Current Time in Palau
Culture of time in Palau
Culture of time in Palau
Time zone is Palau Time (PWT, UTC+9)
Palau uses Palau Standard Time (PWT, UTC+9) throughout the year, and is in the same time zone as Japan. Daylight saving time is not implemented, and the time does not change.
Relaxed flow of time typical of an island nation
In Palau, a life that values harmony with nature is deeply rooted, and a life of "not being rushed by time" is common. In urban areas, people tend to be relatively punctual, but depending on the region and situation, schedules are often run more loosely.
Public services are managed on a fixed schedule, private life is flexible
Government agencies, schools, hospitals, etc. are basically operated on time, but a flexible sense of time, also known as "island time," is accepted in daily life and local events.
Palauan values regarding time
A sense of time that values relationships with people
There is a tendency to prioritize conversations and interactions with others, and there is a culture in which consideration and politeness are valued over being on time. As a result, there is an atmosphere in which some delays are tolerated.
The basic principle is to take your time and not rush
It is widely seen that politeness and accuracy are prioritized over speed, and "not rushing" is considered a virtue in both work and life. This is an important feeling for tourists and immigrants as well.
Time management is a "soft rule"
Although punctuality is sometimes expected in business situations, many locals tend to view time as a "guideline" and prioritize actual situations over mechanical schedules.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or relocating to Palau
Public institutions finish on time
Government offices, banks, hospitals, etc. finish their business at a set time, so it is advisable to act early to complete necessary procedures. In many cases, counter operations end in the afternoon.
Be prepared for appointments and events
Local events and meetings with locals are often delayed. It is important to be flexible and not to expect strict time management.
Be aware of restaurant and store opening hours
Some stores close early in the evening, so it is safer to eat out or shop during the day. Even if the opening hours are fixed, they may close earlier.
Interesting trivia about Palau's time
Same time zone as Japan, no time difference
Palau is a very easy country to travel to for tourists from Japan because there is no time difference between Japan and Palau. There is no worry of jet lag, and it is a good environment for business.
"Island time" appears in tourist brochures
The relaxed lifestyle that is not bound by time is recognized as a culture, so much so that expressions such as "In Palau, look at nature rather than the clock" are written in tourist guides.
Culture of taking a longer lunch break
Public institutions and some stores may have a lunch break of more than an hour, with work sometimes halted from noon until around 2 p.m. This is part of the everyday wisdom of avoiding the heat.