Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ngerulmud is the capital city of Palau, located on the island of Babeldaob. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400 residents, making it one of the smallest capitals in the world. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink without purification methods. |
| 🔌 Power | Standard voltage is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | SIM cards available from providers like Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC). |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bank of Guam and Bank of the Pacific offer services to expatriates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and short-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, though some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like the Palau Hotel and Sea Passion Hotel provide affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Ngerulmud itself or the neighboring area of Koror for more amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Staying near the government district in Ngerulmud is preferable for a peaceful environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-working spaces are limited; some cafes offer Wi-Fi for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Berry is a popular choice for working while enjoying a cup of coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional events at local cafes; however, formal networking is rare. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings are organized at local bars occasionally. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Palau taxi services are available, Uber and similar apps are not in use. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; scooters can be rented at some local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngerulmud has access to various beaches within a short ride, such as Ngeruangluak Beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines and Pacific Airways serve the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Delta Airlines offers flights to Ngerulmud from major airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Ngerulmud to other areas of Babeldaob. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Limited public transport; taxis and private transport are the most common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport pass system; taxis are booked individually. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Ngerulmud to Koror and other parts of Babeldaob. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Belau National Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options for yoga studios; some classes are offered at hotels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gyms available; many hotels have fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromat services available in Koror, roughly a 30-minute drive from Ngerulmud. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited delivery options; local restaurants may offer takeout but no dedicated apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish 'Taro Pancakes' available in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; mostly available in international restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the local shave ice at Elilai Fruits for a sweet treat. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Koror Night Market offer fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping options; mainly dependent on local stores. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery services; shopping usually done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Koror has more nightlife options, with local bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Palau Brewing Company offers local beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Found mainly in Koror with local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants in Koror serve Italian, Thai, and American cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Palau National Capitol Building and the Rafer Walling Monument. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Belau National Museum showcases Palauan history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Bai (traditional meeting house) in Ngerulmud is worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Palau's various churches; the Catholic Church in Ngerulmud is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Belauan Independence Day on July 4th is a significant celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the traditional villages around Babeldaob for cultural insights. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited options, but local events may be hosted in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ngerulmud has limited markets; better options found in Koror. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Some local bars may host live music; the scene is relatively quiet. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; some local artists display works in town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional classes available in local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited contemporary art scenes; mainly local displays at the museum. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several government buildings reflect local architectural styles. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals and community gatherings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby jellyfish lake or marine reserves on the islands. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Palau has several marine preserves; the most famous is the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paved paths available; biking around Babeldaob offers scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various viewpoints along the coast of Babeldaob provide stunning ocean vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in natural parks and reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; local post office offers basic parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Koror can assist with basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer English and Palauan language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The library in Ngerulmud has basic resources but is not extensive. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Gatherings are organized at local community centers in Ngerulmud. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options available locally. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Ngerulmud or Palau. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 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. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | In Palau, the corporate tax rate is generally up to 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is traditionally not imposed in Palau. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on income earned within the country primarily. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is approximately 15%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Palau does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) system. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Palau does not have strict CFC rules compared to many countries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Minimal property tax system based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Local transaction fees apply, typically around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Low taxes make it appealing for digital nomads, with minimal bureaucracy. |