Is it acceptable to take photos of people during traditional ceremonies?

Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially during sacred ceremonies; some tribes believe cameras can capture a person's spirit.

How should I dress when visiting villages in Papua New Guinea?

Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and avoid bright colors or flashy patterns, as they may be seen as disrespectful in traditional settings.

What is the proper way to greet someone in a rural village?

A gentle handshake and a smile are appropriate; avoid overly firm handshakes, as they can be seen as aggressive.

Are there any unique transportation quirks I should know about?

Public transportation is limited; PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) are common but often overcrowded and operate on flexible schedules, so plan for delays.

What are some regional specialties I should try?

Sample dishes like mumu (meat and vegetables cooked in an earth oven) and sago (a starch made from palm trees), which are staples in many regions.

How can I respect local traditions when visiting a village?

Bring a small gift, such as betel nuts or tobacco, to present to the village chief as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Are there any unique laws or traditions I should be aware of?

Avoid pointing with your finger, as it is considered rude; instead, use your chin or lips to gesture.

What are some money-saving tips for traveling in Papua New Guinea?

Stay in guesthouses or homestays instead of hotels, and eat at local markets where food is fresh and inexpensive.

How can I practice sustainable travel in Papua New Guinea?

Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts directly from them, and avoid single-use plastics to minimize environmental impact.

What are some seasonal considerations for visiting Papua New Guinea?

The dry season (May-October) is ideal for travel, as roads are more accessible and festivals like the Goroka Show take place.

Are there any communication norms I should be aware of?

Speak softly and avoid interrupting others; silence is often used as a sign of respect in conversations.

Can I participate in traditional dances or rituals?

Only if invited; observe respectfully unless the community explicitly encourages your participation.

Yes, most nationalities need a visa. Tourist visas are available on arrival for 30 days for many countries, or apply online for an eVisa.

What currency is used?

Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). ATMs are limited outside major towns; carry cash.

Is English widely spoken?

English is an official language, but Tok Pisin is the most common lingua franca. In remote areas, local languages dominate.

What vaccinations do I need?

Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for lowland areas.

Can I drink tap water?

No, tap water is not safe. Drink bottled or boiled water.

What is the food like?

Local cuisine includes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, taro, sweet potato, and sago. International food is available in cities.

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Solo travel is possible but requires caution, especially in cities. Joining guided tours for remote areas is recommended.

Lightweight clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Only in major hotels and some shops in Port Moresby. Cash is king elsewhere.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service, especially in tourist areas.

Can I drive with my license?

An International Driving Permit is required alongside your home license.

What is the internet like?

Internet is slow and expensive. Wi-Fi is available in major hotels but unreliable in rural areas.

Papua New Guinea - Travel destination image

Papua New Guinea

countryOceania

Papua New Guinea is a COUNTRY in Oceania.

Papua New Guinea is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural diversity. Nestled in the southwestern Pacific, this tropical paradise boasts lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. With over 800 indigenous languages, it's a melting pot of traditions and customs. Explore the rugged Highlands, home to the famous Huli Wigmen, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Milne Bay to discover WWII wrecks and vibrant marine life. The Kokoda Track offers a challenging trek through history, while the Sepik River provides a glimpse into the lives of riverine tribes. From the bustling markets of Port Moresby to the remote villages of the Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea promises an adventure like no other.

Best time to visit Papua New Guinea

The best time to visit Papua New Guinea is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is more predictable and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. This period also coincides with many cultural festivals, such as the Goroka Show and the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Warm, 24-30°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

End of dry season; pleasant weather

Know before you go

Getting there

POM

Jacksons International Airport

International

11 km away

LAE

Lae Nadzab Airport

Domestic

40 km away

RAB

Rabaul Airport

Domestic

5 km away

MAG

Madang Airport

Domestic

2 km away

HGU

Mount Hagen Airport

Domestic

7 km away

Getting around

"Getting around Papua New Guinea can be challenging due to its rugged terrain. Domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between major towns and islands. Public transport is limited, but PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) are a common and affordable option for short distances. Boats are essential for reaching remote coastal and island communities. Hiring a 4WD vehicle is recommended for exploring the Highlands, but be prepared for rough roads."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

5 Mbps

Mobile data

Fair

WiFi

Limited to major hotels and urban centers; slow and expensive

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $10 (Digicel or B-Mobile)

Calling code

+675

Stay safe

Overall

5/10

Urban areas have higher crime rates; rural areas are generally safer but require caution.

Night safety

3/10

Urban areas have higher crime rates; rural areas are generally safer but require caution.

Transport

4/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Exercise caution, especially in urban areas, and avoid traveling alone at night."

Police

112

Fire

110

Ambulance

111

Entry and health

Visa requirements

"Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for some nationalities or through a Papua New Guinean embassy or consulate."

Health information

"Travelers to Papua New Guinea should be up-to-date on routine vaccines and consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. Malaria is prevalent, so antimalarial medication and mosquito repellent are essential. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked food."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect for local customs is crucial in Papua New Guinea. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their property. When visiting villages, it's customary to bring a small gift, such as betel nuts or tobacco. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Handshakes are a common greeting, but be mindful of local traditions, such as avoiding direct eye contact in some cultures."

English (official)Tok Pisin (official)Hiri Motu (official)MotuKuanuaEngaMelpaHuliKumanWahgiEnglishTok PisinHiri MotuPapuan languagesAustronesian languages

Costs and practicals

Currency

Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) · K

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10-15 | a cheap local meal costs around $10-15

Hotels

$50-100 | budget hotels range $50-100/night

Local transport

$2 | local PMV bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Costs are higher than many neighboring countries due to remote location and limited infrastructure.

Timezone

Pacific/Port_Moresby +10:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

8,606,316

Area

462,840 km²

Government

Constitutional Monarchy

ISO code

PG, PNG

Type

country

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Папуæ — Ног Гвиней, པ་པུ་འ་ནིའུ་གི་ནེ།, Папуа Гвинеяи Нав, Papua Tân Guinea;Pa-pua Niu Ghi-nê, Papua ir Naujoji Gvinėja, Papuwasi-Gine-Koura, Papue Gnove Guinee, Estado Independente da Papua-Nova Guiné, Estado Independiente de Papúa Nueva Guínea, Papua-Uđđâ-Guinea, Papua Niu Kini, Papua Ginea Berria, Papua-Jaungvinejas Neatkarīgā Valsts, Papua-Nová Guinea, Papua Gineya Newiye, పాపువా న్యు గినియా, Папуа-Шэнэ Гвинея, Papwazi-Nouvèl-Gine, Papua Bagong Ginea, پاپوا گینێی نوێ, Pápua Új-Guinea, Папуа Саҥа Гуинея, פפואה גינאה החדשה, Papua Nueva Guinea, ប៉ាពូអានូវែលហ្គីណេ, Papua Ny-Guinea, Папуа — Новая Гвінея, Papua Nya Guinea, Папуһасин болн Шин Гвинемудин Орн, Papuwaa Nuwel Gine, Pâ-pu-â Néu-kí-nui-â, Папуа Нова Гвинеја, 巴布亞新畿內亞, Paapua Uus-Guinea, Nua-Ghuine Phapua, Papuwa Niwu Giinii, Papua Ny Guinea, Papuwazii Kinee Kɩfalʊʊ, بابوا نيو جينيا, Papua New Gini nutome, Ɣinya Tamaynut Tapaput, 파푸아뉴기니, Papua Niugini, Papwa Nyugini, പാപുവ ന്യൂ ഗിനിയ, Papoasie-Novèla-Guinê, पापुआ न्यू गिनी, པ་པུ་ ནིའུ་གི་ནི, Papuveän Nula-Gineyän, Stad Dizalc'h Papoua Ginea Nevez, पपुआ न्यू गाइनिया, Papua Naujuojė Gvėniejė, پاپُوا نیوٗ گیٖنی, Gini Nuadh Phaputhach, Papuwa Nugini, Папуа — Яңы Гвинея, Niezależne Państwo Papui-Nowej Gwinei, Paapua Uus-Guinea Iseseisvusriik, Папуа — Керла Гвине, Tetã Hekosãsóva Papúa Ginéa Pyahu, 巴布亞新畿內亞 / 巴布亞紐幾內亞, Papua Yancuīc Guinea, Papua Nugini, Papuwaasi-Gine-Gu-Bees, Papwa Gyni Nowydh, ᱯᱟᱯᱩᱣᱟ ᱱᱤᱣ ᱜᱤᱱᱤ, ޕަޕުއާ ނިއު ގިނީ, Papua Yangi Gvineya, Papua Nutaaq Guinea, 巴布亚新几内亚, بابوا نيوغينيا, पपुवा न्यू गिनी, نوې پاپوا ګینه, Papua Yeni Qvineya, Papúa Ginéa Pyahu, Папуа - Ҫӗнӗ Гвинея, بابوا غينيا الجديدة, פאפוא ניי גינע, ಪಾಪುಅ ನ್ಯೂ ಗಿನಿ, Papua Naujoji Gvinėja, Papuaniuginia, Papua Nu Gini, Papua Nyuu Gini, Papuwa Neujineeja, පැපුවා නිව් ගිනියාව, ປາປົວນິວກີນີ, Παπούα Νέα Γουινέα, Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, Papoa-Nòva Guinèa, Papua, Papúa Gynéa Pyahu, Papua Gîneya Nû, Pāpua Nūkini, ma Papuwanijukini, Unabhängiger Staat Papua-Neuguinea, Papû Finî Ginëe, Papuazïi, Papoea Nij-Guinea, পাপুয়া নিউ গিনি, Papuo-Nov-Gvineo, Papua Noua Guinee, Quốc gia Độc lập Papua New Guinea, Папуа-Шинэ Гвиней, papuas, Papua Yeni Gine, Papua-Nova-Guinea, པ་པུ་ཨ། ནིའུ། གྷི་ནི།, Nezávislý stát Papua Nová Guinea, Papua Nova Guinea, Papua-Ođđ-Guinea, Papua Bagong Guineya, Pápua Új-Guinea Független Állam, Papuwa Nuveli Gineya, Papua-Niegguinea, Papua Eni Gvineya, Папуа-Новая Гвінэя, Papwa Ñukini, Papua Növa Guinea, Papua-Neiguinea, ಪಪುವಾ ನ್ಯೂಗೀನಿಯಾ, မိူင်းပႃးပႂႃႇၼိဝ်းၵီးၼီး, ପପୁଆ ନ୍ୟୁ ଗୁଏନିଆ, i-Papua New Guinea, Papua-Nova Guiné, Papua-Yeni Qvineya, Папуа — Новая Гвинея, Papwa Gwinea l-Ġdida, Папуа-Жаӊы-Гвинея., Papoea Nieuw-Hunea, ပါပူရာနယူးဂီနီ, Papua Neuva Guinea, Papúa Nova Guinea, Papua - Nová Guinea, پاپوآ گینه نو, Papua Baro a Guinea, Papua-Jaungvineja, Papua Guinea Newydd, പപ്പുവ ന്യൂ ഗ്വിനി, 巴布亚新几内亚 / 巴布亞紐幾內亞 / 巴布亞新畿內亞, Papoea-Nui-Guinea, Papuaniukini, Папуа Нова Гвинея, پاپوا نيو گني, Papoea Nij-Guineä, Papua Guinea Titun, Papua-Ođđa-Guinea, Papû Finî Ginëe, Pāpua, پاپۇئا يېڭى گۋىنېيە, پاپوا یئنی قینه, Papua-Nueva-Guinea, पपुवा न्युगिनी, Papwazi Ginɛ ya sika, Papua Guinea e Re, பப்புவா நியூ கினி, Papua-Neuguinea, Papua Nova Gvineja, ਪਾਪੂਆ ਨਿਊ ਗਿਨੀ, Páápowa Bigíní Ániidí, Papua-Nowa Gwinea, Незалежная Дзяржава Папуа — Новая Гвінея, ፓፑዋ ኒው ጊኒ, Papua-Nueva Guinea, Папуа — Яңа Гвинея, Papua Nýguinea, Papooey Guinea Noa, パプアニューギニア, Պապուա Նոր Գվինեա, ประเทศปาปัวนิวกินี, 巴布亞紐幾內亞, Незалежна Держава Папуа Нова Ґвінея, Papua Guinea Mpya, ᐸᐳᐊ ᓂᐅ ᒍᐃᓇ, Papoua Ginea Nevez, Papua-Nuoba Guiné, Papua-Nowŏ Gwinyjŏ, Папуа — У Гвиней, Papua Nyguinea, ᏆᏇ ᎢᏤ ᎩᏂ, پاپوآ نیو گنی, Papúa Nýja-Gínea, Папуа-Новая Гвінея, پاپوانیوگنی, Papua Gine Nova, Papua Nūkini, Papua Yañı Gvineya, Papua-Uusi-Guinea, पपुवा न्हु गिनिया, Независимое Государство Папуа — Новая Гвинея, Estado Independiente de Papúa Nueva Guinea, Papua Nová Guinea, Papua Gini-Nuadh, Pàpua Noa Guinea, Папуа Жаңа Гвинея, Papuwa-Nowa Gineja, Papua y Nueva Guinea, Papua -Yeni Gine, 巴布亞新幾內亞, פפואה גיניאה החדשה, ပါပူအာနယူးဂီနီနိုင်ငံ, پاپوا نیو گنی, பாப்புவா நியூ கினி, Papua Sin Guinea, Papua New Guinea, 파푸아 뉴기니, Papua-Nieuw-Guinea, Papua-Nowo Gwinyjo, Папуа Нова Ґвінея, Papwa-Ginea Ġdida, Папоуа · Нова Гвинєꙗ, Papua — Uz' Gvinei, Papouazi-Nouvèl-Giné, Papoea-Nieu-Guinee, პაპუა-ახალი გვინეა, Papua Guineja e Re, Papua-Täze Gwineýa, Papua Guinea Baru, 巴布亞紐幾內亞 / 巴布亞新畿內亞, પાપુઆ ન્યૂ ગિની, État indépendant de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, Papua Nove Guinea, Papuwa Niyugineya, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Independent State of Papua New Guinea;Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini, পাপুয়া নিউগিনি, Papua Guinea Foforo, Orílẹ́ède Paapu ti Giini, Dewleta Serbixwe ya Papua Gîneya Nû, Papoea-Nieuw-Guinea, Papua Nuova Guinea, Папуа Выль Гвинея, Sendependa Ŝtato de Papuo-Nov-Gvineo, Papua-Uuzi Guinea, Paapua Vahtsõnõ Ginea, Papúa Nueva Guinea

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