Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Palau or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
Palau is incredibly safe, but you can’t count on ATM uptime after 8 PM. I had to wait until morning when the bank reopened. Is it safe to use an ATM at night in Palau? Yes, but availability is the real concern. Always have backup cash - especially if traveling to smaller islands like Peleliu.
Koror felt very secure overall. I used an ATM at a hotel lobby around 10 PM with no problems. Still, most places close early, and public lighting is sparse. For peace of mind, use hotel ATMs or airport machines before heading to the outer islands.
ATM access in Palau isn’t dangerous - it’s just very limited. I tried to withdraw late at night and the machine was out of service. Locals said outages are common. Travel banking tips for Palau: withdraw at major banks during daylight and carry USD in small denominations.
I stayed in Koror and used a Bank of Guam ATM near the tourist area around 9 PM - it was well-lit and safe, though the street was mostly empty. Palau is peaceful and low-crime, but finding a working ATM after dark in Palau can be hit or miss. Best to get cash earlier in the day.