No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2025-12-10T13:25:21Z
Full advisory →Is Ngerulmud safe? 🇵🇼
Palau · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Ngerulmud scores 64/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Ngerulmud is safe for visitors, with low violent crime but moderate petty theft risk. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Ngerulmud 🇵🇼
Palau · Assessed 29 July 2026
64
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~63% of countries
What drives this score
Crime42/100CautionHomicide 11.2 / 100k
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories97Good
Stability81Good
Health64Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Palau: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-06-19T15:38:01.3840057-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Homicide rate
11.2 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Palau11.2Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
42
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare, with no recent incidents reported in Ngerulmud
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily in crowded areas such as the market and during festivals
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe walking during daylight, though caution is advised after dark.
Yes — Ngerulmud is safe for visitors, with low violent crime but moderate petty theft risk.
Ngerulmud enjoys a moderate overall safety rating, driven by low violent crime and strong institutional stability, though petty theft and scam activity are noted.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Police raid on two Koror hotels uncovered organized fraud operations targeting tourists— operationshamrock.org
- May 2025U.S. News & World Report notes Palau's plan to accept up to 75 migrants from the United States, raising temporary security screening concerns— U.S. News & World Report
- Apr 2026UNODC reports Palau stepping up enforcement against transnational organized crime, seizing contraband in recent operations— United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Common scams
- unlicensed dive operators overcharging tourists
- credit card skimming and unauthorized transactions
Full briefing
Ngerulmud, the capital of Palau, is a small, quiet city where most visitors experience a relaxed pace and a strong sense of community. The multi‑database safety profile rates the city as moderate overall, reflecting low violent crime and solid governance, but it flags moderate petty‑theft risk, especially in busy market zones and during local festivals. Recent dossier evidence shows a police raid in June 2026 on two Koror hotels that exposed organized fraud rings preying on tourists, and a U.S. News report from May 2025 highlighted temporary security screening measures linked to migrant relocation plans. Travel advisories from Canada and the UK simply advise exercising normal security precautions, and there are currently no active disaster alerts within 500 km.
For a traveler, the practical takeaway is clear: keep your belongings secure, use only licensed dive and tour operators, and be vigilant with credit‑card transactions — pay attention when cards are handled and check statements regularly. Pickpocketing is the most common street crime, so stay alert in crowded areas and avoid leaving bags unattended. Violent robbery is rare, but the moderate petty‑theft level means basic vigilance is essential, especially after dark. By following these straightforward precautions, you can enjoy Ngerulmud’s tranquil streets and natural beauty with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Ngerulmud districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Ngerulmud safety map.
Ngerulmud Centralcautionthe capital's government hub is generally safe but petty theft can occur, especially after dark
Ngarchelongcautioncoastal fishing villages see occasional petty crime; avoid isolated beaches after dark
Kororsaferthe commercial centre is well‑patrolled and tourist‑friendly, though keep valuables secure
Airaisaferquiet residential area with low crime, but limited lighting at night
Melekeoksaferrural district with minimal incidents, but infrastructure is sparse
07 · After Dark
Is Ngerulmud safe at night?
Mugging and armed robbery are rare, with no recent incidents reported in Ngerulmud
After dark, be most careful around Ngerulmud Central, Ngarchelong. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Ngerulmud's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight56
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight59
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight60
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight58
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight62
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight62
09 · Questions
Ngerulmud safety FAQ
Is Ngerulmud safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Ngerulmud is safe for visitors, with low violent crime but moderate petty theft risk. Ngerulmud enjoys a moderate overall safety rating, driven by low violent crime and strong institutional stability, though petty theft and scam activity are noted. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Ngerulmud should tourists avoid?
Ngarchelong (isolated beaches at night); Ngerulmud Central (poor lighting after dark). See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Ngerulmud?
- unlicensed dive operators overcharging tourists
- credit card skimming and unauthorized transactions
How does Ngerulmud compare with other places in Palau?
Ngerulmud scores 64/100 — see the Palau safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Ngerulmud safety score calculated?
The score blends 10+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Palau safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: ngerulmud.json (CC BY 4.0).