Nauru is the world's smallest island nation and one of the least visited countries on Earth. This remote Pacific paradise offers pristine beaches, fascinating WWII history, unique phosphate mining landscapes, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Nauruan Commemorative Stamps
Nauru is world-renowned among philatelists for its beautifully designed postage stamps featuring Pacific wildlife, history, and culture. The Nauru Post Office issues limited-edition commemorative sets that are highly collectible and make unique lightweight souvenirs.
Price: $5-50 AUD
Where: Nauru Post Office, Yaren District
Woven Pandanus Baskets
Traditional Nauruan woven baskets made from pandanus leaves using techniques passed down through generations. Available in various sizes and patterns, these handcrafted items represent authentic Nauruan cultural heritage and make practical, beautiful souvenirs.
Price: $15-40 AUD
Where: Local markets and craft sellers near Aiwo
Pacific Shell Necklaces and Bracelets
Handcrafted jewelry made from local Pacific shells, often combined with seeds and natural materials. Local women craft these pieces using shells collected from Nauru's beaches, making them a genuinely local product.
Price: $10-30 AUD
Where: Weekend market stalls, Meneng morning market
Phosphate Rock Specimens
Small polished or raw phosphate rock specimens from Nauru's famous mining landscape. These geological curiosities are unique to Nauru and represent the island's defining economic history. Available in various sizes as pocket-sized keepsakes.
Price: $5-15 AUD
Where: Airport duty-free shop, local souvenir stalls
Coconut Shell Bowls and Decorations
Hand-polished coconut shell bowls, cups, and decorative carvings made by local artisans. These versatile pieces range from simple halved coconut shells to intricately carved decorative items depicting Pacific motifs.
Price: $8-25 AUD
Where: Capelle & Partner store, Aiwo District
Traditional Woven Fans and Mats
Hand-woven palm frond fans and small mats are functional traditional crafts made by Nauruan women. These items have both practical uses in the tropical heat and serve as authentic cultural souvenirs representing traditional Pacific island weaving.
Price: $10-35 AUD
Where: Local craft sellers, Meneng morning market
Nauru Island T-Shirts and Caps
Locally printed T-shirts and caps featuring Nauruan flags, maps, and the world's smallest republic motif. Printed at the few local print shops, these make popular and affordable souvenirs marking your visit to one of the world's most remote nations.
Price: $20-35 AUD
Where: Capelle & Partner store, Menen Hotel gift corner
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Weekend Fish Market at Anibare
Nauru's most authentic market experience where local fishermen sell ultra-fresh catches from the night's haul. Tuna, barracuda, wahoo, and reef fish are sold whole or filleted. Sometimes vendors grill fish on-site over charcoal. The most genuine local food shopping experience on the island.
Where: Near Anibare Harbour, Anibare District
Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meneng Morning Market Stalls
A loose cluster of informal stalls along the ring road in Meneng selling fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked foods. Local women set up early with papaya, bananas, coconuts, and prepared rice dishes. Best visited on weekday mornings for the freshest selection and authentic local atmosphere.
Where: Meneng District, Ring Road
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Aiwo Community Market
The largest informal market gathering in Nauru, drawing vendors from across the island's 14 districts. Local crafts, fresh produce, cooked foods, household goods, and secondhand items are traded here. Best day to find handmade crafts and interact with local vendors in a community setting.
Where: Main Road, Aiwo District
Hours: Friday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Aiwo District Commercial Strip
The closest thing Nauru has to a commercial high street, stretching along the ring road through Aiwo. This area hosts the island's main stores including Capelle & Partner, small shops, and the Od-N-Aiwo Hotel. Most practical shopping on the island is done here.
Best for: Groceries, supplies, hardware, general goods
Yaren Government District
The Yaren district around Parliament House and the airport has a few shops, the post office (for stamps), and the airport duty-free area. Convenient for last-minute purchases before departure and philatelic souvenirs from the post office.
Best for: Postage stamps, airport duty-free, government publications
Menen Hotel Area
The Menen Hotel in Meneng District has a convenience store, gift corner, and the most reliable supply of imported goods on the island. Prices are higher than local shops but the selection of essentials, snacks, and small souvenirs is the most consistent on Nauru.
Best for: Souvenirs, imported snacks, toiletries, beverages
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Capelle & Partner
Nauru's largest retail store and the closest thing to a department store on the island. Stocks groceries, hardware, electronics, clothing, household goods, and some local crafts. The café inside serves sandwiches and light meals. Essential stop for any practical shopping needs.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Menen Hotel Convenience Store
Well-stocked convenience store within Menen Hotel carrying imported groceries, toiletries, beverages, basic clothing, snacks, and a small selection of souvenirs. Open longer hours than most island stores and the most reliable option for basic supplies in the evenings.
Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices are standard in all shops and stores - bargaining is not a local custom in Nauru
At informal weekend markets and craft stalls, gentle negotiation may be accepted if buying multiple items
Most vendors quote fair prices and will not dramatically overcharge tourists
Building rapport with vendors through friendly conversation may result in small discounts on craft items
Cash is always preferable and may result in flexibility at small stalls
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Do not attempt to export phosphate rock in large quantities - commercial quantities require permits. Cultural artifacts and shells of protected species cannot be exported. Standard biosecurity applies - no fresh fruits, vegetables, or plants without declaration.
Tax Refund: No GST or VAT refund scheme operates in Nauru. Prices are fixed and taxes are not itemized separately.
Duty Free: The airport has a small duty-free shop with alcohol, tobacco, and limited luxury goods for departing passengers. Allowances follow Air Nauru guidelines.
Shipping: International shipping from Nauru is limited and expensive. The main post office in Yaren offers registered mail services. DHL and FedEx do not have Nauru offices - shipping large items is extremely difficult.