Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Melekeok is the capital of Palau, located on the island of Babeldaob. It is known for its beautiful beaches and traditional culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, suitable for basic work tasks. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are available, but some banks may charge fees for international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and Type B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Access to mobile networks like Digicel and Globe; prepaid SIM cards are available at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most payments are accepted in cash; international banking options include Bank of Guam. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available options include guesthouses, homestays, and limited hotels, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred; however, some establishments may accept cards, primarily larger hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb are available; options can start from $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses priced around $50 offering basic amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Melekeok village itself offers proximity to local attractions and beautiful beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying near the coastline for better internet connectivity and scenic views. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces. Coffee shops can serve as informal workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Catlian offers a relaxed atmosphere for remote work with good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited networking events exist; joining local community groups on social media can help find opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Occasional gatherings can be found through social media platforms or local expat groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Palau has no major ride-sharing apps; local taxis are available at set rates. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops starting at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngeremlengui Beach is a popular nearby beach, just a short drive from Melekeok. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines provides regional flights to other Pacific destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines offers direct flights to and from Palau. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Melekeok is accessible via the main road that connects various islands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No rail service in Palau; transportation is primarily by car or taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are limited; most travel is done via taxis or personal cars. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel between islands is mainly by boat or small planes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Belau National Hospital is the main healthcare facility, offering basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers; check local listings for yoga classes or workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic public and private gyms are available, with membership fees around $30 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats operate at affordable prices, around $10 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants may offer their own delivery services; no major apps like UberEats are present. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'tinola,' a traditional chicken soup with vegetables and coconut milk. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets and smaller eateries offer limited vegetarian options; major grocery stores carry vegetarian products. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit the one of the local bakeries for traditional Palauan desserts like 'mango cake.' |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets where you can find fresh produce and snacks at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local options; Amazon can deliver, but may take time. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores offer delivery services, usually with a minimum purchase requirement. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; few bars and restaurants operate in the evenings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Palau Brewing Company offers local beers; brewery tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited, but some restaurants offer international wines in their menu. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks and refreshments, especially in market areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants may serve Chinese, Japanese, and American dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The New Capitol Building and Palau National Museum are notable sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Palau National Museum showcases the culture and history of Palau. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Stone Monoliths of Ngerulmud and traditional villages provide insight into Palauan history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the various traditional meeting houses and churches in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Belau Games and various cultural festivals celebrate Palauan heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Melekeok is rich in traditional culture; explore the local community and practices. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance spaces; cultural shows can be seen at local events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit local markets for crafts, produce, and traditional foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be experienced at local restaurants and bars during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited; however, community art projects sometimes take place. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes may be offered to teach traditional Palauan dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; local crafts are showcased in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several traditional buildings are located around the village, showcasing local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The community prides itself on its rich traditions and connection to the sea. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush jungles and waterfalls on Babeldaob Island. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Ngerukewid Island National Park is perfect for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths along the beaches and through the jungle route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Check out the view at the viewpoint near the Capitol for breathtaking backdrops. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Observe local bird species in their natural habitats. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches typically allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide delivery services, but retrieve times can take longer than usual. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited service options; check local shops for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is widely spoken; limited language classes available in Palauan. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library services are available for reading and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events often take place at local centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; check local cafes for gaming opportunities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos present in Melekeok; gaming is generally limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 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 | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Currently, there is no withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Basic tax system based on residency, with tax incentives. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum income tax rate is around 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Sales tax is approximately 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations; check with local advisors. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Local property tax based on property value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads at this time. |