Palau is a small island nation in the western Pacific known for its pristine marine environment, especially the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake, which attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. The official currency is the US dollar, and prices are generally higher than average, reflecting its remote location and reliance on imports. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from May to November, so travelers should plan accordingly.
Palau has limited public transportation, and getting around typically requires renting a car or using taxis, which can be expensive and not always readily available. The main island of Babeldaob has a paved ring road connecting key areas, but infrastructure elsewhere can be sparse. There are no railways, and inter-island travel is usually by small boats or occasional flights, making movement between islands somewhat inconvenient.