The best diving sites in the world, the unique culture of Micronesia and the incredible beauty of nature – all this is found in abundance in the small state of Palau. This place is the best suited for a perfect vacation – away from the noisy civilization, here you can relax on virgin white beaches, watch the life of marine life, and then dine in a chic restaurant at the hotel. So the most beautiful nature and comfort are combined in Palau just perfectly.
Geography of Palau
According to simplyyellowpages, Palau is a small island nation that includes 328 islands. Their total area is only 458 km². Palau is located north of Indonesia and east of the Philippines, the country lies in the most remote part of Micronesia. Most of the atolls of Palau are located on the tops of ancient extinct volcanoes, located below sea level.
Capital
Ngerulmud
Area
The area of Palau is 458 km. sq., occupies the 180th place in the world by area.
Population
21000
Currency
The state currency is the US dollar (USD).
Language
Official language – English, Palauan
Visa to Palau
It is extremely easy for citizens of the Russian Federation to visit Palau, we do not even need to apply for a visa in advance. Russians will put it in their passport right at the local airport upon arrival. To obtain a tourist visa on arrival for up to 30 days, Russians must have a foreign passport valid for at least six months, return tickets or tickets to a third country, as well as proof of financial solvency in the amount of USD 200 per person per week. The visa fee will be $50. If desired, you can further extend your visa at the Immigration Service for $100. Long-term visas to Palau are issued in advance at the US Consulate.
Weather in Palau
The climate in Palau is traditional tropical, practically unchanged throughout the year, which allows you to visit the country at any time that suits you. The average annual temperature here is a comfortable 29°C during the day and 25.5°C at night. The water temperature remains at 26°C throughout the year. Since the state is completely surrounded by the ocean, high humidity prevails here, averaging 77%. Palau does not have a rainy or dry season, rainfall occurs intermittently throughout the year, but still most often it rains from July to October, and the driest month is March. To the delight of local residents and tourists, Palau is located outside the typhoon zone, so the element does not threaten this state. Only small storms can occur from June to December.
Currency exchange in Palau
The American dollar ($) is the official currency of Palau. You can exchange currency in bank branches, which are in most major settlements in Palau. The working hours of banks are different, but in general they operate from Monday to Friday until 17-18 hours, on Saturday – partially and only until lunchtime, Sunday – an official day off. On the largest and most developed islands, such as Koror and Babeldaob, cashing a credit card or a traveler’s check will not cause difficulties, ATMs are ubiquitous, but it is better to travel to other regions of the country with cash. You can also pay by credit card at the restaurant or hotel in Koror and Babeldaoba.
Electricity
Mains voltage 115/230V, 60Hz. Sockets are used in two types: American type A with two flat vertical pins and type B, which added a round ground pin.
Religion
According to the latest census in 2005, the main religion in Palau is Catholicism. 49.4% of local residents consider themselves Catholics, 23.2% Protestants, 5.3% Seventh-day Adventists, 8.7% of the population adhere to the local religion Modekngei. Adherents of other religious movements and sects are present in the country, but their numbers are extremely small.
Security
Palau is a country that is almost 100% safe for foreign tourists, local authorities strictly monitor compliance with laws regarding foreigners, since tourism is the main industry of the country’s development. Occasionally, property thefts occur in Palau, but even in this case, criminals and stolen property are quickly detected. Despite this, try, as in any other country, to observe simple precautions: do not carry all valuables, documents and large sums of money with you, but leave them in the hotel safe.
Health
It is recommended (but not required) to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and dengue fever before traveling to Palau. It is safer to use bottled water for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables. Health care in Palau is average, and treatment can cost a decent amount, so it is recommended to take out medical insurance in advance of your trip. If you are constantly taking any special medications, stock up on them for the entire duration of the trip.
