Security
As with all developing countries, there are times when law and order issues are a concern. Much of what you have read or heard are over-exaggerations of what you will find and apply in the main to urban areas. Although you are unlikely to experience any difficulties, please us common sense, particularly when out and about at night. Seek local advice from your hotel or the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.
 
Visa Ease
A 60-day tourist visa is available on arrival at Port Moresby and Mount Hagen airports. The fee for the non-extendible visa, available only at the air gateways is K25. You will need valid travel documents, sufficient funds for your stay and an airline ticket with a confirmed outbound flight before the expire date of you visa. Some restrictions apply to travellers from several Asian, Eastern European and African countries. We recommend that travellers check with the PNG Embassy or the nearest Australian Consular or PNG representative office (which are located in the capitals of most countries) or any Air Niugini Office as to the visa requirements before travelling to Papua New Guinea.
 
Stay Healthy
Water quality is within World Health Organisation standards in most towns, Bottled water is available. However, in rural areas, it's advisable to boil water at all times. Malaria continues as a health risk in some parts of the country. You should start taking anti-malaria tablets two weeks before arrival, continue during your stay in Papua New Guinea and for four weeks after departure. Prevention is effective and easy; use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and shoes in the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
 
Crafty Souvenirs
One of the many pleasant surprises you will find in Papua New Guinea is the wide range of art forms in diverse styles. Among the many tempting souvenirs you'll encounter are:
Bilums
String Bags made from natural fibres.
   
Masks
Woven from cane or rattan; made of wood and clay with shells, hair and pigs' teeth or incised with brown and white patterns and finished in glossy black.
   
Wooden Bowls
Fashioned form prized local timbers, including ebony. Carved walking sticks, stools and tables are often inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
 
   
Baskets and Trays
Many different patterns and styles can be found. Those from Bougainville are regarded as some of the finest in the Pacific.
   
Drums
The most common musical instrument in Papua New Guinea. Those made from a hollow tree trunk are called garamuts, while the smaller kundu is shaped like an hour glass and has snake or lizard skin stretched over one end.
   
Story Boards
made on the Keram River, they illustrate in raised relief, events and incidents of village life.
 
   
Spirit Boards
Act as guardians of the village with those from the Gulf Province believed to possess the spirits of powerful warriors.
 
   
Many artefacts and other historical and cultural objects are prohibited exports. Others require an export permit. Contact the National Museum for details. Export of Bird of Paradise plumes is prohibited. For export permits for other wildlife and animal products, contact the Nature Conservation Division of the Department of Environment & Conservation.
 
Feathers of Fliers
Over 700 species of feathered fliers flutter across our island including 38 of the 41 species of the magnificent Bird of Paradise. There are numerous other birds of distinction including the Cassowary; which stands 1.8 meters high and can weigh up to 59kg and the Crowned Pigeon which is the size of a turkey. Parrots of kaleidoscopic colours dot our towering trees. Not all the colours of the rainbow have been reserved for birds; there is an unlimited range of hues and shades to be seen in our 2000 orchid species and countless magnificent butterflies including the world's largest, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing.
 
 
Talk to Us
English Motu Pidgin
Good Morning Dada namona Monin
Good Afternoon Handorai namona Apinun
What's your name? Oi emu ladana be daika Wanem nem bilong yu?
My name is ... Lau egu ladana be... Nem bilong me...
How much is this? Inai be hida? Hamas long em?
Thank you Tanikiu Tenkiu
     
This and That.
Getting Here/Getting About
Your touchdown is on the tarmac of Jackson's International Airport which is 11km (7 miles) from the centre of Port Moresby. There are rental car counters, a bank and a duty free shop within the airport complex. Major hotels have a courtesy bus to and from the airport. Taxis have meters but are rather expensive. Within the city, PMV's (public motor vehicles) cost 50toea per journey.
 
Currency
Papua New Guinea's unit of currency is the Kina which is divided into 100 toea. There are K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2 notes and a K1 coin. Exchange you Dollars, Sterling, Yen and most other international currencies at Jackson's Airport or in banks which are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday and until 5pm on Friday. And don't forget your credit cards which are accepted in leading hotels and shops.
 
Calling Home
Modern satellite communication brings the world to Papua New Guinea at the touch of a few buttons. Only in the remote areas is radio telephone service in use.
 
Useful Port Moresby Numbers
Tourism Promotion Authority 3200211; Air Niugini Information Jackson's International Airport 3273480; Reservations and Confirmation 3273555 (Domestic) and 3273444 (International); Police 000; Ambulance 3256822.
 
Stamp Facts
The Papua New Guinea Postal Service is fast and reliable. Plus there is the added bonus of beautiful and highly prized stamps to decorate your letters and cards. Special collector and presentation packs available from most post offices and make great gifts.
 
 
Power Points
Papua New Guinea's electricity supply is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Some hotels have 110 volt outlets for shavers and hair dryers.
 
Dress Sense
For most occasions, dress is informal and casual. Thongs, sneakers and sandshoes are not allowed in some bars and restaurants. In the Highlands sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as is a sweater or jacket for cool evenings.
 
Dining Out
You won't go hungry in Papua New Guinea. Western cuisine is available in hotels, restaurants, guest houses, lodges and village resorts. Port Moresby has several Asian and European restaurants. For something different try a traditional 'mumu' of roast pork, chicken or fish, sweet potato, taro, banana and greens.
 
Shopping Surprises
From modern department complexes to quaint little stores, there are plenty of places to spend your money. In artefact shops you may try your hand at bargaining, but be gentle! Remember that Saturday is a half day for most shops and virtually every place is closed on Sunday.
 
The Sporting Life
Play golf, tennis and squash or go fishing, diving, snorkelling, hunting and trekking. Check with Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority for venues.
 
Time Out
Papua New Guinea is 10 hours ahead of GMT and in the same time zone as Eastern Australia. However, there is no daylight saving in Papua New Guinea.
 
Fine Feathered Festivals
While it's always possible to se various aspects of our rich heritage, there are annual regional festivals of traditional culture well worth including in your itinerary:
June Port Moresby Show
August Mt. Hagen Show
September Hiri Moale Festival, Port Moresby
October Maborasa Festival in Madang
October Morobe Show
   
Topping them all is the Eastern Highlands Show in Goroka (staged in September of every numbered years) when thousands of painted and feathered tribes-people sing, dance and parade in full regalia.
 
 
Tipping Tips
You are a guest in Papua New Guinea and hospitality is an honour in our Melanesian culture. Tips are neither expected nor encouraged.
 
Taxing Matters.
While there is no service charge added to bills, a service tax of between 2.5% and 7% is levied in some provinces and the National Capital District. Save K15 for you international air departure tax. Tax stamps can be purchased at post offices or on departure
 
Customary Regulations
Standard customs concessions for travellers apply to the following goods:
  200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
One litre of spirits
A reasonable amount of perfume
 
We value your visit but pleas don't bring drugs, obscene literature or video tapes, firearms or weapons. Food items, seeds, spices, live or dry plants, animals, animal products and equipment as well as biological specimens such as cultures and blood need special documentation before they can be imported.
 
For more fascinating facts about Papua New Guinea holidays,
contact your travel agent or the Papua New Guinea
Tourism Promotion Authority.
Telephone +675 3200211, Facsimile +675 3200223