Palau — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
Traditional Palauan society was a complex matriarchal system. The people are now amongst the most enterprising in the region, though a version of traditional beliefs, Modekngei, exists alongside the imported Christian beliefs. The political system is modeled on that of the USA, and Western culture is being assimilated – not least because of the many Palauans who continue their education abroad.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
Continental Airlines (CO) (website: www.continental.com) operates from Guam.
Departure Tax
US$20.
Main Airports
Koror Babeldaob (ROR) on Babeldaob Island, which is near Koror Island, is situated 19km (12 miles) northeast of Airai. To/from the airport: Buses and taxis are available to Airai and Koror (journey time - approximately 30 minutes).
Getting There By Water
International cruise lines seldom call at Palau ports. Visitors who sail privately to Palau will find Naval Oceanographic charts to be most useful. US Naval Chart HO 5500 covers the entire region of Micronesia. Unscheduled inter-island boat services are available to Babeldaob and Kayangel. Anguar and Peleliu have scheduled boat services.
Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Republic of Palau without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 454g of cigars or tobacco.
• one bottle of liquor (over 21 years of age only).
Prohibited Imports
Narcotics and firearms.
Prohibited Exports
Shells and natural artifacts.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the right. The road network is extended beyond Koror to Babeldaob Island with many coral and dirt roads connecting to other states. A 4-wheel drive car is recommended if you wish to see Babeldaob. Cars can be hired from the airport.
Regulations: The speed limit is 40kph (25mph).
Taxi: There are many taxis in Koror offering comfortable travel. They are not metered and fares are fixed.
