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Yes, the recent licensing of Starlink services in late 2025 has revolutionized connectivity across the island. Previously, visitors relied on slow, expensive hotel Wi-Fi or congested Digicel mobile data, but several guesthouses and the Menen Hotel have now installed satellite terminals offering high-speed access. While mobile roaming for North American carriers remains virtually non-existent, you can now expect reliable Wi-Fi speeds suitable for video calls at equipped accommodations. Always confirm “satellite internet availability” when booking your room, as not all properties have upgraded yet.

You must bring Australian Dollars (AUD) in cash, as this is the official currency and the economy is almost entirely cash-based. US Dollars are generally not accepted at shops, restaurants, or taxis, and exchange rates offered by hotels are punishingly poor (often 1:1 with AUD). There are only a couple of ATMs on the entire island (Bendigo Bank agency), and they frequently run out of cash or go offline due to network issues. Withdraw at least AUD 500-800 ($320-520 USD) per person while transit in Australia or Fiji to ensure you can pay for food, transport, and departure fees.

Nauru Immigration launched a pilot digital submission portal in mid-2025, allowing travelers to email applications rather than faxing them. While this isn’t a fully automated e-visa system yet, it significantly speeds up the pre-approval process, cutting wait times from 4 weeks to about 10-14 days. You still need to print the approval letter and present it upon landing to receive the actual visa stamp. Do not board your flight without this printed confirmation, as airlines will deny boarding at your point of origin (Brisbane, Nadi, or Majuro).

Yes, absolutely—there is no visa-on-arrival for North American tourists without prior approval. You must email Nauru Immigration months in advance to secure a visa authorization letter, which requires a confirmed hotel booking and a copy of your passport. The actual visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival at Yaren (INU), where you will pay the AUD 50 fee in cash. Without the printed authorization letter in hand, airlines in Brisbane, Nadi, or Honolulu will deny you boarding. Start this process at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to account for slow administrative responses.

You need to book 3-5 months in advance, primarily due to the limited weekly frequency of Nauru Airlines. Flights from Brisbane or Nadi often sell out weeks ahead because they are filled with government contractors, phosphate workers, and refugees/staff processing personnel. There is rarely “last minute” availability on this route. Furthermore, you need a confirmed flight itinerary to apply for your visa, and the visa takes weeks to process. Book early to lock in the standard fare (approx. $800-1,000 USD roundtrip for the Nauru leg) before only fully flexible business class seats remain.

Yes, a Fiji stopover is highly recommended and often necessary due to flight schedules. The Nauru Airlines flight from Nadi (NAN) typically departs once or twice a week (often Fridays), meaning you will likely have a layover anyway. Instead of waiting at the airport, book a 2-3 day stay in Nadi or Denarau. It allows you to stock up on supplies (cash, snacks, toiletries) that are scarce in Nauru, and provides a relaxing resort buffer before the more rugged experience of Nauru. Plus, Fiji Airways offers excellent connectivity from Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a seamless dual-destination trip.

Nauru is a conservative Christian nation, and modest dress is expected outside of your hotel room. Swimwear is acceptable only at the beach or pool; walking around town or visiting shops in bikinis or shirtless is considered disrespectful. For women, keeping shoulders and knees covered when visiting villages or churches is polite. Men should wear t-shirts rather than going bare-chested. If you plan to attend a Sunday church service (a major social event), pack at least one smart-casual outfit—collared shirt and long trousers for men, and a modest dress for women.

There is no public transport, Uber, or formal taxi service in Nauru. Your best option is to hire a car through a local arrangement, usually organized by your hotel (Menen or OD-N-Aiwo), costing around AUD 80-100 per day. Alternatively, you can walk or hitchhike, which is common and safe, though the heat makes walking the 19km ring road exhausting. If you rent a car, drive carefully—the speed limit is 40km/h, and the road is shared with pedestrians, dogs, and motorbikes. Bring your physical driver’s license, though enforcement is relaxed compared to Western standards.