Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Traveling to a remote archipelago in the heart of the Pacific no longer necessarily means disappearing from the map. In Palau, connectivity was long a rare luxury, but the situation has changed radically. Between submarine fiber, 4G mobile networks, future 5G, hotel Wi‑Fi, and local SIM cards, it is now entirely possible to share your dives at Jellyfish Lake or your sunsets over the Rock Islands live with family and friends. Provided you understand how the system works, what it costs… and its limitations.
This article provides a practical guide for staying in touch with loved ones from the Palau archipelago, whether you are a tourist, temporary expatriate, or local resident moving between the different islands.
Understanding Palau’s Digital Infrastructure
Before choosing a solution for calling or sending photos, it’s useful to know what local internet is based on. This explains both the pleasant surprises… and the possible slowdowns or outages.
Palau long depended exclusively on satellite internet. Before 2017, only about a quarter of the population was connected, via slow, very expensive connections sensitive to typhoons. The shift to submarine fiber optic cable changed everything.
Submarine Cables Connecting the Archipelago to the Rest of the World
In 2017, the first international cable, Palau Cable 1, was put into service. It is a spur off the major trans-Pacific SEA‑US cable near Guam, financed by a $25 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. The immediate result: much higher capacity and a dramatic drop in the price per megabit for the country and for users.
Once operational, the second cable, Palau Cable 2, will double international bandwidth and provide vital redundancy for Palau.
For users, this means better stability over time, but dependence on a single cable remains a reality today. An outage in 2023, following Typhoon Mawar, caused a week-long disruption, forcing the national operator to reserve connectivity for critical services.
The Key Role of Satellite as a Safety Net
Even though fiber constitutes the backbone of Palauan internet, satellite remains indispensable. First as a backup during a cable outage, and second to serve the most remote islands where fiber remains out of reach.
Intelsat has deployed an ‘always-on’ backup solution for Palau, using two geostationary satellites on separate orbital positions and SD-WAN technology. In case of cable failure, critical infrastructure (hospital, emergencies, government) switches to a dedicated C-band channel, while the general population benefits from enhanced Ku-band capacity.
This architecture has, for the first time, provided internet access to the Southwest Islands, such as Sonsorol and Hatohobei. These sites are powered by solar energy, with VSAT terminals that then distribute Wi‑Fi or 3G/4G locally.
Palau also uses other satellite services for specialized needs (Iridium telephony and data, Inmarsat BGAN, medium-earth orbit O3b solutions, etc.), but these are primarily professional or government solutions, not very relevant for a typical traveler.
Domestic Network, Local Fiber, and Mobile Coverage
Within the country, several layers of infrastructure complement each other. The main islands of Koror and Babeldaob are connected by a terrestrial fiber network. The Belau Submarine Cable Corporation, for example, has completed a fiber loop around Babeldaob’s Compact Road to ensure robust 100 Gbit/s backhaul between landing stations, the airport, and population centers.
Amount in millions of dollars of the U.S. grant to deploy fiber optics in Palau by 2028‑2029.
On the mobile side, the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC), the historical operator, via its PalauCel network, claims about 98% coverage of the main population with 3G/4G thanks to around sixty sites. 2G/3G covers almost the entire “central” archipelago, while 4G LTE remains concentrated around major inhabited areas like Koror and Airai. In the more remote islands, coverage becomes very spotty, even non-existent, especially at Kayangel or at many dive sites (Rock Islands, German Channel, Jellyfish Lake, Milky Way, etc.).
A major 4G/5G modernization project based on an Open RAN architecture is underway, funded by a $14.24 million grant from the United States. Palau will thus be the first Pacific island nation to commercially deploy Open RAN 5G, with full deployment targeted for around 2027.
Main Telecom Players and Their Services
To get connected on the ground, it’s useful to identify who does what. Three Internet Service Providers (ISPs) share the retail market, operating on a national fiber infrastructure open to all on fair terms.
Established in 1982, PNCC is the national operator. It manages the PalauCel mobile network, landline telephones, ADSL, fiber connections for businesses, and a network of over 250 Wi‑Fi hotspots. It is the sole provider for most fixed-line broadband services (VDSL, fiber) in the country.
Palau Telecoms, a private company, essentially offers wireless broadband internet, targeting hotels, internet cafes, businesses, and institutions. Palau Wifi, for its part, specializes in Wi‑Fi hotspots and prepaid access, very popular with tourists.
These three players share the international capacity provided by BSCC (Belau Submarine Cable Corporation) in an open wholesale model. This allows for cost sharing and maintaining reasonable wholesale prices, although, for individuals, prices remain high compared to larger countries.
Getting Connected in Practice: Local SIMs, eSIMs, Wi‑Fi, and Hotspots
To stay in touch with your loved ones, several options are available, with different costs and limitations.
Buying a Local SIM: Often the Easiest and Cheapest
For most travelers, the most efficient solution remains purchasing a local PNCC/PalauCel SIM card. These cards are sold at the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (when the counter is open) and especially at official shops in Koror.
Once your phone is unlocked, you get a local number and access to prepaid voice/SMS/data plans. Offers change, but you can find, for example, packs including 10 GB of data and 190 minutes of talk time for $25, valid for 30 days, or a 2 GB pass for $2 for 2 days. Pay-as-you-go rates remain steep: around $0.15 per megabyte.
The table below allows you to compare some typical price ranges.
| Type of Service | Sample Offer | Approximate Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Mobile Data | 10 GB + 190 min | 25 USD | 30 days |
| Small Data Pass | 2 GB | 2 USD | 2 days |
| Pay-As-You-Go Data | Per MB | ~0.15 USD/MB | — |
| Residential ADSL (20 Mbit/s) | Monthly Subscription | ~120 USD/month | Monthly |
| Visitor Pocket Wi‑Fi (25 GB/5d) | Up to 3 devices | 132.50 USD | 5 days |
| Visitor Pocket Wi‑Fi (60 GB/14d) | Long Stay | 265 USD | 14 days |
This sample illustrates a crucial point: prepaid mobile data remains much more affordable than fixed solutions or visitor Wi‑Fi hotspots. For sharing a few photos and making regular video calls, a well-chosen local SIM will cost you significantly less than a pocket Wi‑Fi, provided you monitor your usage.
International eSIMs: A Practical Alternative If Your Smartphone Is Compatible
If your phone accepts eSIMs, you can purchase a plan covering Palau online even before departure. Several international platforms offer eSIMs with data for this archipelago.
Several companies specialize in selling prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs for international travel. OLYSIM offers plans with immediate 4G/5G access in over 150 countries. SimOptions operates as a marketplace, offering coverage in over 200 destinations and a mobile app to manage services. King Sims provides both triple-cut physical SIMs and eSIMs, with international delivery and customer support via email and chat.
The usage pattern is similar: you buy the plan online, receive a QR code, and activate the eSIM once connected to Wi‑Fi (e.g., at the airport or hotel). Depending on the offers, you can:
– have a local number or not (some eSIMs only provide data)
– use data sharing for other devices
– sometimes benefit from included international calls/SMS to many countries.
A major advantage of eSIMs is the ability to keep your original SIM active in parallel. This way you can continue to receive SMS messages from your bank or loved ones on your usual number, while using the local data from the eSIM for apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, etc.). However, activating an eSIM requires a good initial Wi‑Fi connection, and not all phones are compatible. Also keep in mind that these offers remain prepaid: once the data volume is consumed, you need to top up.
Hotel, Cafe, and Public Hotspot Wi‑Fi: Convenient but Uneven
Especially in Koror and Airai, most hotels and many guesthouses include Wi‑Fi in the room price. In reality, quality varies enormously: some establishments have recent fiber connections and offer comfortable speeds, others are still on congested ADSL lines.
Cafes, restaurants, and public places, like the Belau National Museum or hotels like the Palasia, also offer free or paid connections, often acceptable for messaging and social media, sometimes limited for video conferencing, particularly during peak hours.
PNCC operates a network of over 250 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, providing internet access in many public places and businesses.
Two options to connect: with a prepaid Internet card ($5 or $10) or via a PalauNet account with a username and password.
Hotspots are located in stores, PNCC agencies, public places, and sometimes extend even into villages.
Over 250 access points are operated across the entire country for local connectivity.
For tourists, PNCC also sells prepaid cards like “5-day unlimited pass” for around $5‑10 at some retail points, valid on the entire hotspot network. This is a very economical option if you are mainly staying in Koror and covered areas.
Specific Solutions for Visitors: Pocket Wi‑Fi and Broadband Plans
PNCC offers visitors a 4G Pocket Wi‑Fi service, officially presented as “the only” service of its kind for tourists. This portable Wi‑Fi device can connect up to three devices simultaneously (smartphones, tablets, computers). The associated data offers are, however, expensive: a plan with 25 GB over 5 days for around $132.50, and a long-stay plan with 60 GB over 14 days for about $265.
These solutions are aimed more at groups (family, film crew, photographers) or business travelers who need large data volumes and a reliable shared connection, while splitting the cost among several people.
Cost of Connectivity in Palau: Anticipating Your Budget
Even though the situation is improving, internet access in Palau remains expensive by local standards. Before the arrival of the submarine cable, satellite capacity cost over $2,000 per megabit per month, more than three times the price of equivalent capacity on cable. This cost structure is still reflected in final prices, despite the authorities’ efforts.
The price per gigabyte of mobile data was divided by five after the new cable came into service.
The government has set the goal of reducing broadband costs to below 5% of gross national income per capita, and more recently to around 2% of average household income for a basic service. The subsidized FTTH project with a target of $30 per month for 25 Mbit/s clearly fits into this accessibility logic.
For a visitor, the current reality can be summed up as follows:
| Solution | Main Advantages | Main Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Local Prepaid SIM | Reasonable price, good coverage in populated areas | Limited coverage in isolated sites, finite data |
| International eSIM | Purchase before departure, keeps original SIM active | Activation via Wi‑Fi, depends on partner network |
| Hotel/Cafe Wi‑Fi | Often included, no technical setup | Quality varies greatly, unreliable for long video calls |
| PNCC Hotspots + Cards | Very economical, many points in Koror | Requires moving around, not always near you |
| PNCC 4G Pocket Wi‑Fi | Easy sharing for 2‑3 devices, dedicated connection | Very high cost, limited quotas |
By planning ahead how you will use data (messaging, social media, frequent video calls, remote work…), you can quite accurately estimate your budget.
Which Apps to Use for Calls Without Blowing Your Plan?
Once connected, the choice of video conferencing application has a direct impact on your data consumption and call quality. On an island network where average mobile speeds are around 10–15 Mbit/s in well-covered areas, software efficiency is an asset.
Understanding Video Call Data Consumption
The following figures provide a reference:
– a 10-minute video call via WhatsApp consumes about 50 MB
– an hour-long Zoom meeting can reach 1.2 GB depending on video quality
– some professional apps like Microsoft Teams use around 225 MB per hour in standard quality.
Call duration, video resolution, and connection stability play a major role. To preserve your plan and not saturate local links, it is advisable to:
– enable “low data usage” modes when they exist
– turn off video when it’s not essential, especially on 4G
– prioritize Wi‑Fi for long conversations
– close data-hungry background apps before a call.
Consumer Apps: WhatsApp, Signal, Messenger, and Others
WhatsApp remains the most widespread tool in the world, and Palau is no exception: the parent platform Facebook represents over 80% of usage share among local social networks, and the Meta ecosystem (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp) dominates. A 10-minute video call on WhatsApp consumes on average 50 MB, an audio call about 4 MB for the same duration. For a weekly one-hour conversation with your family, that’s roughly 300 MB if you leave the video on the whole time. By enabling “low data usage” mode and turning off video part of the time, you can significantly reduce this footprint.
The Signal app stands out for its focus on privacy: it uses end-to-end encryption, does not sell user data, and its source code is open. It offers practical features like a “use less data” mode and the option to restrict calls to Wi‑Fi connections only. It also allows group calls for up to 50 participants. It’s a suitable solution for family use, offering a good balance between security and functionality, provided all members install the app.
Facebook Messenger remains widely used, especially by those already spending their day on Facebook. It allows group video calls (up to 50 participants) and integrates into the social network interface, making impromptu calls easier. However, it is not known for its data frugality.
Telegram allows community video broadcasts for up to 1000 viewers, even on low-bandwidth networks.
Apps for Low-Bandwidth: IMO, FaceCall, Jitsi, etc.
For the most remote areas or the most spotty connections, some apps are designed to get the most out of the available infrastructure. IMO, for example, was designed to work on low-bandwidth 2G or 3G and claims good results in terms of smooth video on unstable networks. It also handles very large groups, which can suit extended family meetings spread between the archipelago and abroad.
The FaceCall app optimizes bandwidth usage by up to 80% for a perceived HD video rendering, thanks to smart compression and audio management. Furthermore, it does not require a SIM card to create an account, which is convenient for travelers with SIM-free devices or users wanting to keep their existing phone number.
Open source solutions like Jitsi Meet or services like Brave Talk also offer lightweight alternatives, running directly in a browser and well-suited to average connections.
Professional Tools and Remote Work from Palau
For travelers planning to work remotely, teach online, or organize webinars, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet will often remain essential. In this case, the most realistic strategy is to:
– reserve time slots when local network load is lower (early morning or late evening)
– prioritize a wired connection or a reputedly high-performance hotel Wi‑Fi over saturated 4G
– manually lower the video resolution in the settings
– turn off video for participants who are not speaking.
In terms of consumption, Teams is a bit more frugal than Zoom in standard configuration. Google Meet adapts quality quite well to the available bandwidth. In any case, it’s wiser to plan for comfortable data plans or fixed connections if your professional activity depends heavily on video conferencing.
Staying Reachable Offline or During Outages
Even with two submarine cables and backup satellites, Palau remains exposed to climatic and technical hazards. Typhoons, strong winds, or simple power outages can impact connectivity.
In 2023, the week-long outage of the single cable forced PNCC to ration internet access, prioritizing emergency services, hospitals, and government. Residents and visitors then became aware of the importance of redundancies like those provided by Intelsat.
For remote expeditions or high-risk activities (sailing, technical diving on isolated sites), using a dedicated satellite phone (Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya) for emergency communications is recommended, a vital solution in extreme contexts.
For everyone else, good preparation hygiene involves:
– downloading offline maps in advance (Google Maps, Maps.me)
– printing or saving key information (addresses, emergency numbers, hotel contact details)
– notifying your loved ones of your periods of inaccessibility (cruise, trek, diving) and your expected return-to-network date.
Sending Messages, Packages, and Souvenirs: Mail and Postal Services
Staying in touch is not solely digital. Palau has a national postal service, Palau Post, under the Ministry of Finance and a member of the Universal Postal Union. It works with many international partners (USPS, Japan Post, Canada Post, Royal Mail, Australia Post, etc.), allowing letters and packages to be sent to over 190 countries.
This is the price in dollars of a Global Forever stamp to send a postcard or a light letter internationally from the United States.
To send a package or a bulky souvenir, you must consider weight and size limitations, possible customs duties, and transit time (generally between 6 and 10 working days for Priority services, longer for economy options or sea freight). Platforms like Ship24 allow tracking of multi-carrier shipments, using a tracking number usually in a 13-character format.
For travelers wishing to ship items to Palau, many private carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and intermediaries like Eurosender, Interparcel, Meest‑America, or Parcel2Go offer door-to-door options with insurance and tracking. Costs remain high, reflecting the country’s geographical isolation, but it can be useful for sending documents or specific equipment.
The Role of Social Media in Palauan Family Ties
Beyond the purely technical aspect, social media plays an increasingly central role for Palauan families spread across islands, between Koror and Babeldaob, or between Palau and abroad.
The figures show this: with about two-thirds of the population connected to the internet, but over 80% market share for Facebook, and over 15,000 social media user identities (more than the number of internet users, indicating multiple accounts), local digital life is heavily centered on these platforms. The 25‑34 age group dominates on Facebook, and men are slightly in the majority.
Uses favor:
Social media and modern messaging play a central role in maintaining and celebrating family and community ties.
Maintaining connections with clans, cousins, and relatives living abroad.
Sharing photos of ceremonies, births, funerals, and traditional celebrations.
Dedicated groups for local announcements: events, sales, and local mutual aid.
Exchanges via Messenger or WhatsApp, replacing some traditional phone calls.
Studies conducted in similar cultural contexts (like the Philippines) indicate that the primary motivation for using the internet and social media remains “keeping in touch with friends and family”. Palauans, heirs to a culture where the extended family, the matrilineal clan (telungalek), and community solidarity are central, naturally adopt these tools to extend these ties into the digital world.
Limitations and Side Effects of Hyperconnectivity
As elsewhere, intensive use of social media also has its downside: more time spent on screens sometimes means fewer face-to-face conversations, fewer shared meals. Academic work reports correlations between time spent on Facebook/Instagram and a decline in some traditional family practices, or reinforcement of more individualistic attitudes.
These findings do not mean giving up digital tools, but invite a form of balance: establish screen-free times, dedicate evenings or weekends to shared activities, use technology to organize concrete meetings rather than replacing them entirely.
Managing Time Differences for Successful Family Calls
For Palauans with family in North America, Europe, or Asia, or for visitors wanting to maintain regular contact across multiple time zones, scheduling calls becomes a real issue.
Tools like multi-timezone meeting planners (Morgen, WhichDateWorks, Teamup, etc.) or simple online converters help find slots that aren’t in the middle of the night for one party. A good practice is to:
To efficiently organize meetings with participants in different time zones, start by gathering everyone’s availability before setting a regular schedule. Prioritize midday slots for one timezone, which often correspond to morning or evening for others. For more fairness, occasionally alternate times to share the inconvenience (e.g., schedule a meeting on a Saturday morning for Europe, which would be evening for Palau, then reverse the time slots the next month).
Calls should remain a joyful moment, not a constraint that severely disrupts sleep or daily life. Shorter, better-prepared, and more frequent sessions are often preferable to long, rare video conferences.
Practical Tips for Staying in Touch Serenely from Palau
In light of all the above, some clear guidelines emerge for a connected yet reasonable stay:
Before departure, check that your phone is unlocked and 4G LTE compatible with local bands, and prepare a potential eSIM. Upon arrival, buy a local SIM (PNCC/PalauCel) in Koror to get 5 to 10 GB of data, supplemented if needed with Wi-Fi cards. For video calls, use apps like WhatsApp in data saver mode and prioritize hotel Wi-Fi. In remote areas, download maps and documents offline and notify loved ones of no-network periods. To share photos and videos, send compressed files asynchronously or use social media via Wi-Fi. To send packages, use Palau Post for simple shipments (1 to 2 weeks delivery) or international carriers for urgent or bulky shipments.
By adopting these habits, it becomes entirely possible to fully enjoy Palau’s landscapes and culture without cutting the connection with those far away. The massive investments in submarine cables, domestic fiber, and mobile networks also show how connectivity is now considered a real “lifeline” for education, health, the economy… and emotional bonds.
Staying in touch with loved ones from Palau is no longer an insurmountable challenge: it’s mainly a matter of preparation, choosing tools adapted to the island context, and a bit of discipline in data usage. The rest comes down to a few words we all end up sending, regardless of time zone or app: “Alii, how are things back home?”
Communication in Palau
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
