Nauru uses the Australian dollar as its official currency. No local currency exists. The island has no ATMs. Visitors must bring sufficient Australian dollars in cash for their entire stay. Credit cards are not widely accepted. The Menen Hotel accepts some card payments but this cannot be relied upon. All transactions with local vendors, taxis, and restaurants require cash. Banking services are extremely limited. There is no currency exchange facility on the island. Travelers should plan to arrive with all necessary funds in Australian dollar notes of mixed denominations.
The Menen Hotel in Anibare Bay is the primary accommodation option. This is a government-run facility. Room availability fluctuates based on government officials, phosphate workers, and refugee processing center staff. Booking in advance through official channels is essential but confirmation may be unreliable. The hotel provides basic rooms with air conditioning. No international hotel chains operate on Nauru. A handful of private homestays exist but these are not advertised publicly and require local contacts to arrange. Long-term visitors associated with RONPhos or government agencies may access private housing through their employers. Independent travelers have effectively one option. The Menen Hotel charges approximately AUD 100-150 per night though prices vary.
Nauru International Airport is located in Aiwo District on the western coast. The island has one paved road that circles the coastline measuring approximately 19 kilometers. This road is called the Ring Road. No public bus system exists. Taxis operate but must be arranged through the hotel or local contacts. There is no ride-hailing app service. Some visitors rent cars through informal arrangements though no formal rental agencies exist. The island can be circumnavigated by car in 20-30 minutes. Most residents walk or use bicycles. The interior topside plateau area has unpaved roads left from phosphate mining operations but these are not maintained and many are impassable. Walking the coastal road is possible in approximately four hours at moderate pace in cooler hours.
Mobile phone coverage exists through Digicel Nauru. International roaming may function but cannot be guaranteed across all providers. Purchasing a local SIM card is advisable but the SIM card outlet operates irregular hours and stock is inconsistent. Internet connectivity is extremely limited. The island relies on satellite internet which is slow and frequently unreliable. The Menen Hotel provides WiFi but speeds are insufficient for video calls or large file transfers. Do not expect to maintain normal digital connectivity during a visit to Nauru. Mobile data packages are expensive. There is no internet cafe. Government offices have priority bandwidth access. Visitors conducting business should prepare for significant communication delays.
Food options are limited. The Menen Hotel has a restaurant serving basic meals. A handful of small shops sell imported goods from Australia. Fresh produce is scarce. Most food consumed on Nauru is imported. Rice is the staple. Canned goods dominate shop inventory. Fresh fish is available when local fishermen bring catches but supply is irregular. Coconut and pandanus grow locally. Imported chicken and mutton are sold frozen. The Cost-U-Less store in Aiwo stocks groceries. Prices are substantially higher than Australian mainland prices due to shipping costs. Travelers with dietary restrictions should bring supplemental food. There are no restaurants outside the hotel that operate on predictable schedules. Local families may sell cooked food from homes but this requires local knowledge. No alcohol is available for purchase on Sundays. Beer and spirits are sold at the Capelle's store but selection is minimal.
Nauru has one hospital called the Republic of Nauru Hospital located in Denigomodu District. The facility provides basic medical care. Serious medical conditions require evacuation to Australia or Fiji. The hospital has limited diagnostic equipment. No MRI or CT scanner is available. Surgical capacity is restricted to emergency procedures. Doctors are often foreign medical staff on contract. Medicine supply is unpredictable. Visitors should bring all prescription medications with sufficient quantity for the entire stay plus extra days as flight delays are common. Dental services are minimal. No specialist medical care exists on the island. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is mandatory for any visitor. The nearest advanced medical facility is in Brisbane, approximately 4000 kilometers away.
Nauru has low violent crime. Petty theft occurs. The island has no military. Australia provides defense under a memorandum of understanding. Police presence is minimal. The Nauru Regional Processing Centre for asylum seekers operates in the interior under contract with Australia and this area is restricted. Visitors should not attempt to approach or photograph the detention facility. Swimming in the ocean carries risks from currents and reef cuts. No lifeguards patrol beaches. Heat exhaustion is a genuine risk as shade is limited and temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity. Drink water continuously. The coastal road has no sidewalk in many sections and vehicles travel at speed. Walk facing traffic.