Palau Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Palau.
Healthcare System
Palau has limited healthcare infrastructure with the Belau National Hospital in Koror being the primary medical facility. The hospital can handle basic medical care, minor surgeries, and stabilization, but serious medical conditions require evacuation to facilities in Guam, Manila, or Taiwan.
Hospitals
Belau National Hospital in Koror is the main facility. There are also small health centers on some outer islands with very basic capabilities. For anything beyond minor medical issues, medical evacuation is typically necessary, which can cost $25,000-$100,000+ depending on the destination and patient condition.
Pharmacies
Limited pharmacies are available in Koror with basic medications. Selection is restricted and many Western medications may not be available. Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions. Over-the-counter medications for common ailments should be brought from home.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and essentially mandatory. Medical evacuation insurance should cover at least $100,000. Many dive operators require proof of dive insurance with evacuation coverage.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first aid kit and all prescription medications you might need for your entire stay plus extra
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records, especially if you have chronic conditions
- Ensure your travel insurance specifically covers diving accidents and hyperbaric treatment if you plan to dive
- The nearest recompression chamber is at Belau National Hospital, but serious dive injuries may require evacuation
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and any specific medications you regularly use as they may not be available
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The primary safety risks in Palau are marine-related, including strong currents, jellyfish (including box jellyfish seasonally), sharks, saltwater crocodiles in certain areas, coral cuts, and sea urchins. Decompression sickness from diving is a concern given the depth and drift diving common in Palau.
While violent crime is rare, opportunistic theft can occur, particularly of unattended items at beaches, hotels, and from rental vehicles. Theft from accommodations is uncommon but can happen.
The tropical sun is intense year-round, and heat exhaustion and severe sunburn are common among visitors, especially those spending extended time on boats or in the water where the cooling effect masks sun damage.
Roads in Palau are generally in fair condition but can be narrow, poorly lit at night, and lack shoulders. Some drivers may not follow traffic rules consistently. Pedestrians, dogs, and chickens on roads are common.
The hot, humid climate combined with physical activities like diving, snorkeling, and kayaking can lead to dehydration, which is often underestimated by visitors.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some operators may charge inflated prices to tourists or add unexpected fees not discussed upfront. This is relatively uncommon but can occur with unlicensed operators.
Individuals may approach tourists offering unofficial tours or services at seemingly good prices but provide poor quality service or lack proper permits and insurance.
Some rental agencies may try to charge for pre-existing damage or inflate damage costs after rental returns.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Water Activities
- Never dive or snorkel alone; always use the buddy system
- Only use licensed and insured dive operators with good safety records
- Ensure dive insurance covers hyperbaric treatment and medical evacuation
- Follow all dive briefings and safety instructions carefully
- Be conservative with dive profiles given the distance from advanced medical care
- Always use a surface marker buoy when diving in areas with boat traffic
- Check equipment thoroughly before each dive
- Stay hydrated before and after diving, but allow proper surface intervals
- Respect your certification limits and don't dive beyond your experience level
Environmental Protection and Legal Compliance
- Use only reef-safe sunscreen (chemical sunscreens are banned in Palau)
- Sign the Palau Pledge upon arrival - it's a legal requirement
- Never touch or stand on coral - it's illegal and harmful
- Don't remove shells, coral, sand, or any natural items - heavy fines apply
- Follow all marine sanctuary rules and permit requirements
- Respect fishing bans and protected areas
- Dispose of trash properly - littering carries significant fines
- Don't feed fish or marine life
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Learn basic Palauan phrases - locals appreciate the effort
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when not at the beach
- Be aware that some areas are private property - ask before entering
- Cell phone coverage is limited outside Koror - plan accordingly
- ATMs are limited and sometimes run out of cash - bring sufficient funds
- Credit cards aren't accepted everywhere - carry cash for smaller establishments
Health Precautions
- Drink bottled or treated water, especially on outer islands
- Bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
- Treat any coral cuts immediately to prevent infection
- Be current on routine vaccinations before travel
- Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food - ensure it's freshly cooked and hot
Transportation
- International driver's license recommended though US licenses are generally accepted
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits are low (25 mph in most areas) - observe them
- Fuel stations are limited - fill up when you see one
- Taxis don't use meters - agree on fare before departure
- Boat transfers to Rock Islands require permits - ensure your operator has them
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Palau is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The local culture is respectful, and harassment is uncommon. Palauan society is matrilineal, and women hold significant social status. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and women can feel comfortable exploring independently. However, standard travel precautions should still be observed.
- Solo female travelers report feeling very safe in Palau compared to many other destinations
- Dress modestly when in town or visiting villages (covering shoulders and knees), though beach attire is fine at resorts and beaches
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, though this is more about general safety than specific threats
- Join group tours for diving and snorkeling - this is recommended for everyone for safety reasons
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from any situation that feels uncomfortable
- Local women are generally friendly and helpful if you need assistance
- Some bars in Koror can have predominantly male clientele - use judgment about which venues to visit
- Hotel and resort staff are generally very respectful and helpful to solo women travelers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Palau, and there are no laws specifically criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are also no specific anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection as you would in other conservative destinations
- LGBTQ+ travelers generally report no issues when traveling in Palau, though visibility is low
- Focus on the diving and natural attractions rather than nightlife or social scene
- International resorts and dive operators are typically welcoming to all guests
- Consider booking accommodations at international hotels or resorts that may be more explicitly welcoming
- There are no LGBTQ+-specific venues or events in Palau
- As with any destination, assess comfort levels and make decisions based on your own judgment
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Palau and should be considered mandatory rather than optional. The limited medical infrastructure means that serious illness or injury will require expensive medical evacuation to Guam, Manila, or beyond. Medical evacuation can easily cost $50,000-$150,000 or more. Additionally, diving is a primary activity in Palau, and dive-related injuries require specialized coverage. Without proper insurance, you could face catastrophic financial costs or be unable to receive necessary care.
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