Traveling To Papua New Guinea

Time Zone: PST + 17 hours

Airports: Jackson International Airport, Port Moresby

International Airlines: Air Nuigini, Quantas, Singapore Airlines

Entry Regulations: Passport and return ticket. For most countries a 30 day visitor's visa is available at Port Moresby airport on arrival. As at 1/9/05, Visa fee is PGK100. 60 day visa is available at the airport if you ask for it for the same cost.
However, visitors from some Eastern Bloc countries do not have access to this facility and a Visa will be required to be obtained prior to arrival in to Papua New Guinea. Please check with your travel agent or the PNG Consulate in your country.

Health Regulations: Cholera and typhoid vaccinations are suggested. Routine immunizations should be current. Precautions against malaria should be taken.

Currency & Exchange Rate: The Kina; 2:00 Kina = $1 U.S.

Airport Fees: K30.00 departure tax

Electricity: 240 volts A.C., 50 cycles. Plugs are three-pin Australia-style and convertors are available.

Domestic Transport: via Air Nuigini who services 20 main regional airports.

Land: Rental cars, some taxis, limited bus service and you can hire a car & driver

Language: English. Pidgen is also widely spoken.

Credit Cards Accepted: International credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants.

Communications: Direct dial telephone, telex, fax and email.

Climate: Warm to hot & humid. The rainy season is January to March.

Dress: Informal & casual. Thongs, sneakers and sand shoes are not appropriate in some places.

Water: Bottled or boiled.

Tipping: Optional.

Cuisine: Papua New Guinea is not a gourmet's delight; eating at the hotels and resorts is probably best. Western Asian and European cuisine. Or try a traditional 'mumu' of roast pork, sweet potatoes, rice and greens.

Safety: Pay attention to warnings. Avoid local tribal conflicts. Arguments can flair up with the slightest provocation. These do not usually involve the tourist, but if you do see an argument brewing, don't stay to watch the action, leave the scene immediately.

Side Trips and Tours: Don't expect to be able to join a major tour without planning. Tours can take a couple of days to arrange. Pick your tours before leaving home.

Special Interest: August & September are when the highland tribes gather at Mt. Hagen & Goroka for two days of traditional dancing and singing. Many thousands of tribes people take part. Accommodations are almost impossible during this time period, so book well in advance.

Best Night Spot: There is no nightlife, the best you can do is visit a hotel. Spend the time night diving. The night dives are fabulous! You can ask the nearby village for a traditional sing sing, which is a dance and song to welcome visitors.