Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koror is the largest city and former capital of Palau, known for its stunning marine life and proximity to natural attractions. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 11,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds are around 25 Mbps which can vary during peak hours. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (there is no exchange rate). ATMs are available, but bank services can be limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and Smart; prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport and local stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Locally, only a few banks operate such as Bank of Guam, and international banking options may be limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels, guesthouses, to Airbnb listings, with prices generally ranging from $50 to $200 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely used, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting from $60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited, but guesthouses can be found starting at $30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Palau Royal Resort Area and the area near Koror's waterfront. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kyle's Guesthouse for longer stays with amenities catering to remote workers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces, but cafes with Wi-Fi provide a working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Berry offers a good atmosphere for working with decent Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional expat meetups are organized through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for meetups at local cafes and community events advertised on Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Palau Taxi services; no ride-sharing apps are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at various shops around town for around $20 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sand Bar is a popular nearby beach, accessible via boat tours. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines serves regional flights to Guam and other nearby islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines is the main carrier, with limited flights from Asian hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main road connects Koror to Babeldaob island, which is the second largest island in Palau. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Transit options are limited primarily to taxis and rented vehicles. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not included; public transport is minimal, primarily consisting of taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel between islands is mainly done via ferries or chartered boats. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Belau National Hospital is the main healthcare facility with limited services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga is offered at local community centers occasionally. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; the best option is Vida Fitness with basic equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats offer services, costing around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No notable food delivery app; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Taro and seafood dishes are popular local foods to sample. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are scarce, but some restaurants offer salads and local vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco Deli serves local-style desserts and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Koror offer budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited internet makes online shopping a challenge; Amazon could be an option with shipping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery service; supermarkets are available for shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Waterfront Plaza has some local bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bai's Craft Beer is a local option, producing limited batches. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine selection is mostly found in restaurants with limited offerings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets host food stalls with traditional Palauan food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants in Koror serve Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Rock Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and must be visited. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Palau National Museum offers insights into local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Babeldaob's ancient stone monoliths are featured on a historical tour. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Ngardmau Waterfall and nearby churches are worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Belau Games holds cultural and sporting events annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Koror has various local markets showcasing traditional crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cinemas exist but are limited to major film releases only. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Koror's main market offers a variety of local goods and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | There is a small but vibrant local music scene at bars and festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited; traditional cultural art can be seen throughout. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools occasionally offer classes on Palauan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art can be found in local workshops but not specific galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic Pristine Paradise is a notable building highlighting Palau's heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Palauan culture emphasizes family and respect for the environment. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Rock Islands and Paddling Palau offer stunning natural views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Palau National Marine Sanctuary protects numerous marine species. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths available; popular biking routes are found along the main road. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ngerbuesang Beach offers breathtaking views of the sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the Ngeruangel Marine Reserve. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires, but it’s best to ask locally first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx have limited services available in Koror. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can repair basic tech issues, but services are limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have recreational tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes for both English and Palauan can sometimes be arranged. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Very limited; best options are at the Palau Community College. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host workshops and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are scarce, limited to private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos or major gaming halls in Koror. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $88,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $264,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $208,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 31% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only local income is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; taxes are generally low. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable; minimal regulation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of the assessed value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on the full sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income earned outside Palau. |