Palau Travel Information

Palau is a beautiful island nation in the Pacific Ocean, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs, Palau is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here are the top 10 things to do in Palau:

1. Snorkel or Dive in Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake is a unique and magical destination in Palau where visitors can swim with millions of jellyfish. Snorkel or dive in these crystal-clear waters and be surrounded by a colorful array of these gentle creatures.

2. Explore Rock Islands

The Rock Islands of Palau are a group of stunning limestone formations that jut out of the sea. Take a kayaking tour or a guided boat tour to explore these islands and discover hidden caves, lagoons, and secluded beaches.

3. Visit the Koror State Capital

Koror is the capital city of Palau and is home to many historic sites and cultural landmarks. Explore the city's streets and discover the local markets, traditional houses, and cultural monuments.

4. Visit the WWII Battle Sites

Palau was the site of several important battles during World War II and is home to many historic sites and monuments that commemorate these events. Visit the War in the Pacific National Historical Park and learn about Palau's role in the war.

5. Go Island Hopping

Palau is comprised of over 300 islands, and island hopping is a popular activity for visitors. Take a boat tour or rent a kayak and explore the many stunning islands and atolls that make up this beautiful country.

6. Visit the Belau National Museum

The Belau National Museum is a must-visit destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Explore the museum's exhibitions and learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Palau.

7. Take a Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise is a magical experience in Palau, where visitors can watch the sun dip below the horizon and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the islands.

8. Go Bird Watching

Palau is home to many species of endemic birds and is a great destination for bird watching. Take a guided bird watching tour or go on a solo birding adventure to discover the island's avian residents.

9. Take a Traditional Culture Tour

Palau has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many traditional villages and cultural landmarks. Take a traditional culture tour to learn about the local customs, traditions, and way of life in Palau.

10. Visit the Peleliu Battlefield

The Peleliu Battlefield is a historic site that was the site of a major battle during World War II. Visit this historic site and learn about the important role it played in the war and the lives of those who fought there.

Climate

Palau has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity all year round. The average temperature ranges from 80°F to 90°F, with the warmest months being June to September. Rainfall is frequent, with the wettest months being June to August.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Palau is from December to May, when the weather is dry and the visibility is at its best for snorkeling and diving. This is also the peak tourist season, so it is recommended to book your accommodations in advance. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy more affordable prices, consider visiting in the off-season from June to November.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Palau has several hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, providing comfortable and convenient stays for travelers. These hotels are located in the main town of Koror and other popular tourist destinations.

Resorts

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, Palau has several resorts offering high-end amenities such as private beaches, spas, and fine dining. These resorts are ideal for couples, families, and those looking for a more relaxed and serene vacation.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a more budget-friendly option, offering simple and comfortable rooms with shared facilities. These are a popular choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

Air

The main international airport in Palau is the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, located in the town of Airai. Domestic flights are also available to other islands within Palau.

Sea

Ferries and boats are the main form of sea transportation in Palau, connecting the main islands and offering scenic tours and excursions. Some popular sites, such as the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake, can only be accessed by boat.

Land

Car rental and taxi services are available in Palau, offering a convenient and flexible option for getting around the main island of Babeldaob and other destinations. Taxis and car rentals can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.