Money

This program includes accommodations, transportation, group meals as noted on our website, (including soft drinks and local beer or wine at lunch and dinner where available) entrance fees, and gratuities for all group activities. You should need money only for personal expenses, meals on your own, beverages not provided at group meals, and for individual purchases.

A few things to note about money while on this trip:

• The U.S. Dollar is the official currency in both Palau and Yap (Federated States of Micronesia).

• ATMs are available in Koror, Palau and Colonia, Yap. You may have to split off from the group on excursions in order to seek out an ATM.

• Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted in virtually all hotels, most restaurants, and large shops.

You can find up-to-date information and current exchange rates online, for example at Oanda. 

Gratuity Guidelines

Hotels: Tips for housekeeping staff are included in the program cost. If you have arranged extra hotel nights before or after the trip, tips for housekeeping staff for those nights are not included and $5 USD per day is customary.

Private transfers: If you have arranged a private transfer at some point in your journey, gratuities for your transfer driver are not included. If you wish to tip your transfer driver, 10% is the recommended amount.

Taxis: The recommended tip is 10%.

Restaurant meals that are not part of our program: It is customary to tip wait staff in Palau and Yap. Tips normally range from 8 to 12% of the bill.