Is Palau cashless?
Cash preferred#113 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #4 of 14 in Oceania
Short answer: Plan to use cash every day. Cards are mainly for hotels and bigger businesses.
Resorts and dive operators take cards. Small shops and the environmental fee may need cash.
Will my card work?
Only in some places. Expect cards to work at larger hotels and a few big businesses in Palau, and little else.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Palau.
Local currency: US dollar (USD)
How does tipping work?
10-15% in restaurants and for dive guides.
Mobile payments
No widely used mobile wallets for visitors. Stick to cards where accepted, and cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palau cashless?
Palau scores 36/100 on Cashlessy (cash preferred), ranking #113 of 197 countries. Resorts and dive operators take cards. Small shops and the environmental fee may need cash.
Do I need cash in Palau?
Yes. Cards work in some places, but you will need cash most days in Palau.
Are credit cards accepted in Palau?
Only in some places. Expect cards to work at larger hotels and a few big businesses in Palau, and little else.
Do you tip in Palau?
10-15% in restaurants and for dive guides.
Compare with Oceania
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.