Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Palauan Storyboard
Hand-carved wooden panels depicting traditional Palauan legends and sea life. Palau's most iconic souvenir, made by local artisans in Koror.
Price: $30-500
Where: Koror Public Market, NECO Marine gift shop
Money Bead Jewelry
Replicas of traditional Palauan money beads (udoud) fashioned into necklaces and bracelets. These patterned glass beads hold deep cultural significance.
Price: $15-80
Where: Belau National Museum gift shop, Koror souvenir shops
Palauan Fabric Tote Bags
Colorful bags featuring traditional Palauan patterns of sea turtles, jellyfish, and Rock Islands. Lightweight and practical for travelers.
Price: $10-25
Where: Surangel and Sons department store, Koror market
Local Marine Paintings
Watercolor and acrylic paintings by Palauan artists depicting underwater scenes, Rock Islands, and marine life. Unique artworks to take home.
Price: $40-300
Where: Belau National Museum, local galleries in Koror
Woven Pandanus Baskets
Handwoven baskets made from dried pandanus leaves in traditional patterns. Women in villages craft these during community gatherings.
Price: $20-60
Where: Koror Public Market, village cooperatives on Babeldaob
Coconut Products
Locally produced coconut oil, coconut candy, and coconut shell crafts. Pure Palauan coconut oil is used in traditional healing and beauty routines.
Price: $8-30
Where: Surangel and Sons, Koror market stalls
Palau Pledge T-shirts
Branded shirts celebrating Palau's famous environmental pledge. The pledge symbol is embroidered on quality cotton shirts in various colors.
Price: $20-40
Where: Resort gift shops, airport duty-free, Koror souvenir stores
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Koror Public Market
The main market in Palau's capital where local vendors sell fresh tropical produce, fish, flowers, and traditional foods. Best visited early morning when vendors arrive with the day's freshest goods and the atmosphere is most lively.
Where: Main Street, Koror
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Sunday 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WCTC Shopping Center
The largest commercial shopping complex in Palau, selling groceries, electronics, clothing, and household goods. A department store style layout makes this the one-stop shop for both locals and visitors restocking supplies.
Where: Koror, near downtown
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Surangel and Sons Department Store
Palau's most established retail store selling everything from fresh food and alcohol to clothing, souvenirs, and diving supplies. The ground floor grocery section stocks local and imported products for self-catering visitors.
Where: Downtown Koror, Main Street
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Downtown Koror Main Street
The commercial heart of Palau with a concentration of souvenir shops, restaurants, dive shops, and service businesses along a few walkable blocks. Most visitors do the majority of their shopping within this compact area.
Best for: souvenirs, dive gear, daily necessities
Malakal Island Dive District
Cluster of dive operators and marine equipment shops around Malakal Island. Several dive shops stock high-quality underwater cameras, masks, fins, and dive computers at competitive prices.
Best for: dive equipment, underwater cameras, marine gear
Koror Hotel Strip
Palau Pacific Resort, Palau Royal Resort, and West Plaza by the Sea each have gift shops with premium Palauan crafts, branded clothing, and locally produced products. Prices are higher but quality is consistently good.
Best for: premium souvenirs, branded Palau clothing, luxury items
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Surangel and Sons
Palau's most established retail chain with multiple departments selling groceries, hardware, clothing, electronics, and a well-stocked souvenir section on the ground floor.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices are standard in all shops and markets in Palau - bargaining is not customary
Ask dive operators about package deals combining accommodation, diving, and equipment rental for significant savings
Storyboard prices vary widely based on size and artist reputation - compare at multiple shops before buying
Resort gift shops charge premiums of 30-50% over market prices for identical items
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Do not export sea turtle products, black coral, or protected marine specimens - airport customs strictly enforces this with heavy fines
Tax Refund: No VAT refund system in Palau - all prices are final at point of sale
Duty Free: Palau airport duty-free store sells alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics at reduced prices on departure; limits apply per destination country
Shipping: DHL and FedEx offer international shipping from Koror; large storyboards can be shipped safely with proper packaging arranged by most vendors