Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You typically need routine vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) for Nauru. Consider hepatitis A and B, especially if you’re planning to stay longer or have specific travel plans. Typhoid vaccination is recommended if you plan to eat or drink outside major hotels and restaurants. Check the latest health advisories before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Nauru, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for NauruCulture & Customs
Respect local customs by dressing modestly; avoid wearing swimsuits or revealing clothing in public areas. When visiting villages, ask for permission before taking photos, especially of people. Always greet others with a smile and a nod; handshakes are common.
Avoid discussing politics, as it’s a sensitive topic. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and LGBTQ+ travelers might want to exercise discretion, as Nauru is conservative regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
For women, travel in groups where possible and be mindful of social norms. Always show respect for elders and avoid raising your voice in public settings. If invited to a local’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, like food or handicrafts.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Nauru.
- Ikan Bilis: This dish features small dried anchovies that are often fried. It’s a staple because it’s easy to preserve and full of flavor, making it a go-to snack or meal accompaniment.
- Coconut Fish: Fish wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with coconut cream. It’s popular for its simplicity and the rich, tropical flavor that showcases the island’s abundant natural resources.
- Fried Taro: Taro root is a common staple in Nauru, often served fried as a side dish. Its cultural significance stems from its historical role as a primary food source.
- Coconut Crabs: These massive crabs are a delicacy due to their rich, distinctive taste. They’re culturally important as they reflect the traditional island lifestyle and reliance on local resources.
Tap water in Nauru isn’t safe to drink for anyone, including locals, who mostly rely on rainwater tanks or imported bottled water. Tourists should stick to bottled or properly filtered water to avoid any potential health issues. If you’re staying awhile, consider investing in a reliable water filter to cut costs and reduce plastic waste.
The main language in Nauru is
Nauruan. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Nauruan skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Nauru includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Nauru, primarily as a second language. The official languages are Nauruan and English, with English being used in government, education, and business. Most Nauruans, especially the younger population and those involved in tourism, have a good command of English. In urban areas and among professionals, communication in English is generally effective. However, in more remote regions or among older generations, proficiency may vary, and Nauruan is often the primary language spoken.
Visitors to Nauru will find that basic English is sufficient for navigating daily interactions, such as asking for directions, dining, and shopping. Signs and information are typically available in English, making it easier for travelers to get around. While some local dialects and phrases may be encountered, English serves as a common bridge for communication. Overall, English is a key language in Nauru, facilitating interactions for tourists and expatriates alike.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Nauru is AUD (A$).
Nauru isn’t exactly bustling with ATMs—there’s just one at the Bank of Nauru, and it’s not known for being super reliable. So, carrying some cash is wise. The official currency here is the Australian Dollar (AUD), so come prepared with that. Forget about euros, they won’t do you much good.
When it comes to credit cards, don’t count on widespread acceptance. Most places prefer cash, and even if you find a spot that takes cards, there might be extra charges. If you need to exchange money, your best bet is the bank; just be ready for limited hours and potential queues.
Tipping in Nauru is not a common practice, and service charges are typically included in the bill. While you won’t be expected to tip, small gestures of appreciation, like rounding up the bill, are always welcomed if you feel you’ve received exceptional service.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.