Palau🇵🇼
Palau is a scenic archipelago country located in Oceania, lying to the southeast of the Philippines. It doesn't share its land borders with any other country. Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, the country consists of approximately 340 islands sprawling over the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Palau is particularly known for Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Jellyfish Lake with non-stinging jellyfish. The traditional culture of Palau is a blend of Micronesian, Melanesian, Asian, and Western elements which can be seen in their traditional village meetings (bai). A visit to Palau will not be complete without exploring its marine biodiversity through scuba diving and snorkeling, tasting the local delicacies, and engaging with the welcoming locals.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid touching or stepping on coral reefs while snorkeling or diving.
- Do not enter private properties or restricted areas without permission.
- Avoid confrontations or heated arguments with locals.
- Avoid reckless driving; follow local traffic rules.
- Do not take pictures of people without their consent.
- Avoid disrespecting local customs and traditions; follow the local etiquette.
- Avoid going out alone late at night, particularly in less populated areas.
- Do not feed or touch wildlife, including marine animals, without guidance.
- Avoid littering, especially in the ocean and natural sites.
- Avoid drinking tap water in remote or rural areas.
Overall
8
Crime 🔫
8
Given its small population and tight-knit community, crime is relatively low in Palau. Petty theft and non-violent crimes can occasionally occur in urban areas or tourist hotspots such as Koror, the most populated island in Palau. Nonetheless, instances of violent crime are extremely rare. Visitors are advised to exercise standard precautionary measures such as not leaving their belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.
Terrorism 💣
10
There have been no known instances of terrorism in Palau to date. Given the country's geopolitical relevance, remote location, and small size, the likelihood of a terrorist attack is meager. However, as with any travel, maintaining vigilance and being aware of the surrounding environment is always suggested.
War ⚔️
10
Palau has enjoyed peace and stability for many years and has not been involved in any war or major conflict since World War II. The political climate is overall stable, making it a peaceful destination for visitors.
Natural Disasters 🌊
6
Palau is prone to natural hazards such as typhoons, sometimes leading to significant infrastructural damage and escarpment. The last severe incident was Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 causing widespread destruction. Despite this, the country is well-prepared to cope with such events, and recovery is often swift.
Medical Care 🏥
7
Palau has adequate medical facilities for routine and basic treatments. Belau National Hospital in Koror is the principal medical facility in the country. But for serious conditions requiring comprehensive medical attention, medical evacuation is common. It's advisable to have good insurance coverage when visiting Palau.
Tap Water Quality 💧
5
In urban areas like Koror, where filtration systems have been established, tap water is mostly safe to drink. In rural areas and outer islands, drinking bottled water is recommended. Boiling or disinfecting tap water is also advised.
Disease Burden 🤒
8
The incidents of infectious diseases in Palau are relatively low. Efforts are ongoing to control non-communicable diseases. Dengue fever cases occasionally occur. Visitors are advised to take preventative measures against mosquito-borne diseases.
Corruption 💸
8
Corruption levels are relatively low. Palau is making progress towards governmental transparency and accountability with an active Office of the Public Auditor that investigates cases related to corruption.
Safety for Women ♀️
8
Palau is generally safe for women travelers. Instances of sexual harassment or violence against women are sporadic. It's nonetheless advised to exercise general safety precautions like avoiding deserted areas during the night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
7
In Palau, homosexuality is legal, and society is relatively accepting of the queer community. However, there is no legal recognition for same-sex couples and no anti-discrimination laws specifically protecting LGBTQ+ people. Queer travelers generally do not face any major safety issues.
Censorship 📺
9
Freedom of speech and press is respected in Palau. The internet is unrestricted and able to access multiple international news sources. There have been no significant incidents of censorship or undue restrictions on the press.
Public Transportation 🚌
6
Public transportation is limited in Palau. A few bus and taxi services operate primarily in Koror. Many visitors prefer to rent cars for convenience. Boats are commonly used to reach different islands. Safety records are generally good with rare incidences of accidents.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Palau is a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and little to no terrorist incidents. However, it's advisable to take standard precautions to protect against petty crimes. Natural hazards like typhoons can occur with potential for significant damage, yet recovery typically happens swiftly. Health considerations are mainly about taking preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases and having adequate insurance for potential medical evacuation needs.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are a few foreign embassies in Palau, including those of the USA and the Philippines. They are located in Palau's commercial hub, Koror.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and influenza are recommended. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also recommended due to potential exposure from contaminated food or water. If traveling to rural areas or planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, it might be wise to get a vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While most animals in Palau are harmless, there are some potentially dangerous marine creatures like the stonefish, lionfish, and certain types of jellyfish. It is advisable to wear protective footwear when walking on the beach and avoid touching unfamiliar creatures when snorkeling or diving.
📒 Visa Requirements
Visitors from most countries, including the U.S., UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, can enter Palau without a visa for 30 days. For a stay longer than 30 days, an extension may be applied for at the Bureau of Immigration.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Palau is the U.S. dollar (USD). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized money-changing kiosks.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major international credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Koror. However, in smaller establishments and remote areas, it's better to carry enough cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While Palau does offer work opportunities, particularly in education, healthcare, and tourism sectors, official work permits are required. Volunteering, especially in environmental conservation programs, is a popular way to work and travel in Palau.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Travel and living expenses in Palau can be higher compared to other regional destinations due to its remote location and reliance on imported goods. Accommodation, food, and transportation services vary between mid-range to expensive.