Destinations / Palau
Driving in Palau as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Palau drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Palau expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 25 mph (40 km/h) national cap |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 21. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in USD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Low speed limits across the islands. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Palau
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at a handful of attended (full-service) stations in Koror; pumps are calibrated in US gallons and prices are in US dollars (Palau uses the USD), typically among the higher Pacific prices due to import costs. Major cards are accepted at main stations but carry cash for outer areas.
After a crash
Dial 911 for police and ambulance (Koror police: 680-488-2423); do not move vehicles after an injury crash and wait for officers, as a police report is needed for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: travel.state.gov · smartraveller.gov.au · ireland.ie · islandtimes.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Palau?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Palau drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Which translation format is used for Palau?
Palau uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Palau ask for a translation?
Koror desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Palau?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.