Discover
Papua New Guinea with this essential travel guide, covering culture,
safety tips, visas, transport and the best times to visit. Explore
remote highlands, vibrant festivals, volcanoes and wildlife across
one of the world’s most diverse countries.
Country: Papua New Guinea
Continent / Region: Oceania / Melanesia
Capital City: Port Moresby
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Population: ~10 million
Official Language(s): English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Around 30% (higher in cities and tourism areas)
Currency: Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+10
Driving Side: Left
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type I plugs, 240V
Adapter Needed: Yes — UK travellers require an adapter
Emergency Numbers: 111 (emergency services)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 22–28 hours (two connections likely)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May – October (dry season); November – April is rainy and humid
Main International Airports:
Visa Requirements: Visa required for most visitors
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Yes — visa on arrival or eVisa available
Visa Duration / Cost: 30-day tourist visa approx. £35–£50
Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies recommended; malaria precautions essential
Embassy Information (UK Embassy for Papua New Guinea):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £45 / £90 / £160+ per person
Tipping Culture: Not customary; small tips appreciated in tourism
Public Transport Options: Taxis, PMVs (public motor vehicles), domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: PMVs ≈ £0.50–£1; taxis vary widely — often negotiated
Internet / SIM Availability: Good in cities; limited in remote regions; Digicel and Telikom are main providers
Main Climate Type: Tropical rainforest climate
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Dry Season (May–Oct): 24–30 °C
• Wet Season (Nov–Apr): 25–32 °C, heavy rainfall and humidity
Major Cities: Port Moresby, Lae, Mount Hagen, Madang, Goroka
Natural Attractions: Kokoda Track, Sepik River, Tufi fjords, Rabaul volcano, Owen Stanley Range
Popular Tourist Destinations: Port Moresby Nature Park, Madang, New Britain, Tufi, Goroka Highlands
Main Religions: Christianity; strong presence of indigenous belief systems
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Always ask before taking photos; avoid public displays of affection; dress modestly in villages; respect wantok (community) customs
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Mumu (earth oven feast), taro, kaukau (sweet potato), seafood, sago-based dishes
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Goroka Show, Rabaul Mask Festival, Mount Hagen Cultural Show, Independence Day (Sept 16)
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Kuk Early Agricultural Site (UNESCO), Kokoda Track, Sepik River villages, Tavurvur volcano
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate to high caution — some urban crime, remote travel risks, difficult terrain
Common Scams / Warnings: Overpriced taxis, unofficial guides, pickpocketing in markets; avoid travel after dark
Health Risks: Malaria, dengue, typhoid, waterborne diseases; limited medical facilities in rural areas
Recommended Travel Clinics: Pacific International Hospital, Port Moresby General Hospital
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Strongly recommended — must include remote evacuation and adventure cover
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Reliable in major centres; poor to non-existent in rural areas
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Kokoda Track, Port Moresby Nature Park, Tufi fjords, Rabaul volcano, Sepik River
Unique Experiences: Cultural festivals (sing-sings), diving WWII wrecks, birdwatching endemic species, highland village visits
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Manus Island, Telefomin caves, Tari Highlands, New Ireland beaches
Popular Areas to Stay:
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £40 / £80 / £180+ per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: Port Moresby waterfront, hotel lounges, Vision City complex
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: SP Lager, fruit wines, hotel bars with ocean views
Entertainment Options: Cultural shows, live music, resort activities, village performances
Car Rental Availability: Limited; 4x4 required; many travellers prefer hiring a driver
Domestic Flights / Trains: Extensive domestic flight network; no railway system
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: Taxi journeys vary from £3–£15 depending on distance; negotiate fares beforehand
Best Markets / Districts: Port Moresby Handicraft Market, Madang markets, Goroka craft stalls
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Bilum bags, wooden carvings, bark paintings, shell jewellery, masks, woven baskets
Local SIM Card Providers: Digicel, Telikom
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat mornings; smaller shops vary
Tap Water Safety: Not safe — always use bottled or boiled water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: Papua New Guinea is home to more than 800 languages — the greatest linguistic diversity of any country on Earth.
