Palau
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 17.7 thousand people live in Palau, on 466 km². The capital is Ngerulmud.
- Capital
- Ngerulmud
- Population
- 17,663
- Area
- 466 km²
- Official languages
- English and Palauan
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Palau?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 120 V and 60 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in Palau?
Call 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in Palau?
10–15 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Palau?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Palau?
Prices are in US Dollar (USD).
What language do they speak in Palau?
Official languages: English and Palauan.
How do I call a number in Palau from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +680.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
