Essentials
- City
- Melekeok, Melekeok State, Palau
- Population
- Approximately 300
- Internet Speed
- Average 10-25 Mbps via Palau Telecoms or PNCC Fiber (Satellite backups common)
- Currency & Banking
- US Dollar (USD). 1 USD = 1 USD
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water ($1.50 per 1.5L)
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US Standard)
- SIM Card
- PNCC (Palau National Communications Corporation) at Airai. $20 for 10GB starter pack
- Banking for Expats
- Bank of Hawaii, Bank Pacific (mostly located in Koror, 45 mins away)
- Accommodation
- Limited options in Melekeok; mostly guesthouses like Hillside Guesthouse (~$100/night)
- Cashless Friendly
- No, very cash-heavy. Credit cards only accepted at larger hotels in Koror
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb is nearly non-existent; local guesthouse stays booked via email are standard
- Budget Accommodation
- Ngermid Oasis (in nearby Koror) for ~$80/night
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Capitol Hill area for architecture; Ngerulmud for government views
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Koror (45 min drive south) is highly recommended over Melekeok for infrastructure
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- None in Melekeok. Use hotel lobbies like Palau Royal Resort in Koror ($15 day pass)
- Best Cafe for Work
- Coffee Berry (Koror) - Good WiFi and AC (~$5 for a latte)
- Networking Events
- None local. Join 'Palau Buy and Sell' or 'Expats in Palau' Facebook groups
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday night gatherings at Kramer’s Bar (Koror)
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps. Call Palau Taxi Service (+680 488 2479). ~$50 from Koror to Melekeok
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- S&C Rent-A-Car in Koror (~$35/day for a scooter)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Melekeok Beach (white sand, very quiet, free access)
- Top Regional Airline
- United Airlines (Island Hopper service)
- Top International Airline
- China Airlines, Air Niugini
- Highway Access
- Compact Road (the main loop road around Babeldaob island)
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- No trains. Koror-Babeldaob Bridge is the main transit point
- Public Transport Passes
- None. Private vehicle rental is essential for nomads
- Regional Travel
- Car rental ($45/day) via Budget or Alamo at the Airport (ROR)
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Belau National Hospital (Koror) - Primary facility for the country
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Palau Pacific Resort Gym & Spa (Yoga classes occasionally held for $20)
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- National Gymnasium in Koror ($5 drop-in fee)
- Laundry Services
- Self-service laundromats located in Koror near WCTC Shopping Center
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None. Direct phone orders only
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Fruit Bat Soup or Taro Root ($15-$25 at local eateries)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- The Taj (Indian cuisine in Koror) - many veg options ($18/main)
- Best Dessert Spots
- L’Amarena Gelato (Koror) - ~$6 per scoop
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- WCTC Shopping Center or Surangel & Sons (Koror)
- E-commerce/Online Store
- None local. Residents use freight forwarders for Amazon/eBay
- Grocery Delivery
- Not available; in-person shopping required
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- None in Melekeok. Head to Koror Main Street
- Local Brewery
- Red Rooster Brewing Company (located in Koror)
- Wine Bars
- Canoe House (Koror) - Good wine selection (~$9/glass)
- Street Food Stalls
- Night markets occasionally held at the Ernguul Central Park in Koror
- Popular International Cuisine
- Drop Off Bar & Grill (Fresh Sashimi/Burgers) in Koror
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Palau Capitol Building (Ngerulmud) - modeled after the US Capitol
- Museums & Art Venues
- Belau National Museum (Koror) - $10 entry
- Historical Sites
- The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths (North of Melekeok) - $5 entry
- Religious Sites
- Melekeok Evangelical Church
- Annual Events
- Palau Independence Day (October 1st)
- Cultural Districts
- Traditional Bai (Meeting Houses) located throughout Babeldaob
- Theater Venues
- Ngerulmud state ceremonies
- Local Markets
- Melekeok roadside fruit stalls (cash only)
- Music Scene
- Traditional chanting and local island reggae at community centers
- Street Art
- Traditional storyboard carvings at the jail gift shop in Koror
- Cooking Classes
- None formal; local guesthouse hosts often teach taro preparation
- Art Galleries
- Ulekdubs Gift Shop & Gallery (Koror)
- Historic Buildings
- The National Capitol Complex
- Local Heritage
- Matrilineal clan system and traditional conservation 'Bul'
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Ngardmau Waterfalls (Tallest in Palau, 25 mins drive)
- National Parks Nearby
- Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO site, accessible via boat from Koror)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Compact Road offers a 53-mile paved loop with low traffic
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Capitol Hill gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Birdwatching Locations
- Babeldaob rainforest trails (Palau Fruit Dove/Palau Flycatcher)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Designated areas at Melekeok beach park
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Palau Post Office (Melekeok Branch or Koror Main)
- Tech Repair Services
- PNCC Tech Support (Koror)
- Table Tennis Spots
- Community centers in Koror
- Language Classes
- Informal Palauan lessons via local community groups
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Palau Public Library (Koror)
- Community Centers
- Melekeok State Office
- Gaming Lounges
- Internet cafes in Koror shopping centers
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Gambling is generally illegal/unregulated in Palau
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Land ownership is restricted to Palauan citizens; 99-year leases possible (~$2,000/sqm)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Leasehold ~ $1,200 per sqm
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Leasehold ~ $120,000 for 60m²
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Leasehold ~ $85,000 for 60m²
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Leasehold ~ $160,000 for 80m²
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Leasehold ~ $110,000 for 80m²
- Corporate Tax
- 4% Gross Revenue Tax (GRT) for most businesses
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0%
- Tax System
- Territorial/Income-based (Palau Goods and Services Tax - PGST 10%)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 12% for income over $8,000 yearly
- VAT
- 10% (PGST)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- None
- Property Tax
- None, but land use fees apply to leases
- Property Transaction Tax
- Land court processing fees ($100+)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No specific nomad visa; low personal income tax (approx 6-12%) if working locally