Traveller information
Local laws and conventions: Many Nauruans belong to the Nauruan Protestant Church, but there is also a significant Roman Catholic minority. Society is matrilineal. All drug offences carry heavy penalties.
Dress is casual and formal wear is needed only for very special occasions. Smart businesswear is expected for meetings, and the best time to visit on business is May to October. The Menen hotel in Meneng district has conference facilities for up to 200 people. Business hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1200 and 1330–1630.
Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the length of intended stay in Nauru and all travellers require a visa. Visitors are advised to make a copy of the relevant pages of their passport to avoid any complications if lost or stolen. Airport departure tax is in Australian dollars and must be paid in cash.
It is prohibited to import explosives, firearms, pornography, drugs and pornographic films and literature.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from visitors arriving from an infected country.
Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. Cars can be hired with a national driving licence. The speed limit is 50kph. Most of the island can be accessed on foot. Nauru has a free public bus service and taxis are available. There is no passenger rail service on the island. Air Nauru is the national airline and connects the island with Australia and other Pacific and Asian countries.
Travel health: Comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation is recommended. The country is subject to periodic outbreaks of typhoid, and vaccinations against tuberculosis and Hepatitis B are recommended for visitors planning to stay for six months or longer. All visitors should check current vaccination requirements well before their departure date. Tap water is safe to drink, though bottled water is widely available.
Money: The Australian dollar is legal tender in Nauru. The only place to change money is the Bank of Nauru in Aiwo district. Visitors are advised to bring Australian dollars in cash. Credit cards are not usually accepted and there are no ATMs.