Moving to Palau from South Africa
What to Expect
Considering a move from South Africa to Palau? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.
If you moved from South Africa to Palau. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.
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Key Indicator Comparison
The numbers behind daily life in Palau compared to South Africa.
Is it safe?
per 100,000 people per year
per 100,000 people per year
Palau performs significantly better than South Africa across all safety metrics.
How's the healthcare?
annual government + private spending per person
affects wait times and access to care
WHO index from 0–100 measuring essential service access
South Africa generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Palau leads in doctors per 10,000 people.
What about the environment?
tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year
South Africa performs better than Palau across all environment metrics.
Will I have good infrastructure?
fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work
Palau performs significantly better than South Africa across all infrastructure metrics.
What are the job prospects?
percentage of the labour force without work
a broad measure of economic output per person
Palau performs significantly better than South Africa across all employment & economy metrics.
Is it good for families?
average years of life at birth
deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better
government spending on education as % of GDP
percentage of adults who can read and write
Palau performs significantly better than South Africa across all family life metrics.
Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank
Visitor Visa Requirements
Short-stay tourist visa rules between South Africa and Palau. To live, work, or study long-term in Palau, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Palau's immigration authority.
South Africa passport holder visiting Palau
Visa on Arrival
Palau passport holder visiting South Africa
Visa RequiredData: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Palau?
Connectivity is usually fine (Palau: 6.9 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Palau offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?
Is Palau safe for expats?
Palau performs significantly better than South Africa across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Palau is 11.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 45.5 in South Africa.
How is healthcare in Palau compared to South Africa?
South Africa generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Palau leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 17.8 doctors per 10,000 people in Palau, compared to 8.1 in South Africa. Palau scores 65 on the WHO universal health coverage index (South Africa: 71).
What language do they speak in Palau?
The official languages in Palau are English and Palauan. In South Africa, the official languages are Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
Compare further: South Africa vs. Palau
At a Glance
ZA
|
PW
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Population | 57,516,665 | 21,695 |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) | United States Dollar ($) |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | English, Palauan |
| Driving side | Left | Right |
| Calling code | +27 | +680 |
| Time zones | 1 | 1 |
| Emergency number | 10111 | — |