Palau

1. Airport

Palau International Airport (ROR) is the main international gateway, located on Babeldaob Island, about 5km southwest of Koror, and easily reached by taxi or shuttle.

The airport is relatively small but offers all essential facilities - check-in counters, immigration and customs, baggage claim, and a few shops and restaurants.

Taxis take about 20-30 minutes to reach Koror, and some hotels offer shuttle services by prior arrangement. Several car rental agencies have counters at the airport, and free Wi-Fi is available while you wait for your flight.

A number of airlines fly to and from Palau, mostly connecting via major Asian cities and Guam.

2. Airport Departure Tax

Naoero Airlines includes your departure tax in your ticket purchase.

3. Banks & ATMs

Banks and ATMs are readily available, mainly in Koror. Major banks include Bank of Hawaii and Bank of Guam, offering standard financial services and foreign exchange.

ATMs are widely available in Koror and other populated areas - let your bank know your travel dates to avoid card issues.

Bank hours generally run Monday to Friday, around 9am-4pm, with some limited Saturday hours. Hotels and the airport also offer currency exchange, though usually at less favourable rates than the banks.

It's worth carrying some cash, especially for areas with limited banking facilities such as the Rock Islands.

4. Biosecurity & Quarantine

Palau has strict biosecurity measures to protect its unique ecosystem. Declare all agricultural and wildlife products on arrival, and check the Ministry of Health and Human Services' guidelines for current quarantine requirements.

5. Business Hours & Shopping

Typical business hours are 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Most shopping is in Koror, with stores generally open 8am-9pm, Monday to Saturday (some close briefly over lunch).

6. Country Code

Palau's international dialling code is +680.

7. Credit Cards Accepted

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, major restaurants and shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

8. Currency

The official currency of Palau is the US Dollar (USD).

9. Currency Exchange

Currency exchange is available at the airport and major banks, though bank rates are generally more favourable.

10. Customs & Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is available, but there are limits on the quantity of duty-free items - check the customs regulations before you travel.

11. Climate

Palau has a tropical climate with high humidity. The best time to visit is the dry season, from November to April.

12. Communications & Internet

Mobile coverage is good and local SIM cards are available. Free Wi-Fi can be found at the airport and some hotels.

13. Driving

Driving is on the right side of the road, and international driving licence holders can rent cars. Many roads lack footpaths and have limited shoulders, and the national speed limit is 40km/h, with overtaking slow vehicles prohibited.

14. Electricity

Palau uses 120V/60Hz electricity with Type A and Type B sockets - bring a suitable adapter if needed.

15. Local Government Offices & Authorities

For emergencies or specific enquiries, local government offices and authorities can be reached via local directories or online.

16. Medical Information

Koror has several private medical clinics as well as the Belau National Hospital, which handles outpatient and emergency care and operates a hyperbaric chamber for diving-related emergencies (+680 488 2552/2553).

Serious medical conditions may require evacuation, so travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended.

17. Palau Entry Form

All visitors must complete the Palau Entry Form within 72 hours of arrival (in English) - families and solo travellers only need to submit one form each.

18. The Palau Pledge

On arrival, every visitor reads and signs the Palau Pledge - a commitment to responsible tourism built around preserving the environment, respecting local culture, and mindful, low-impact exploration.

Responsible travel tips include respecting marine life and using reef-safe products, minimising waste, supporting local and sustainable businesses, and learning about and engaging with Palauan culture and communities.

19. Phone Directory

Local phone directories are available, along with online directories for contact information.

20. Sunscreen

Since January 2020, Palau became the first nation to ban sunscreens that are harmful to coral reefs. Only sunscreens using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their sole active ingredients (free of certain other chemicals) are permitted - reef-safe options are widely available locally if you're unsure about what you've brought.

21. VAT

Since January 2023, most goods and services in Palau are subject to a 10% Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST), which is usually already included in listed prices.

22. Visa & Travel Requirements

Visa requirements vary by nationality - most visitors receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Check the Palau Visitors Association website for current visa and passport requirements.

23. Visitor Fees

A Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) of US$100 applies to all visitors and is payable on departure, though it is included in the price of your airline ticket.

The PPEF funds conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, waste management, and sustainable tourism development across Palau, as part of the country's commitment to environmental preservation.

See the Palau Visitors Association website for further details.