Packing list for Palau, travel insurance for Palau, and taking your belongings

What to bring to Palau: highlights

To check and pack:

• Documents: a passport valid for at least another 6 months, a return or onward ticket, and possibly proof of accommodation. Many travelers are entitled to a visa-free stay of up to 30 days, but always check the current rules for your nationality.
• Money: the US dollar (USD) is the official currency. You can often withdraw cash and pay by card on Koror, but cash remains handy in remote locations.
• Personal care: sunscreen with a high SPF. Note: Palau has strict rules regarding reef-friendly sunscreen. Ingredients harmful to coral reefs are prohibited. So, check what you bring.
• Outdoors and Handy Items: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a dry bag, and a snorkel set. There is a chance you will spend more time underwater than on the beach.
• Clothing: light clothing for warm weather, a thin rain jacket for tropical showers, and something with long sleeves for the evenings. Shoes: Water shoes are useful due to coral, rocky beaches, and kayak trips.
• Medicines and first-aid kit: a small first-aid kit with ORS, plasters, painkillers, and any personal medication.
• Mosquitoes and sandflies: bringing DEET or Picaridin is wise, even though products are available on the larger islands.
• Technology and equipment: universal adapter type A/B (American plugs).

To consider:

• A rash guard or UV-protective swim top for snorkeling and diving days.
• An underwater camera or waterproof phone case.
• A dive logbook, when you dive.
• Binoculars for bird watching on the Rock Islands.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Palau?

• Knowledge regarding sun protection, heat, and dehydration symptoms is always useful.
• Additionally, it helps to know something about nature conservation. Palau is known worldwide for its protection of marine life and coral reefs. As a visitor, you are expected to treat this with care.
• Also handy to know: many activities revolve around snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and boat trips, where a little knowledge of sea safety and currents comes in handy.

Are there mosquitoes in Palau?

• Yes, especially during wet periods and around mangroves and stagnant water are mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes can transmit dengue. Malaria does not occur.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Palau?

• Yes, especially around mangrove areas, beaches, and quiet bays are sandflies.
• They are small enough to barely notice and annoying enough not to forget.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET in Palau, or other mosquito repellents?

• On Koror and other tourist locations, mosquito repellents are usually available.
• If you plan on doing a lot of island hopping or visiting remote areas, it is useful to bring enough with you. That might also save you a few hours of searching.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Palau, or bring it to Palau?

• Cannabis is illegal in Palau.
• Use, possession, sale, and importation can lead to fines and imprisonment.