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Airai

Palau · City · USD · 7.367000, 134.550000
Family friendly 6/10 · Rank 1555 of 2 709
Best season: March-April

Best for

Suitable for travellers interested in Palau's nature and culture

Best season

March-April

Daily budget
$123.00 (≈ 10 322 ₽)
For 7 days
$861.00 (≈ 72 255 ₽)
Airai is a state and the settlement of the same name in the south of Babeldaob Island, where Palau's main international airport is located. The town is known for its ancient stone monoliths and traditional meeting houses "bai," which are important cultural landmarks. Airai serves as a convenient base for travelers arriving in the country and offers access to mangrove forests and river excursions.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
24.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Airai residents are friendly, traditional and hospitable

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Close to the airport
  • Friendship Bridge
  • Traditional villages
  • Calm atmosphere

Cons

  • No beach
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Few hotels
  • No direct flights from Moscow
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.1°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.5°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
30.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
24.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-July
Attractions

Palau International Airport

Main gateway to Palau, located in Airai state

Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge

Scenic bridge connecting Koror and Babeldaob, popular photo spot

Ngardmau Waterfall

Tallest waterfall in Micronesia, located 30 minutes away

Best areas

Airai

Area with the airport and traditional villages

Ngetkib

Coastal village with bay views

Must-try food

Fresh Fish

Catch from the Pacific Ocean, grilled or in coconut sauce

Tuna

Fresh tuna, popular in local cuisine, served raw or cooked

Coconut Crab

Palau delicacy, steamed or grilled

Where to go next

Koror

Commercial centre of Palau 10 minutes away

Melekeok

Capital of Palau with the Capitol and Lake Ngardok 30 minutes away

Jellyfish Lake

Unique lake with non-stinging jellyfish 30 minutes by boat

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
none
Getting there
Nearest airports
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
March-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$13.00
≈ 1 091 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Airai: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is March-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Airai: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +30.5°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Airai: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +24.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Airai: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-July. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Airai: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $123.00 (≈ 10 322 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Airai: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $80.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $150.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Airai: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $13.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Airai: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $6.00, car rental — $55.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Airai: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Palau International Airport — Main gateway to Palau, located in Airai state; Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge — Scenic bridge connecting Koror and Babeldaob, popular photo spot; Ngardmau Waterfall — Tallest waterfall in Micronesia, located 30 minutes away. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Airai: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fresh Fish — Catch from the Pacific Ocean, grilled or in coconut sauce; Tuna — Fresh tuna, popular in local cuisine, served raw or cooked; Coconut Crab — Palau delicacy, steamed or grilled. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Airai: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Airai — Area with the airport and traditional villages; Ngetkib — Coastal village with bay views. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Airai: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Airai: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (code ROR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Airai: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $123.00 (≈ 10 322 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Airai: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Airai: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Koror — Commercial centre of Palau 10 minutes away; Melekeok — Capital of Palau with the Capitol and Lake Ngardok 30 minutes away; Jellyfish Lake — Unique lake with non-stinging jellyfish 30 minutes by boat. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6/10
Overall rank: 1555 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 582

Best season

March-April

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: 7.367000, 134.550000