Palau operates on GMT +9, which is equivalent to Tokyo time.

Palau utilizes the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. You can conveniently access US dollars through ATMs from Bank of Hawaii, Bank of Guam, and the Bank of the Pacific, all of which are FDIC-insured U.S. banks. Make sure your card is compatible by verifying logos on the card's front and back (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro) and matching them with the logos on the ATM. In Palau, major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and the airport. However, it's prudent to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to prevent potential card blockage due to fraud concerns. While credit cards are widespread, carrying some cash for small purchases or local markets is advisable, especially if you plan to explore beyond the resorts. Please be aware that American Express cards are not accepted in Palau.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, online payments are much less common in Palau than the rest of the world.

American Express credit cards are NOT accepted in Palau.

Palau experiences its peak tourist season from December to April.

Palauans primarily speak Palauan and English, making communication as a tourist a breeze..

In Palau, you'll find that most major hotels offer international sockets or have adaptors available on-site to accommodate various electric plug types, some even feature USB chargers. The voltage in Palau is 110V.

If your mobile phone network is compatible with Palau, you'll experience the strongest mobile signals in Koror, the central hub of Palau, where most hotels and tour operators are based. However, once you venture into the Rock Islands or more remote areas, mobile phone signals may weaken or become unavailable. Additionally, as you sail into distant or open sea regions, access to mobile networks may be limited or non-existent. To stay connected during your stay in Palau, you might consider obtaining a SIM card from providers like PNCC or PalauCel, available for approximately $15.

In the spirit of gratitude and respect for exceptional service, you might be wondering about tipping during your Palauan adventure. While it's not mandatory, tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. When considering gratuities, a range of 10-15% of your bill is generally a thoughtful gesture. In larger establishments, you'll find it convenient to add a tip to your credit card bill. However, always keep some spare change on hand to show your appreciation for guides and service staff. Your generosity is a delightful way to express your satisfaction with the exceptional experiences you'll enjoy in Palau.

In Palau, drone enthusiasts can embrace the beauty of aerial photography and exploration while adhering to regulations that ensure safety and respect for the local environment. To fly a drone in Palau, aspiring pilots must be at least 18 years old and complete a simple registration form available at https://pristineparadisepalau.com/drone-registration/.

This form includes essential guidelines, such as flying below 400 feet, maintaining visual line of sight, and being mindful of Palau's airspace requirements. Drones should never hover directly over people, stadiums, sports events, or emergency response efforts, like fires. Respecting the airspace near airports and refraining from operating a drone under the influence are also integral parts of these regulations. By embracing these guidelines, drone enthusiasts can capture the pristine landscapes of Palau while preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.

A 30-day Tourist Visa is granted upon arrival in Palau and can be extended within 7 days prior to its expiration, for a US$50.00 fee, with the Chief of Immigration's approval. A maximum stay of 90 days is allowed, consisting of the initial 30-day period, plus two extensions for US$50.00 each. Visitors must leave the country after this period. Citizens of the United States of America, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands holding valid passports are granted a 1-year Visa upon arrival. However, citizens of Myanmar and Bangladesh need a pre-approved visa. Please note that visa requirements can change, so it's wise to verify the latest information with Palau's Bureau of Immigration at (680) 488 2498 or (680) 488 2678 on weekdays from 7:30 am–4:30 pm or email inquiries to [email protected].

As of 25 April 2023, visitors are no longer required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended departure date from Palau. Ensure your passport is in good condition and has at least 3 blank pages. Travelers should verify with their respective embassies whether a visa is needed prior to departing from their home country.

Prior or upon entry to Palau, you must submit an entry form. The Palau Entry Form must be submitted within 72 hours or less prior to your arrival time in the Republic of Palau. Your responses must be in English, and only ONE form is required per family or single traveler.

Upon booking (or 14 days before your arrival if booked within that timeframe), you'll receive detailed instructions for your check-in day. Standard check-in time at your hotel is 3:00 PM (local time). If your arrival in Palau is earlier, early check-in can be arranged based on availability. A dedicated Soultrips Concierge will personally welcome you at Palau airport and accompany you to your hotel. If you arrive at the airport on the check-in day, a Soultrips representative will be waiting for you at the main exit after baggage collection. If your accommodation was booked through us, your airport transfer should already be arranged. For independent bookings, please coordinate airport transfers with your hotel.

On your departure day, you will be transported to the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight's departure time. Your departure logistics will be taken care of to ensure a seamless conclusion to your Palau experience.

• Passport
• Identity Card
• Driving License
• Booking confirmations for flights, hotels, transfers, and tours (especially if not booked with Soultrips)
• Travel insurance confirmation with an emergency contact number
• Your own emergency contact number and email
• Spare copies of all of the above

• Personal medication
• Ear drops
• Reef-friendly sunscreen
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Phone and camera chargers
• Batteries (especially uncommon sizes)
• Memory sticks or SD cards
• Cash for tips and additional expenses (in USD)

• Dive certification cards, including Nitrox certification (if applicable)
• Dive log books
• Dive insurance card or confirmation slip
• Medical clearance from your physician (if required, particularly for dive courses)
• Dive Gear: BCD, regulator, fins/booties, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, hood, reef hook, safety marker buoy (SMB), dive light, dive computer, and spare batteries or charger for dive light and computer (as they may not be available in Palau).

*Please note that dive computers and SMBs are mandatory for all divers in Palau.

At Soultrips, your well-being is our top priority. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, kindly inform us when making your reservation. We'll relay your requests to our partners, who are more than happy to accommodate whenever feasible. It's essential to understand that Palau's remote island setting may limit the availability of certain foods and ingredients. If you have stringent dietary requirements or require a particular ingredient, we suggest bringing it with you at your own expense to ensure your dietary preferences are met. Your satisfaction is our commitment.

In Palau, medical facilities and the standard of medical care are generally good and meet the needs of travelers. The Belau National Hospital, located in Koror, serves as the main healthcare facility in Palau and is equipped to handle a range of medical situations. The hospital offers various departments, including emergency care, surgery, radiology, and laboratory services. Additionally, there are private clinics and medical practitioners in Palau that provide healthcare services to both locals and visitors.

For divers, it's reassuring to know that there is a decompression chamber available in Palau, which is essential for treating decompression sickness (the bends). The presence of a decompression chamber enhances the safety of diving in Palau's waters.
However, it's important to note that Palau is a remote island nation, and while medical facilities are generally adequate for routine care, including dive-related medical issues, they may not be as advanced as those in larger, more developed countries. In the event of a serious or specialized medical emergency, patients may need to be evacuated to nearby countries with more advanced healthcare systems.

As part of responsible travel planning, we recommend that visitors ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including dive-related incidents. It's also advisable to carry any necessary prescription medications with you and have a basic understanding of the local healthcare facilities and services before your trip. This can help ensure a safe and worry-free experience while exploring the beautiful islands of Palau, especially for divers who are aware of the available resources for their specific needs.

At Palau, diving opportunities cater to a wide range of experience levels, from beginners to seasoned divers. Our packages at Soultrips are designed to ensure a customized diving experience. We'll request information about your highest dive certifications, experience, and dive logs to tailor your dives in Palau accordingly.

Palau's underwater wonders are famous for their vibrant marine life and unique diving conditions, such as encountering large aggregations of Bumphead Parrotfish and other fascinating species. During these thrilling dives, strong and shifting currents may be encountered. For the safety and enjoyment of divers, we highly recommend that participants hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, have been actively diving within the last two years, and possess a minimum of 50 logged dives.

If your qualifications fall short of these recommendations, don't worry; we've got options for you:

1. We can arrange a private dive guide for you with advance notice of at least one month before your departure. Please note that this service comes at an additional cost and is subject to availability.
2. You can achieve your Advanced Open Water Diver certification in Palau or with a dive school in your locality.
3. To prepare for your Palau diving adventure, you can choose to complete more dives closer to your departure date.

Enriched Air Nitrox is available with our dive partners and is complimentary for certified Nitrox divers. If you're not yet Nitrox-certified, the course can be conveniently arranged during your trip.

Our dive partners offer 15-liter tanks, which can be pre-booked or availed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that these tanks come with an additional charge.

All our dive partners’ tanks come with universal valves that fit both DIN and Yoke regulators, ensuring flexibility and ease of use for our divers

• Dive certification cards, including Nitrox certification (if applicable)
• Dive log books
• Dive insurance card or confirmation slip
• Medical clearance from your physician (if required, particularly for dive courses)
• Dive Gear: BCD, regulator, fins/booties, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, hood, reef hook, safety marker buoy (SMB), dive light, dive computer, and spare batteries or charger for dive light and computer (as they may not be available in Palau).

*Please note that dive computers and SMBs are mandatory for all divers in Palau.

Medical Facilities for Diving Emergencies

For divers, it's reassuring to know that there is a decompression chamber available in Palau, which is essential for treating decompression sickness (the bends). The presence of a decompression chamber enhances the safety of diving in Palau's waters.

However, it's important to note that Palau is a remote island nation, and while medical facilities are generally adequate for routine care, including dive-related medical issues, they may not be as advanced as those in larger, more developed countries. In the event of a serious or specialized medical emergency, patients may need to be evacuated to nearby countries with more advanced healthcare systems.

As part of responsible travel planning, we recommend that divers have comprehensive travel AND dive insurance such as from Divers Alert Network (DAN) that covers medical emergencies and dive-related incidents. It's also advisable to carry any necessary prescription medications with you and have a basic understanding of the local healthcare facilities and services before your trip. This can help ensure a safe and worry-free experience while exploring the beautiful islands of Palau

Certainly! We offer group discounts based on the total group size. For more information, please reach out to our Bookings & Reservations Team at [email protected].