Town, Palau
Koror
Palau's diving hub, with Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake and big-fish dive sites. Very safe and English-speaking but expensive; the town itself is small, quiet and car-dependent.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$3,200–4,500Comfortable, one person · $3,200–4,500Details
- Value for money14/100Better value than 13% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Apr, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilKoror's tap water is treated but can be inconsistent; many visitors use bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$50–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereUS dollars are the currency.Details
Where to stay in Koror
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Koror town center | Dive shops, restaurants, supermarkets and most hotels |
| Malakal | Dive-boat marinas and quieter stays near the water |
| Airai | Cheaper stays near the airport on Babeldaob |
Apps that work in Koror
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are few; arrange rides through your hotel or dive shop.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Palau.
- Cards almost everywhere US dollars are the currency. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and dive shops; carry some cash for small shops and tips.
- ATMs: ATMs at the airport and in Koror; few elsewhere.
- Tipping: Not traditional, but 10–15% in restaurants and tips for dive guides and boat crews are customary.
- Paying by phone: Cards are widely accepted in Koror; contactless phone payments depend on the terminal.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online Palau Entry Form within 72 hours before arrival, declaring medicines and goods.
- On arrival you sign the Palau Pledge, an environmental promise stamped into your passport.
- Most visitors get a visa on arrival with an onward ticket, 6 months' passport validity and 2 blank pages.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
PNCC sells a Visitor eSIM online and SIMs at its Koror office; coverage is good around Koror and Babeldaob but absent on remote islands. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Koror solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Koror meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.