Travel Essentials › Palau
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type A and B, 120 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911. Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave a small tip for guides and boat crews. Tap water: Tap water in Koror is generally treated, but bottled water is recommended; use bottled water on outer islands.
Type A and B, 120 V
| One number for everything | 911 |
Not expected; round up or leave a small tip for guides and boat crews.
Greetings. Greet with "Alii" and a handshake and smile. Handshakes are gentle, and men and women usually shake hands.
Permits and fees. A Rock Islands permit and a Palau Pledge stamp are required; your tour operator usually handles the permit.
Respect the reef. Do not touch coral or marine life, wear reef-safe sunscreen and follow guide rules. Some sites are protected and closed to visitors.
Dress and manners. Dress modestly in towns and villages. Greet elders first and ask before taking photos of people or bai houses.
Palau is one of the safer countries in the Pacific; the main risks are ocean conditions, sun and occasional petty theft.
Unlicensed tour offers. Use licensed operators for Rock Islands trips; permits and safety gear are required.
Overpriced rental cars or taxis. Agree the price first; taxis have no meters and rental prices vary widely.
Women travelers. Generally safe; usual precautions at night and at bars.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2014. Society is conservative, so keep public affection low-key, though visitors report few problems.
| Coffee (café) | $4 | $4 |
| Local bus or metro ride | $4 | $4 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $25 | $25 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | $70 | $70 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | $180 | $180 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | $200 | $200 |
2026-09
November to April is drier with calmer seas. May to October is wetter, though rain often comes in short showers; typhoons mostly pass north of Palau.