Koror, Palau 🇵🇼
#1175
7.343275, 134.476676
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koror is the largest city in Palau and serves as the economic and cultural center of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 13,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (US Dollar is the local currency). Most international credit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | SIM cards are available from providers like Digicel and Smart; data packages are generally limited. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Bank of the Pacific and ANZ; ATMs are available in the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guest houses, and short-term rentals available through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used; credit cards accepted in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are available, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel-style lodgings like Palau Youth Hostel ($20-40 per night). |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Palau Business Center - offers desk rentals and high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Berry - a quiet place with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Palau Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Palau' provide community updates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no ride-sharing apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from vendors around Koror, with rates around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngardmau Waterfall and beaches like Long Island Beach are easily accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines is the main carrier servicing the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Palau Pacific Airlines offers services to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Koror is connected by the main island road with limited public transit options. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; local buses connect various parts of the island. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis, approximately $1 per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services operate to nearby islands, with various providers available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Belau National Hospital is the main public hospital, with basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Palau Yoga offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Game Time Fitness is well-equipped for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available, typically charging $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Palau Food Delivery service available via phone orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Bai', a traditional Palauan meal often served with fresh fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mediterranean Café provides vegetarian-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Palau offers delicious local gelato. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Koror's Night Market offers affordable food options and local crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shipping to Koror from Amazon is available, but may have delays. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery services, though limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Iro’s Place is a popular local bar for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Palau Brewing Company offers locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rising Sun offers a fine selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks near the fish market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bella's Restaurant serves Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The true rock islands and Jellyfish Lake are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Palau National Museum showcases the history and culture of Palau. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Badrulchau Stone Monoliths are a must-visit historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Belau National Museum includes exhibits on local beliefs and traditions. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Palau Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area of Koror showcases local shops and art galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events and performances are held at the National Theater. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Koror Market is a vibrant place to experience local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often played at local bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found in various locations throughout Koror. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary school offers local cooking classes featuring traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Palau Art Gallery displays works of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palau’s governmental buildings reflect its colonial history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage includes traditional practices still alive in the community. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the beautiful Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ngardmau Waterfall offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road is popular for biking and scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Ngerbdech offers stunning panoramas of the islands. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Palau National Marine Sanctuary is perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx services are available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Palau offers basic repair services for mobile devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer basic English and Palauan language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Koror Public Library has a small collection of books. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural Community Center hosts various workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges are available, with limited selections. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present 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. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum income tax rate is about 21%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is not applicable in Palau. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Applicable but relatively lenient regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax in Palau. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transfer tax is around 3%. |