Melekeok, Palau 🇵🇼
#1178
7.495414, 134.636753
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Melekeok is the capital city of Palau, located on the eastern side of Babeldaob Island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). ATMs are available but may have limited hours. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe for drinking but can be variable. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | The main mobile providers are Digicel and Smart Communications. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and small hotels. Airbnb may have limited availability. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is favored, but cards are accepted in some businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options available through Airbnb or local listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options can be found at guesthouses starting around $60 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Melekeok lacks dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Jareches offers a pleasant environment for work, with Wi-Fi and snacks. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking is minimal; casual meetups occur at local bars and cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings can be found through the Palau Community College links and local bulletin boards. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis operate, but there are no ride-hailing apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not commonly available, but bicycles can be rented at select hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngerchelong Beach is a beautiful option, about 10 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines offers flights connecting to Guam and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines is the primary international airline serving Palau. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Melekeok can be accessed via Route 1, the main road connecting various parts of Babeldaob. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; public transit is limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation is primarily by van services, and no formal passes exist. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses ply routes to major locations but schedules can be inconsistent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Koror State Hospital is the main healthcare facility; Melekeok has basic clinics. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some hotels may offer yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options are limited; some hotels have small workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at most guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated food delivery services; restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Taro Chips' or 'Palauan BBQ', which reflects local flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; try local markets for fresh fruits and veggies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional Palauan sweets, often found at markets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Melekeok Market hosts budget-friendly regional produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited services available; Amazon delivers but shipping times can be long. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No specific grocery delivery services; shopping must be done in stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars, like the Palau Pub, provide limited nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no large breweries; local beers are available at majority of bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; most establishments serve basic spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors offer local delicacies, especially near the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants offer Asian and American cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Palau National Museum and Badrulchau Stone Monoliths. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Palau National Museum offers insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic village of Ngerulmud is significant and accessible. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Melekeok State Capital includes a small chapel for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Celebrate Independence Day in July; smaller events happen year-round. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Experience traditional Palauan culture in Ngerulmud. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No formal theaters; local events occur at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Melekeok Market is the central hub for local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events take place at local bars sporadically. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is minimal; community events occasionally feature local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Rare; check local listings for available culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; traditional art can be viewed at local markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Melekeok State Capitol is a notable example of local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Palauan culture is rich in tradition and is reflected in local crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the scenic Rock Islands and jellyfish lakes nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Palau National Marine Sanctuary offers stunning underwater landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; explore the scenic areas by car or on foot. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the hills around Ngerulmud. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Babeldaob Island is prime for birdwatching, particularly near mangroves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on beaches allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Global shipping services available through local couriers. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Availability is limited; check local shops for basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not commonly found; community centers may have equipment. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes are usually not available; self-study is common. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Palau Community College Library provides basic resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events but very few services. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming is found more in homes than in dedicated lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present in Melekeok. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $8,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $6,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $15,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $12,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $20,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | There is no corporate tax applied in Palau. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is generally low; focus on consumption taxes. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax is relatively low, with the maximum rate at 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | A sales tax applies at approximately 10% on goods sold. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Palau does not have strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on property value, ranging from 1-2%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax can vary; generally around 2-3%. |