Oceania
Money, cards and tipping in Palau
USDDollar
Money in Palau
Mixed: cards and cash Uses the US dollar. Hotels, dive shops and most stores take cards; some small shops and drivers want cash.
Key facts
- Tipping: Not traditional, but 10–15% in restaurants and tips for dive guides and boat crews are customary.
- ATMs: ATMs at the airport and in Koror; few elsewhere.
- Paying by phone: Cards are widely accepted in Koror; contactless phone payments depend on the terminal.
- Price level: about 85% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 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. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Palau?
Not traditional, but 10–15% in restaurants and tips for dive guides and boat crews are customary.
Is Palau cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Uses the US dollar. Hotels, dive shops and most stores take cards; some small shops and drivers want cash.
What currency does Palau use?
The Dollar (USD).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Palau Entry Form
- Palau Pledge
- UK FCDO travel advice: Palau
- Smartraveller: Palau
- World Bank open data
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