Welcome to Papua New Guinea 😊
Papua New Guinea is a country located in the Pacific Ocean, situated just north of Australia. It is the eastern half of the world's second largest island, and is made up of over 600 smaller islands. Papua New Guinea is known for its tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and diverse indigenous cultures. Visitors can explore the many tribes that make up the country's population, each with their own unique customs and traditions. The country's landscapes offer ample opportunity for adventure, from trekking in the highlands to diving in the clear waters around the islands.
Quick Facts About Papua New Guinea
- Currency: Papua New Guinean kina
- Population: 8.96 million
- Languages: "Tok Pisin",English,"Hiri Motu"
Money and Finances
The currency in Papua New Guinea is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK). It is divided into 100 toea. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 toea and 1 kina, while banknotes come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 kina.
ATM Network
ATMs are relatively rare in Papua New Guinea, particularly outside of major cities. It is strongly recommended to bring enough cash for your trip and exchange it at a bank or currency exchange before traveling to remote areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Papua New Guinea. However, some hotels and larger businesses in major cities may accept Visa and Mastercard. AMEX is rarely accepted. It is recommended to carry cash or traveler's checks for your trip.
Internet and Phones
Papua New Guinea has one of the slowest internet speeds in the world, with average download speeds of only 3.51 Mbps and upload speeds of 0.51 Mbps. There is also significant government interference with internet access and content, with some social media platforms being banned in the country.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in Papua New Guinea are Digicel and bmobile-Vodafone. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is quite expensive, with a typical 1GB data plan costing around PGK 20-30 ($6-9 USD). There are some sim compatibility issues, as not all phones work on the networks here.
Dialling to Papua New Guinea
To call Papua New Guinea from another country, dial +675 followed by the local phone number. Within Papua New Guinea, different area codes are used depending on the region. For example, the area code for Port Moresby is 325.
Transport Around Papua New Guinea
Air Travel
Papua New Guinea has 561 airports, with the largest ones being Port Moresby International Airport, Lae Nadzab Airport and Mount Hagen Kagamuga Airport.
Train Travel
There is no inter-city train network in Papua New Guinea.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no local train system in Papua New Guinea.
Buses
Papua New Guinea has a limited bus system, with the main routes running between major towns and cities. A typical ticket costs around 10 PGK and the journey times vary depending on the distance.
Rideshare
Ridesharing is not common in Papua New Guinea.
Driving by Car
Driving in Papua New Guinea can be challenging due to the poorly maintained roads and the mountainous terrain. The speed limit in residential areas is 40 km/h and on highways, it is 80 km/h. Papua New Guinea drives on the left hand side of the road.
Local Customs
In Papua New Guinea, tipping is not a common practice. Locals greet each other with a handshake or a nod of the head. However, in some regions, men may perform a small bow or vocal greeting. It is important to approach speaking with strangers with respect and caution, as it is customary for locals to take their time getting to know each other. Men and women may address each other casually using first names or use respectful titles such as Mr. or Mrs. when meeting for the first time.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health care system in Papua New Guinea is limited, with significant shortages of medical personnel and facilities. Access to medical care is often difficult, especially in rural areas. Private health care is available but can be expensive. Visitors are advised to obtain comprehensive travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation in case of emergency. A visit to a doctor in Papua New Guinea can cost anywhere from $20 to $100.
COVID Situation
Papua New Guinea has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases since March 2021. The government has implemented strict measures, including lockdowns, to contain the spread of the virus. However, the vaccination rate remains low, and travelers should exercise caution when visiting the country.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is a risk throughout Papua New Guinea, and visitors are advised to take anti-malaria medication and other protective measures. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are also prevalent. Food and waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea and typhoid are common, and visitors should take precautions such as washing hands regularly and drinking only bottled or boiled water.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Papua New Guinea, however, it is prohibited in some remote areas which are governed by customary law. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Papua New Guinea and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. This includes soft drugs like cannabis and other party drugs.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no laws affecting pre-marital relationships in Papua New Guinea.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Papua New Guinea and may be punished with up to 14 years of imprisonment. Same-sex relationships are not recognized.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership is legal in Papua New Guinea but is strictly regulated. It requires obtaining permits and licenses from the government, and penalties for violating firearms laws can be severe.