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Living in Palau

The Pacific island nation of Palau provides a unique place to call home, with opportunities to experience pristine natural beauty, vibrant coral reefs and a rich cultural heritage. Here are some key things to know about living in Palau.

Why Move to Palau?

There are several reasons one might choose to move to Palau :

  • The number one reason is for work, particularly in tourism, hospitality and conservation related fields. Palau relies heavily on tourism and is actively promoting itself as an eco-tourism destination.
  • For those seeking natural beauty, Palau offers access to the Rock Islands and over 500 species of coral reef fish.
  • Palauan culture is rich in traditions and customs, providing an interesting lifestyle alternative.
  • The Palauan people are known for their welcoming and inclusive spirit which makes integration easier.

Overall, Palau delivers a relaxing island lifestyle amidst stunning natural beauty and a fascinating culture.

Living in Palau: Pros and Cons

Living in Palau has both advantages and disadvantages.

Some pros include the beautiful natural environment with access to pristine beaches, jungles and coral reefs, tropical climate year-round, friendly and family-oriented Palauans, slower pace of life and opportunities for eco and adventure tourism.

However, some cons to consider are linguistic hurdles as Palauan and English are official languages, lack of infrastructure with limited employment prospects beyond tourism, high costs for imported goods, health risks from tropical diseases and occasional natural disasters.

As with anywhere, you must weigh the trade-offs based on your priorities and needs.

The Cost of Living in Palau: A Comprehensive Guide

The cost of living in Palau is considered moderately high due to the country’s reliance on imports and limited economy.

  • Rent for a 2-3 bedroom house ranges from around $800 to $1,500 per month depending on location.
  • Utilities like water, electricity and internet tend to cost around $200 to $500 per month.
  • Groceries and household items are expensive due to the country’s reliance on imports, with staples costing significantly more than in the U.S.
  • Public transit options are limited.
  • International goods face high import duties which significantly increases costs of consumer electronics, vehicles and construction materials.
  • International schools cost around $15,000 to $35,000 per year in tuition.

Overall, a relatively small local economy forces Palau to import much of what residents and expats need to live.

Quality of Life in Palau

Quality of life in Palau is rated high by various indicators, ranking 55th out of 189 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index.

  • For those with sufficient incomes, Palau provides a comfortable lifestyle with access to modern conveniences, services and healthcare.
  • Challenges do remain for lower income Palauans who face issues like unemployment, income inequality and lack of opportunities. However, the tropical climate, island lifestyle and focus on family and community aid quality of life.
  • Safety and security concerns are minimal. Access to stunning natural beauty also enhances daily living. While income disparities exist,
  • Palau’s small size enables resources to be directed towards improving lives and the overall environment remains stable and attractive.

A Beginner’s Guide to Palau Culture

Palauan culture has been shaped primarily by Micronesian and Melanesian influences with some mixing of Western traditions.

  • Most Palauans follow Christianity.
  • The Palauan language dominates though English is spoken due to American influence.
  • Palauan culture places importance on community ties, respect for elders and living in harmony with nature.
  • Traditional greetings involve handshakes, saying “Tarel Nam” (hello) and inquiring about family.
  • Modernity has impacted Palauan culture yet traditions and customs focused on family, spirituality and village life persist, especially in rural areas.
  • Values of inclusiveness, sharing and collectivism continue to define the Palauan concept of wellbeing.
  • The connection to land and sea also remain central to Palauan identity and worldview.
  • A strong sense of hospitality pervades daily life and social interactions.

Best Places to Live in Palau

The main choices for where to live in Palau are :

Koror, the capital and largest city, and the Rock Islands. Koror offers the most opportunities, amenities, shopping and expat community. However, crime and congestion can be issues.

The Rock Islands area provides a more relaxing lifestyle with proximity to pristine beaches and coral reefs, yet there are fewer facilities and job prospects.

Locations inland tend to be more affordable but offer significantly less in terms of opportunities, attractions and conveniences.

Overall, most expats choose Koror initially for work and resources before potentially relocating to the Rock Islands area to more fully experience Palau’s stunning natural beauty and laidback island lifestyle.

Emily Johnson

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