Babeldaob, Palau 🇵🇼
#1176
7.539962, 134.567396
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Babeldaob is the largest island in Palau and serves as the administrative center of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 18,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | US Dollar (USD) is the official currency. 1 USD ≈ 1 USD since it is the local currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers are Digicel and Palau Telekom. Prepaid SIM cards are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks include Bank of Guam and WestPac; ATM availability is limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include hotels, guesthouses, and local rentals via platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include local guesthouses starting at $40 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Palau Co-Works offers a comfortable space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Berry serves good coffee and has a few quiet corners for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meet & Greet events at the Palau National Congress. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Palau' host regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available; no ride-sharing apps are prevalent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at several shops including 'Babeldaob Bikes'. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngardmau Falls Beach is a popular nearby beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines provides the main regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and Delta Airlines for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island is connected via a network of well-maintained roads. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport is limited; most travel is done via taxis or rental cars. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes; taxis are the main mode of transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Limited ferry services to nearby islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Belau National Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Neco Yoga Studio offers classes for varying skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym facilities at local hotels like the Palau Pacific Resort. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available at local convenience stores. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local options are limited; most restaurants do not offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Tinola', a popular local chicken soup with vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Surangel's Restaurant offers some vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the local coconut tart from the Bakery in Koror. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the local farmer's market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; check local shops for essentials. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Koror offers the best nightlife spots, including bars like 'Tiki Bar'. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Palau Brewing Company offers local beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local restaurants often serve imported wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The street food scene is modest, with options primarily at local markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants in Koror offer Asian and American cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Babeldaob Stone Monoliths and the Japanese WWII History. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Palau Museum showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Japanese WWII sites are scattered throughout the island. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Babeldaob has several unique churches, such as the Ngchesar Church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Palau International Coral Reef Day is celebrated every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The state of Airai exhibits traditional Palauan culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Common spaces host occasional local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Babeldaob's local market offers crafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music can be found at various restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art but some murals can be seen in Koror. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on local cuisine are offered at Angaur Island. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries in Koror feature local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the Bai (traditional house) structures across the island. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional navigation skills and customs are still practiced in Palau. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore Ngardmau Falls, the highest waterfall in Palau, located 30 minutes away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Ngeruangel Reserve is nearby, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The main roads offer scenic views; walking paths are limited. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Rock Islands offer stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is excellent at the Ngerukap River area. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Find designated spots at beaches around Babeldaob. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx operate limited delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local schools and shops may offer limited tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks may have table tennis setups, but availability is limited. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Palauan language classes can be found in community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Municipal library services are limited but available within the hospital. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Community Center in Koror hosts various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming opportunities; some cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casino facilities exist in Babeldaob. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $105,000) |
| 🏠 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. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax applied. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is 0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The income tax system is territorial; taxes only on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 15%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Palau does not impose a VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax on private residences. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is approximately 5%. |