Safety in Palau

Crime: levels are extremely low and Palau is considered one of the safest places anywhere. Walking around in the evening is fine, and people frequently leave doors and cars unlocked.
The ocean: the real danger is strong underwater current. However good a swimmer you are, follow the guide's briefing and never dive an unfamiliar site alone.
Sun: equatorial ultraviolet is aggressive and will burn you in twenty minutes through cloud. Use only reef-safe mineral sunscreen, which is what the law here requires.
Crocodiles: saltwater crocodiles live in the mangroves and some of the bays on Babeldaob. Do not swim independently in murky water or in thickly vegetated shoreline away from the established beaches.
The law: importing or using vapes is strictly banned and carries very large fines. Touching coral or taking shells home as souvenirs is equally prohibited and enforced.
Health: medical care is limited to a single hospital in Koror, and serious cases are flown to the Philippines. Comprehensive insurance with evacuation cover is essential, and it is worth checking your own government's travel advisory before you book.

Palau is a small island nation and one of the world's finest diving destinations. Crime against tourists is essentially absent.

Koror. The main town. Street crime is low and nights are calm.

Taxis. Few; agree in advance. Many people hire a car.

Dive operators. The industry is developed and regulated, with serious licensing. Prices vary, but deception is rare.

Fees. Palau charges visitors several fees: an environmental levy on entry, a Rock Islands permit, and separate charges for Jellyfish Lake and Blue Corner. The amounts are substantial, and this is not a scam but an established system for funding conservation. Budget for them.

Cash. The currency is the US dollar. Cards are accepted in hotels and dive centres.

Prices. Everything is imported and expensive.

The Palau Pledge. On entry a stamp is placed in your passport with an undertaking to protect the island's nature, and you must sign it. This is no formality: environmental law here is among the strictest in the world.

Sunscreen. Palau was the first country in the world to ban creams containing oxybenzone and other reef-harming substances. They are confiscated on entry and sales are prohibited. Bring a mineral zinc oxide sunscreen.

Marine sanctuary. A large share of the country's waters is closed to commercial fishing. Collecting coral, shells and turtle products is prohibited. Feeding fish and touching anything underwater is not allowed.

Jellyfish Lake. A lake of non-stinging jellyfish: snorkelling is permitted, scuba is prohibited, and sunscreen is rinsed off before entering. The lake has closed for recovery after drought.

Drones. Permission is required and they are prohibited over the Rock Islands.

Drugs. The law is strict.

War legacy. Unexploded ordnance remains on Peleliu and Angaur. Do not leave the paths.

There is no malaria. Palau is malaria-free.

Dengue. Outbreaks occur.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus.

Water. Treated and broadly safe in Koror, though many people drink bottled.

Diving is the main risk. Blue Corner and German Channel are known for extremely strong currents and are sites for experienced divers with a reef hook. Palau has a hyperbaric chamber, which is critical. Diving must be a named item on your insurance.

The sea. Reefs, stonefish and sea snakes. Swim shoes are needed.

Sun. Equatorial and very harsh.

Healthcare. The hospital in Koror is basic. Anything serious means evacuation to Guam or the Philippines. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Typhoons. Palau lies south of the main belt, but hits occur: Bopha and Haiyan both brushed the islands.

Emergency number is 911.

Palau is among the safest countries in the Pacific.

Police. Few in number and correct. English is official alongside Palauan.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken; cases are rare.

At night. Koror is calm.

Environmental law. The main source of interaction with the authorities: breaches of reserve rules carry serious fines and rangers work attentively.

What actually matters. In Palau the danger comes from currents at the dive sites and the distance to medical care. This is a destination where safety is assured and the discipline required is underwater rather than ashore.

Emergency number is 911.