Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05
Rock islands and the world's finest diving
Trade agreements (2): Palau benefits from a Compact of Free Association with the United States granting preferential trade and aid access, alongside Melanesian Spearhead Group ties; India has no FTA with Palau, and direct trade is minimal.
Passport strength: visa-free/VOA to ~120 destinations. US Compact state; strong Pacific and some international visa-free access.
India × Palau hub ↗ All countries factsheet
Indian passport holders need a visa in advance for Palau, generally issued for stays up to 30 days; citizens of the US, Japan, Taiwan, EU, and many other nations receive visa-free entry for up to 30-90 days.
e-Visa: yes · Visa on arrival: Varies by nationality
Koror is easily explored by rental car or taxi, while access to the famous Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake requires a licensed boat tour, as independent boating in protected areas is restricted.
Car vs taxi: Self-driving in Koror is straightforward on the right side of the road with reasonable infrastructure, making rental cars a practical option for reaching dive shops and restaurants independently.
Money: Palau uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency, simplifying budgeting for travelers, and cards are accepted at most hotels and dive operators in Koror.
SIM & data: PNCC (Palau National Communications Corporation) is the main carrier, with tourist SIMs available in Koror; coverage is solid around Koror and the main dive sites but can be weaker further from the capital.
Tipping: 10% is increasingly customary in Palau's dive resorts and restaurants given the strong US and Japanese tourist influence, though it's less rigid than in the mainland US.
Etiquette: Palau places strong emphasis on marine conservation, and visitors are required to sign the Palau Pledge (a passport stamp commitment to eco-responsible behavior) on arrival; respecting reef and marine protected area rules is taken very seriously.
Food: Fresh seafood dominates Palauan cuisine, with dishes like fruit bat soup considered a traditional delicacy, alongside taro, cassava, and reef fish prepared in coconut milk.
Say hello: Local language — “Hello” · thanks “Thank you” · how much? “How much?”
Palau is very safe with negligible crime, and the main safety considerations relate to ocean activities like diving and snorkeling, where following guide instructions around currents and marine life is essential.
For nomads: Very small nomad scene; limited infrastructure in Koror; US Compact state with strong American ties; expensive cost of living; tourism-focused economy.
Education: Limited options; mostly US-aligned curriculum; high costs due to import dependence.
Healthcare: Basic facilities; serious cases referred to Guam (US); moderate quality for island nation.
Indian passport holders need a visa in advance for Palau, generally issued for stays up to 30 days; citizens of the US, Japan, Taiwan, EU, and many other nations receive visa-free entry for up to 30-90 days.
Palau uses the US dollar (USD). Capital: Ngerulmud.
Palau benefits from a Compact of Free Association with the United States granting preferential trade and aid access, alongside Melanesian Spearhead Group ties; India has no FTA with Palau, and direct trade is minimal.
Palau is very safe with negligible crime, and the main safety considerations relate to ocean activities like diving and snorkeling, where following guide instructions around currents and marine life is essential.