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
Vaccinations for Palau:Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio). Consider Japanese encephalitis if you’re staying long-term or rural. Rabies is optional unless you’re handling animals. Check CDC guidelines for updates.
vaccination requirements When 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 Palau, 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 PalauCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or religious sites. Swimwear is fine at the beach but cover up when leaving the sand. Remove shoes before entering someone’s home. Respect local taboos by asking locals or guides if you’re unsure about specific customs.
Do not touch someone’s head, as it’s considered disrespectful. Public displays of affection should be minimal. Homosexuality is illegal, and while enforcement is rare, discretion is advised. Women traveling solo are generally safe, but it’s wise to avoid secluded areas at night. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or private property.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Palau.
- Uluk: A traditional Palauan dish made from taro, which is a staple in many Pacific Islander diets. Uluk is usually steamed or boiled and served with coconut milk, offering a taste that’s both earthy and rich. It’s a cornerstone of local meals and a great way to get a sense of Palau’s agricultural roots.
- Taro Rösti: Inspired by Swiss rösti but with a Palauan twist, this dish features grated taro root that is pan-fried into a crispy patty. It’s a tasty fusion that highlights Palau’s adaptability and culinary creativity.
- Fruit Bat Soup: Not for the squeamish, this soup is a unique experience featuring whole fruit bats stewed with ginger and coconut milk. It’s a traditional delicacy that’s more about the adventure and cultural experience than the taste itself.
- Kelaguen: A Chamorro dish popular in Palau, often made with chicken, fish, or beef marinated in lemon juice, coconut, and hot peppers. It’s a refreshing and zingy dish that reflects the island’s love for fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Broiled Parrotfish: Known locally as ’Palauan fish,’ this is often caught fresh and broiled with simple seasoning, letting the natural flavor of the fish shine. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers and gives a taste of Palau’s rich marine life.
Tap water in Palau is generally not recommended for tourists; locals might drink it but are accustomed to it. It’s safer for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Always have a reusable water bottle with a filter if you’re looking to cut down on plastic waste.
The main language in Palau is
Palauan. 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 Palauan skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Palau includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Palau,
English is widely spoken and understood, making it relatively easy for English-speaking travelers to navigate the islands. English is one of the official languages, alongside Palauan, and is commonly used in government, education, and business. Most locals, especially those working in the tourism industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees, have a good command of English.
While many Palauans are bilingual, with Palauan as their first language, you’ll find that English is prevalent in urban areas and tourist hotspots. In rural areas, English proficiency may vary, but basic communication is generally achievable.
Signs, menus, and information materials are often available in English, further facilitating travel. Overall, English is sufficiently spoken throughout Palau, allowing visitors to enjoy their experience without significant language barriers.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Palau is USD ($).
When you’re backpacking through Palau, it’s pretty crucial to think cash-first. While some places take cards, smaller shops and local spots might not. Thankfully, Palau uses the US dollar, so no need to fuss with currency exchange if you’re coming from the States. If you’re bringing euros, you’ll need to swap them for USD either before you arrive or at the airport.
ATMs are available but can be a bit scarce outside of Koror, the main hub. Always good to withdraw a chunk of cash when you spot one, just in case. Keep in mind that ATMs might charge a fee, so plan your withdrawals accordingly.
For exchanging money, your best bet is doing it at the airport or a bank in Koror. Carry some small bills; it’s handy for tipping and small purchases. Happy travels!
Tipping in Palau isn’t customary, but it’s appreciated if you receive exceptional service. Most locals don’t expect tips, given the communal culture, but a small gratuity at restaurants or for tour guides can be a nice gesture. If you choose to tip, rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% is considered generous.
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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.