Stay Connected in Palau
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Palau requires some planning, as this remote Pacific island nation has limited telecommunications infrastructure. The country is served primarily by Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC), which provides both Mobile and internet services. While coverage is decent in the main city of Koror and tourist areas, expect spotty or no service in remote diving sites and outer islands. Internet speeds are generally slower than what you'd find in major metropolitan areas, but sufficient for basic communication, social media, and light work. Many resorts and hotels offer WiFi, though quality varies significantly. Given Palau's isolation and the complexity of purchasing local SIMs as a visitor, most travelers find eSIM solutions more practical for short stays.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Palau.
Network Coverage & Speed
Palau's telecommunications landscape is dominated by PNCC (Palau National Communications Corporation), which operates the primary Mobile network. The network uses GSM technology and covers the main population centers reasonably well, including Koror (the commercial hub), Airai (where the airport is located), and major tourist areas. However, coverage becomes unreliable as you venture to remote areas, outer islands, or during diving expeditions to sites like the famous Micronesia or German Channel. Data speeds typically range from 3G to basic 4G LTE in urban areas, with download speeds averaging 5-15 Mbps in optimal conditions. The network can become congested during peak tourist seasons or when cruise ships are in port. International roaming agreements exist with major carriers, but costs are typically very high. WiFi is available at most hotels and some restaurants in Koror, though speeds and reliability vary considerably depending on the establishment's investment in infrastructure.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is often the most practical connectivity solution for Palau visitors, despite typically costing more than local alternatives. The main advantage is convenience – you can purchase and activate your plan before departure, ensuring immediate connectivity upon arrival. This is particularly valuable in Palau, where the airport SIM purchasing process can be time-consuming and language barriers may complicate things. Providers like Airalo offer regional Pacific plans that work in Palau, giving you predictable costs and familiar customer service. The downside is higher per-GB costs compared to local SIMs, and you're dependent on the provider's roaming agreements with local networks. However, for trips under two weeks, the convenience factor usually outweighs the cost difference, especially considering the time saved and the peace of mind of having working connectivity from the moment you land.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available from PNCC outlets in Koror and at the airport, though the airport option may have limited hours and can involve significant waiting time. You'll need your passport for registration, and the process typically takes 15-30 minutes. Prepaid plans are the norm, with data packages starting around $10-15 for basic allowances. The main PNCC office in downtown Koror offers the best selection of plans and customer service, but this requires a dedicated trip into town. Local SIMs provide the best per-GB value and direct access to the local network without roaming complications. However, the purchase process can be frustrating for first-time visitors, staff English proficiency varies, and you risk arriving without connectivity if the airport counter is closed or experiencing issues. Top-up can also be challenging if you're staying at remote resorts.
Comparison
Local SIM cards offer the best value for money and direct network access, but require time and effort to obtain. eSIM provides immediate connectivity and convenience at a premium cost – typically 2-3x more expensive per GB. International roaming is the most expensive option and should generally be avoided except for emergency use. For most travelers, the convenience and reliability of eSIM outweighs the cost savings of local SIM, especially given Palau's remote location and the complexities of navigating local telecommunications as a visitor.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM through Airalo – the convenience and immediate connectivity far outweigh the extra cost, especially when you're navigating a new destination. You'll have working maps, translation apps, and communication from arrival. Budget travelers: If you're on an extremely tight budget, local SIM saves money, but factor in the time cost and potential frustration. For most budget-conscious travelers, eSIM is still the smarter choice when you consider the value of your time and peace of mind. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM makes financial sense for extended stays, as the initial hassle gets amortized over time and you'll want better rates for higher data usage. Business travelers: eSIM is essential – you need guaranteed connectivity for calls and emails from the moment you land, and the cost difference is negligible compared to the value of reliable communication for work purposes.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Palau.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers