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Region: Asia & Oceania
Full Name: Republic of Palau
Capital City: Melekeok
Language Spoken: Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese 1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)
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7 30 N, 134 30 E
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m
0 km
typhoons (June to December)
forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals
arable land: 8.7% permanent crops: 4.35% other: 86.95% (2005)
inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing
Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual average temperature of 27°C (82°F). The heaviest rainfall takes place between July and October but typhoons are rare. Required clothing Lightweight cottons and linens, with light rainwear advisable all year round.
time difference: UTC+9
20,579 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 26.3% (male 2,789/female 2,622) 15-64 years: 69.1% (male 7,664/female 6,549) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 453/female 502) (2006 est.)
total: 31.7 years male: 32.7 years female: 30.7 years (2006 est.)
1.31% (2006 est.)
18.03 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
6.8 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
1.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 70.42 years male: 67.26 years female: 73.77 years (2006 est.)
2.46 children born/woman (2006 est.)
While business meetings are generally informal, many of Palau's business leaders are trained abroad, particularly in the United States and have adopted many western business practices. English is the principal business language.
The crime rate within the local community in the Republic of Palau is moderate and perhaps disproportionate to its small population. Tourists are not usually not affected but foreign residents can be the target of petty and sometimes violent crimes, as well as other random acts against person and property. Credible complaints by foreign residents persist that crimes against non-Palauans are not pursued or prosecuted by authorities with the same vigor as crimes against Palauan nationals. Crime and violence in Palau are often related to drug and alcohol abuse so bars and nightspots are best visited with caution. A common motive for theft is drug money. Within the past three years there has been one brutal murder, several sexual and physical assaults all involving expatriates. Visitors are advised to avoid local bars and to avoid any confrontation with a person who appears to be intoxicated. Expatriates should make sure their homes are well lit and windows and doors are securely locked. All valuables should be properly secured in a safe. Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau; the penalty for possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to fifteen years imprisonment
There are a wide variety of accommodations on Palau and the outlying islands ranging from first-class luxury resorts with most services, to the mid-price range bungalows and motels. While most resorts are located in Koror, there is quieter and more secluded accommodation available on the southern islands
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 680 and the outgoing international code is 011. Some hotels have fax facilities. Telex and telegram services are available in Koror. The post office located in Koror. Opening hours are 0730-1600.
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Many restaurants offer an eclectic mix of cuisine. Fresh local seafood is the highlight of many menus and there are many exotic local dishes in addition to the ubiquitous pizza or traditional American, Chinese or Japanese fare.
Tipping:
Optional.
Nightlife
There are several open-air cocktail lounges, some offering live entertainment or karaoke.
* Please see passport section below # Please see visa section below
1. Passports valid for at least 30 days beyond intended period of stay required by all except US nationals holding proof of citizenship accompanied by any other photo ID document.
Required by all except:
(a) 2. nationals of Marshall Islands, Micronesia and the USA for up to one year;
(b)3. all other nationals for stays of up to 30 days; Entry Permits are issued on arrival. For longer stays, permission must be granted from the Chief of Immigration.
Entry Permit: US$50. Extension is possible for two times 30 days if application is made no less than seven days beyond expiration of visa. Extension: US$100.
Various.
Chief of Immigration, Bureau of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, PO Box 100, Koror 96940.
All nationals staying longer than six months must register with the Chief of Immigration within 30 days after arrival.
(a) Valid passport. (b) Vaccination certificates from those arriving from infected areas; see the Health section for details. (c) Proof of adequate funds (US$200 per week). (d) Return or onward tickets. A bond signed by the chief of Immigration prior to arrival can be accepted instead of return/onward tickets. (e) All visitors must sign a declaration stating that they are HIV-negative. (f) Fee.
These application requirements do not apply to government officials, students and nationals of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and the USA.
Postal applications are dealt with on receipt but visas are usually issued on arrival to those who are eligible.
Apply to Division of Immigration (address above).
Test required for anyone staying longer than 6 months
US$20.
Bankfoot Square, Bankfoot Street, Batley, WF17 5LH
Website: https://palauconsulate.org.uk/
PO Box 256, Koror, Palau 96940, Palau
Tel: 488 2793/1930.
Website: www.visit-palau.com
1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 400, NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Tel: (202) 452 6814.
Most visits to Palau are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/palau
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Palau.html
Vaccination certificates for yellow fever, cholera and smallpox are required from all travelers arriving from infected areas. Hepatitis B is endemic. Hepatitis A, typhoid fever and dengue fever can occur.
The US Dollar is in use.
There are no limits on the import and export of local or foreign currency, but amounts of more than US$5000 must be declared.
Mon-Thur 1000-1500; Fri 1000-1800; Sat 0900-1200.
Most major credit cards are accepted at major visitor-orientated businesses.
Exchanged at the larger hotels and businesses.
City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
---|---|---|
Aimeliik | 544 | + 4 digits |
Airai | 587 | + 4 digits |
Angaur | 277 | + 4 digits |
Kayangel | 876 | + 4 digits |
Koror | 488 | + 4 digits |
Melekeok | 654 | + 4 digits |
Ngaraard | 824 | + 4 digits |
Ngarchelong | 855 | + 4 digits |
Ngardmau | 747 | + 4 digits |
Ngatpang | 535 | + 4 digits |
Ngchesar | 622 | + 4 digits |
Ngeremlengui | 733 | + 4 digits |
Ngiwal | 679 | + 4 digits |
Peleliu | 345 | + 4 digits |
Sonsorol | 255 | + 4 digits |
There is little dental care available in Palau
Generally the quality of medication cannot be guaranteed in Palau, as heat damaged and out of date supplies may be stocked
Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
Hazards to bathers include corals and jellyfish, poisonous fish, and sea snakes.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne illness: Dengue fever - occurs Dengue hemorrhagic fever - occurs Filariasis - prevalent Food-borne and water-borne illness: diseases such as the diarrheal diseases, the typhoid fevers and helminthic infections are common. Hepatitis occurs. Biointoxication may occur from raw or cooked fish and shellfish. Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends throughout the year.
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. A certificate is also required from travelers arriving from countries in the endemic zones.
No recent disease outbreaks
N/A