Money in Palau
Palau uses the US dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- USDUS dollar
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Palau
Uses the US dollar, with cards accepted at hotels and dive operators.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Some small family-run businesses and markets take cash only, and cash is needed for trips to areas with limited banking such as the Rock Islands. Liveaboard tips can only be accepted in cash, per Master Liveaboards.
- ATMs
- Bank of Hawaii and Bank of Guam have branches in Koror, and Nauru Airlines says ATMs are widely available in Koror and other populated areas. Wild Expedition says ATMs are scarce outside Koror.
- Foreign currency
- The official currency is the US dollar, and Wild Expedition says other currencies are not widely accepted.
- Exchanging money
- Banks, some hotels and the airport exchange money, and Nauru Airlines says airport and hotel rates are usually worse than banks. Master Liveaboards says rates are poor and advises changing money before arrival.
- Watch out for
- Wild Expedition reports 3% to 5% card surcharges at some businesses, and Master Liveaboards reports a 3% card surcharge on its vessel. Tell your bank before travel.
Tipping in Palau
Tips are welcome at restaurants and for dive and boat crews.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Master Liveaboards, Nauru Airlines, Wild Expedition, Dive Planit, Palau Escape.
Convert to and from USD
Quick reference
| Amount | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.12 USD | 1.34 USD |
| 10 | 11.20 USD | 13.42 USD |
| 50 | 56.01 USD | 67.09 USD |
| 100 | 112 USD | 134 USD |
| 500 | 560 USD | 671 USD |
What each amount is worth in USD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Palau use?
Palau uses the US dollar (USD).
Do you need to tip in Palau?
Appreciated. Tips are welcome at restaurants and for dive and boat crews.
Can you pay by card in Palau?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Some small family-run businesses and markets take cash only, and cash is needed for trips to areas with limited banking such as the Rock Islands. Liveaboard tips can only be accepted in cash, per Master Liveaboards.
Are there ATMs in Palau?
Bank of Hawaii and Bank of Guam have branches in Koror, and Nauru Airlines says ATMs are widely available in Koror and other populated areas. Wild Expedition says ATMs are scarce outside Koror.