Yaren Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Yaren.
Healthcare System
Nauru has a single public hospital, the Republic of Nauru Hospital (RON Hospital), which provides basic medical services. The facility has limited equipment, specialist doctors, and diagnostic capabilities. For serious medical conditions, medical evacuations to Australia, Fiji, or Taiwan are necessary.
Hospitals
RON Hospital is the only medical facility on the island. It has approximately 60 beds and provides outpatient services, basic emergency care, and limited surgical capabilities. Visitors should not expect Western-standard medical care for serious conditions.
Pharmacies
The hospital pharmacy has limited stock of medications. Common medications may be unavailable, and specific prescriptions should be brought from home. No private pharmacies operate on the island.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation is absolutely essential. Medical evacuations can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are the only option for serious medical emergencies.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and all prescription medications in their original packaging with sufficient supply for your entire stay plus extra
- Bring copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications you're carrying
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers medical evacuation from Nauru to Australia or Fiji
- Consider a pre-travel medical check-up and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date
- Bring adequate supplies of any over-the-counter medications you regularly use, as they may not be available on the island
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Petty theft is uncommon in Yaren and Nauru generally, but opportunistic theft can occur, particularly of unattended items
Intense tropical sun, high humidity, and limited shade due to phosphate mining damage create serious risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration
Roads are generally in poor condition with potholes, limited lighting, and loose dogs. Driving standards vary, and pedestrians share roads with vehicles
Strong currents, sharp coral, sea urchins, and occasional dangerous marine life pose risks when swimming or snorkeling
Basic infrastructure means limited access to ATMs, unreliable internet, frequent power outages, and limited supplies
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Due to the very limited tourism infrastructure, some services or accommodations may charge inflated prices to foreigners
Individuals may offer unofficial tour services at inflated prices or fail to deliver promised experiences
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Respect local customs and the close-knit community; Nauruans are generally friendly but value respectful behavior
- Register with your embassy before traveling as consular services on Nauru are extremely limited
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, tickets) in multiple locations
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Be aware that alcohol-related incidents can occur, particularly on weekends
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; tap water quality can be unreliable
- Protect against mosquito bites to prevent dengue fever; use repellent and cover exposed skin
- Avoid swimming in stagnant water or after heavy rains
- Be cautious with food hygiene; stick to freshly cooked, hot foods
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and wound care supplies
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient Australian dollars in cash; ATM availability is extremely limited and credit cards are rarely accepted
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- There are no banks or currency exchange services readily available to tourists
- Small denominations are useful as change can be difficult to obtain
Communication
- Internet connectivity is limited and unreliable; don't depend on it for important communications
- Mobile phone coverage exists but roaming charges can be extremely high
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card if staying for an extended period
- Download offline maps and essential information before arrival
Transportation
- The island has no public transportation; arrange transport through your accommodation
- Rental vehicles are limited; book in advance if needed
- Walking is possible but challenging due to heat and limited shade
- Be extremely cautious when driving at night due to poor street lighting and road conditions
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Nauru is generally very safe for women travelers, with low rates of harassment or assault. The small, close-knit community means that inappropriate behavior is less common. However, solo women travelers should still exercise normal precautions, particularly given the limited tourism infrastructure and small expatriate community.
- Dress modestly out of respect for local culture; while there's no strict dress code, conservative clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated
- Solo women travelers are uncommon in Nauru, which may attract curious attention, but this is usually friendly rather than threatening
- Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in unlit areas
- Connect with your accommodation staff who can provide advice on safe areas and appropriate behavior
- Be aware that alcohol consumption can lead to inappropriate behavior; avoid situations where heavy drinking is occurring
- Ensure someone knows your whereabouts, especially if exploring alone
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex activity is not criminalized in Nauru, and the country has no specific laws against LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there are also no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention
- LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that the small community size means privacy is limited
- There are no LGBTQ+-specific venues, events, or support services on the island
- Focus on the cultural experience and natural environment rather than expecting LGBTQ+-friendly social scenes
- Respect local cultural norms and conservative values to ensure a positive experience
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Nauru due to limited medical facilities, the necessity of medical evacuation for serious conditions, and the remote location. Medical evacuation to Australia can cost $50,000-$100,000 USD or more. Without comprehensive insurance including evacuation coverage, travelers face potentially catastrophic financial risk.
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