Palau, an island nation in Micronesia, is world-renowned for its spectacular marine life, pristine lagoons, and eco-conscious tourism. Whether you’re diving in Jellyfish Lake, exploring Babeldaob’s waterfalls, or relaxing in Koror, managing your money is key. The U.S. dollar is the official currency, and while cards are accepted in some hotels and dive shops, cash is still widely used – especially in local restaurants, markets, and remote areas. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Palau, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared trip.
Where to find ATMs in Palau?
In Palau, most ATMs are located in Koror, the main commercial and tourism hub. You’ll find them at the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) building, near the main post office, and outside banks such as the Bank of Guam and the Bank of Hawaii. All ATMs dispense U.S. dollars (USD), and most accept Visa and Mastercard.
Tourist Spots:
Hotels, dive centers, and tour agencies in Koror often have ATMs nearby, or at least offer card payment options. However, once you leave the town center for water excursions or eco-resorts, ATM access is nonexistent. Always bring enough cash for day tours, local meals, and tipping guides.
Rural Areas / Outer States:
Outside of Koror, including Babeldaob and the Rock Islands, ATM access is extremely limited or absent. Rural shops and villages often do not accept cards. Visitors should withdraw sufficient cash in Koror before exploring outer regions or going island-hopping.
Best ATMs to use in Palau for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Palau are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank of Guam and
- Bank of Hawaii.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Palau, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in USD).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in USD’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Palau?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Palau. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP, Maestro cards. Others like JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Palau are limited and mostly located in Koror, the main urban area. They typically operate 24/7, though machine outages and low cash levels are not uncommon, especially on weekends or holidays.
What are ATMs called in Palau?
Signage usually includes the word “ATM” alongside the bank name.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs operate primarily in English, Palau’s official language. Interfaces are straightforward and require no translation tools for international visitors.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Palau?
ATMs in Palau issue only U.S. dollars (USD), the country’s legal currency. There are no options for withdrawing other foreign currencies at ATMs here.
ATM withdrawal limits in Palau?
ATMs in Palau have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of USD 1,000 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day.
ATM Fees in Palau
There are no fee-free ATMs in Palau. Majority of the bank ATMs in Palau charge USD 5 to USD 5.2 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Palau. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Palau
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Palau?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Palau. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Palau. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Palau is considered very safe for both locals and tourists, with minimal crime reported. However, the number of ATMs is limited, mostly concentrated in Koror, the country’s main urban center. ATMs are typically found inside or near banks and major hotels, offering a secure environment for cash withdrawals. It’s still wise to avoid withdrawing large sums or using machines late at night. Shield your PIN, don’t accept unsolicited help, and monitor your transactions to ensure peace of mind throughout your visit.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Palau takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Palau?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Palau. Majority of the bank ATMs in Palau charge USD 5 to USD 5.2 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Palau?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Palau and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Palau. While some operators like Coinhub indicate future plans, no physical crypto machines have yet been confirmed in Koror or elsewhere.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Palau
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Palau.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not offer ATMs for general public use in Palau.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs here.
