Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Palau depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for PalauEmergency Numbers
- General
- 911
Currency
- Name
- US Dollar
- Code
- USD
- Symbol
- $
USD is the official currency. ATMs in Koror. Cards accepted at major dive operators and hotels. Cash preferred for local restaurants and markets.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 120V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
PWT (UTC+9) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
November–April is the dry season — ideal for diving (Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel), snorkelling Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau), and exploring the Rock Islands. The WWII wrecks at Malakal are world-class year-round. Typhoon season is June–December.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | — |
| Dive guides | $10–15 USD per dive | — |
Dress Code
- Casual and beach wear in resort areas
- Modest dress in villages
Social Etiquette
- Palau is one of the world's most committed marine conservation nations — the Micronesian Shark Sanctuary banned all shark fishing in 2009
- Jellyfish Lake requires a permit (included in the Palau Protected Area Network pass) — the golden jellyfish have lost their sting through evolution and are unique in the world
- Each Rock Island is protected — do not collect shells, coral, or any marine life
- Palauan culture is matrilineal — women hold significant social authority through clan land ownership
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- All marine protected areas require the Palau Protected Area Network pass (approx USD 100 — check current fees)
- Spearfishing and the collection of any marine organism are banned in protected areas
- LGBTQ+ same-sex relationships were decriminalised in 2014; social attitudes vary
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Palauan) | Alii | ah-LEE — the universal Palauan greeting |
| Thank you (Palauan) | Sulang | SOO-lahng |
| You're welcome (Palauan) | Ng di ngak el kuk | ng dee ngahk el kook |
| Hello (English — widely used) | Hi! / Hello! | English is the second official language |
| Goodbye (Palauan) | Mechikung | meh-CHEE-koong |
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