Essentials
- City
- Airai, Airai State, Republic of Palau
- Population
- Approximately 2,500
- Internet Speed
- 10-25 Mbps via Palau Telecoms or PNCC Fiber (can be inconsistent during storms)
- Currency & Banking
- US Dollar (USD). 1 USD = 1.00 USD. Local banks include Bank of Hawaii and BankPacific.
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; buy bottled water or use filtered dispensers (approx. $1.50 per gallon).
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US Standard sockets)
- SIM Card
- Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC). SIMs available at Palau International Airport for approx. $20 (includes data bundle).
- Banking for Expats
- Bank of Hawaii (Airai Branch) or Bank of Guam. Reliable for US citizens; others should use Revolut/Wise for lower fees.
- Accommodation
- Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa, or private guesthouses found via local Facebook groups like 'Palau Buy and Sell'.
- Cashless Friendly
- No, Palau is heavily cash-oriented. Major hotels and dive shops accept cards, but local eateries require cash.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb is limited; direct bookings at places like Rose Garden Resort or private studios starting at $1,200/month.
- Budget Accommodation
- DW Motel (Koror boundary) – approx. $75/night.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Near the Airai Water Paradise Hotel for views and amenities.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Northern Airai (near PNCC headquarters) for better proximity to stable internet infrastructure.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- No dedicated coworking spaces; Digital Nomads use the Business Center at Palau Royal Resort (nearby Koror).
- Best Cafe for Work
- Coffee Berry (Koror boundary) - good AC and reliable Wi-Fi. $5-$7 per latte.
- Networking Events
- Palau Chamber of Commerce mixers (usually held at Neco Marine or Palau Pacific Resort).
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday night drinks at the Palau Yacht Club (approx. 15 mins from Airai).
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps. Call Airai Taxi Service: +680 587-3131. Flat rates around $10-$15 to Koror.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- IRiding Palau (Koror) - approx. $30/day for scooters.
- Best Beach Nearby
- M-Dock Small Beach (Public access) or day trips to Rock Islands.
- Top Regional Airline
- United Airlines (flights to Guam and Manila).
- Top International Airline
- China Airlines (flights to Taipei).
- Highway Access
- Compact Road (Palau's main 53-mile loop) begins in Airai.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- None. Palau International Airport (ROR) is the primary transport hub located in Airai.
- Public Transport Passes
- None. Most residents rely on private cars or BBI Shuttle ($5 flat rate).
- Regional Travel
- Inter-island boats from Koror to Peleliu or Angaur; car rentals ($45/day) for Babeldaob island travel.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Belau National Hospital (Koror, 15 mins away). Public facility.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Palau Pacific Resort Wellness Center - Yoga classes occasionally offered to visitors for $20/session.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Airai Fitness Center (near the State Office) - basic equipment, $5 daily pass.
- Laundry Services
- Washing/folding services at local general stores in Airai, approx. $1.50 per lb.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None. Direct phone orders only.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Pound (Taro) and Fish Soup (Demok).
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- The Taj (Koror) - excellent Indian vegetarian options (approx. $18-25 per dish).
- Best Dessert Spots
- L’Amarena Gelato (Koror) - authentic Italian gelato for $6.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Surangel’s Supercenter (Airai branch) – largest grocery store in Palau.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- None. Most locals use freight forwarders like Triple B Forwarders to ship from Amazon.
- Grocery Delivery
- Not available; in-person shopping at WCTC or Surangel’s is standard.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Canoe House (Koror) - most popular expat bar with live music.
- Local Brewery
- Red Rooster Brewing Company (Malakal) - try the Light or Amber ales.
- Wine Bars
- Drop Off Bar & Grill (Malakal) - good wine selection and sushi.
- Street Food Stalls
- Yano’s Local Food Market - sells pre-packed local lunches for $6-$8.
- Popular International Cuisine
- B's Sushi (Airai) - fresh local tuna and Japanese dishes.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Airai Bai (Traditional Men's Meeting House) - over 100 years old.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Belau National Museum (Koror) - $10 entry fee.
- Historical Sites
- Japanese Communications Center ruins (WWII era).
- Religious Sites
- Sacred Heart Church (Catholic) - prominent local architecture.
- Annual Events
- Palau Independence Day (October 1st) - boat races and food stalls.
- Cultural Districts
- Ngchesechang Village - traditional taro patch farming area.
- Theater Venues
- Ngarachamayong Cultural Center (Koror) - venue for traditional dance.
- Local Markets
- Airai Fresh Market (bi-weekly) - local produce and handicrafts.
- Music Scene
- Local island reggae and chanting at community events.
- Street Art
- Murals on the 'Sixth-Seven' store walls celebrating Palauan legends.
- Cooking Classes
- Informal sessions via the Palau Conservation Society (PCS).
- Art Galleries
- Etpison Museum Shop - high-end local storyboards and jewelry.
- Historic Buildings
- The Old Airport Terminal ruins.
- Local Heritage
- Storyboards - wood carvings that depict Palauan legends.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Ngardmau Waterfall (North on Babeldaob island) - 45 min drive.
- National Parks Nearby
- Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Airai to Melekeok cycle path (along the Compact Road).
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Ngerikiil River overlooks - lush jungle and river views.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Airai mangrove forests for the Palau Fruit Dove.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Long Island Park (accessible bridge area).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Palau Post Office (Airai Branch) - standard USPS rates apply.
- Tech Repair Services
- PC Repair Palau (Koror) for laptop and phone fixes.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Palau National Gym (Koror) - public access.
- Language Classes
- Informal Palauan language exchange at the Palau Community College.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Palau Community College Library (Koror).
- Community Centers
- Airai State Office Community Hall.
- Gaming Lounges
- Limited; mostly internet cafes in Koror shopping centers.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Gambling is illegal in the Republic of Palau.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,500 per m² (Land ownership restricted to citizens; 99-year leases for expats).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000).
- Corporate Tax
- 4% Gross Revenue Tax (GRT).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0% (Palau does not tax dividends).
- Tax System
- Teritorial and Gross Revenue based.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 12% (for income over $8,000 per year).
- VAT
- 10% Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No.
- Property Tax
- None (land is primarily clan-owned).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Registering lease documents: approx. 1% of lease value.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Digital Residency Program (RNS) allows for potential tax benefits and ID card for $248.