Electricity

The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plug points are the same as in Australia, with three rectangular pins.

Language

More than 800 languages are recognised in Papua New Guinea. The official languages are Tok Pisin (the most widely spoken), English, Hiri Motu and Papua New Guinean Sign Language.

Money

The local currency is the PNG kina (PGK), which is divided into 100 toea. Travellers should declare all amounts over PGK20,000 when they arrive or leave, and can change currency at local banks. There are ATMs in Port Moresby and major urban centres, but they aren't always working; it's best to only use ATMs in hotels and other secure locations due to the high risk of crime. Most hotels accept international credit cards.

Tipping

Tipping in restaurants and bars isn't part of the local culture but visitors can add 10 percent to the bill for exceptional service.

Health

Protection from insect bites is essential in all areas of Papua New Guinea below 5,906 feet (1,800m), as there is a risk of malaria and dengue fever. A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from infected areas, and vaccinations are recommended for all travellers for Covid-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Travellers spending time in rural areas should also consider a vaccination for Japanese encephalitis. Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are limited. Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel and health insurance and should bring along all required medication.

Safety

Petty and violent crime occur and visitors are advised to be vigilant, particularly in Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. Squatter settlements in towns and cities are especially dangerous. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, so visitors should be cautious when using debit or credit cards. Unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in many islands, including Bougainville and East New Britain; travellers are advised to avoid walking or hiking off marked roads and trails.

Local customs

Both male and female visitors to Papua New Guinea should avoid revealing clothing, and make sure to save their bathing costumes for the beach. Women should try to make sure that their thighs are covered at all times, and couples should bear in mind that public displays of affection are frowned upon. Papua New Guineans are friendly and usually keen to engage with foreigners; in fact, it is considered rude not to stop and chat to people that greet on the street. Visitors should avoid stepping over food if it is being prepared or served on the ground. Homosexual acts are illegal in Papua New Guinea.

Doing business

Men's business attire can either be 'tropical informal' and 'tropical formal'. The former typically consists of long, lightweight trousers and an open-necked shirt, while the latter refers to an outfit consisting of trousers paired with a long-sleeved shirt and tie. Women's business attire is generally conservative yet lightweight. Although 'PNG time' is common throughout society, business culture is trying to develop an expectation of punctuality. Foreigners should be punctual, but should not necessarily expect their local counterpart to be. Introductions should involve the person's title followed by their surname, and it's important to have plenty of business cards and to treat other business cards with respect when they are given. Foreigners should discern the age hierarchy and pay special attention to the opinion of those present that are older than they are. Gift giving is not commonly practised in business dealings.

Duty free

Visitors to Papua New Guinea age 18 and older may import 250 cigarettes/250g cigars or tobacco, two litre of alcohol, and a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use. Uncanned foodstuffs and animal products from countries other than Australia and New Zealand, and pig meat from New Zealand are prohibited.

Communications

The international access code for Papua New Guinea is +675. It is often cheaper to get a local SIM card than to pay international roaming costs; free WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.

Passport & Visa

All visitors require a passport or passport replacing document that is valid for six months past their date of arrival. Visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay, as well as return or onward tickets.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.

UK nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.

Canadians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.

Australians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, and a visa. Those carrying APEC Business Travel Cards endorsed for travel to Papua New Guinea do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 60 days.

South African nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.

Nationals of Ireland require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required.

New Zealanders require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required. Those carrying APEC Business Travel Cards endorsed for travel to Papua New Guinea do not require visas for stays of up to 60 days.

Useful contacts

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Port Moresby: +675 320 0211

112 (police), 110 (fire), 111 (ambulance)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Washington, D.C: +202 745 3680 or info@pngembassy.org

High Commission of Papua New Guinea, London: + 44 (0)207 930 0922 or info@pnghighcomm.org.uk

Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Washington, D.C (representing Canada): +202 745 3680 or info@pngembassy.org

Consulate General of Papua New Guinea, Brisbane: (07) 3221 7915 or pngcg@kundubne.org

High Commission of Papua New Guinea, Wellington: +64 4 385 2474

Embassies / consulates in Papua New Guinea

U.S Embassy in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby: +675 321 1455 or consularportmoresby@state.gov

British High Commission in Port Moresby: +675 303 7600 or uk.inpng@fco.gov.uk

U.S Embassy in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby (also representing Cananda): +675 321 1455 or consularportmoresby@state.gov