance procedures must be followed. Visas are not required for many nationalities for stays up to 30 or 90 days, depending on your country of citizenship.
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 in Palau ranges from luxury resorts to mid-range hotels and guesthouses, with most options concentrated in Koror. The Rock Islands offer some exclusive eco-resorts accessible only by boat. Babeldaob has limited but growing accommodation options. Budget travelers will find few true budget options, as Palau generally caters to mid‑range and luxury travelers, particularly divers. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the peak dry season from February to April when many properties can be fully booked.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Palau
Getting around Palau primarily involves water transportation between islands and road travel on the larger islands like Koror and Babeldaob. Rental cars are available in Koror for exploring the paved roads of Babeldaob, though some areas require 4WD vehicles, especially after rainfall. For island hopping, most visitors join organized boat tours or charter private boats. Taxis are available in Koror, though prices should be confirmed before departure as meters are not common. Some hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations. For more remote islands and dive sites, specialized tour operators provide transportation as part of their packages.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling 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 customise 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.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling 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 travelling 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 |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Palau is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. The main safety concerns relate to natural hazards like strong currents when diving or snorkeling and slippery trails when hiking during or after rainfall. Always follow guide instructions when participating in water activities.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Palau are limited, with basic care available at Belau National Hospital in Koror. Serious conditions may require evacuation to Guam or the Philippines. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended. Mosquito-borne illnesses can occur, so take precautions.
Accessibility
Accessibility in Palau is limited. Many natural attractions involve boats, uneven terrain and water activities that present challenges for those with mobility issues. Major hotels in Koror offer some accessibility features, but infrastructure throughout the country is not designed for wheelchair access.
Tap water
Tap water quality varies throughout Palau. In Koror, it's generally treated but may not meet international standards. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for visitors to avoid potential stomach issues, especially when staying on outer islands.
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.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
📷
Waterproof camera
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
👕
Quick-dry clothing
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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