Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs are common in the main towns (mainly Bank of the South Pacific, ANZ and Westpac - all should accept foreign cards).
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Oceania · MelanesiaOutline guideCountry in Oceania
Photo: Mschlauch, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG, Tok Pisin: Papua Niugini, Hiri Motu: Papua Niu Gini) comprises the eastern part of the world's largest and highest tropical island, New Guinea, together with many smaller offshore islands.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Papua New Guinea.
Cards and cash
ATMs are common in the main towns (mainly Bank of the South Pacific, ANZ and Westpac - all should accept foreign cards).
English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin
With over 800 languages, it was pretty difficult to get everyone talking to each other.
There is 4G LTE coverage in the capital, Port Moresby and Lae and 3G/2G coverage in most populated places.
Tap water in some regions can be unsafe to drink.
Tap water in some regions can be unsafe to drink.
As in many Melanesian cultures, greeting people with a friendly handshake is very important. Be aware, however, that it is a sign of respect not to make eye contact.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital city with its interesting Zoological gardens, the Parliament building, the museum, and general Melanesian atmosphere
laid-back capital of Milne Bay province and gateway to some fascinating but remote islands
an attractive highland town with pleasant climate and the annual Goroka Show, centre of the country's coffee industry
the country's second city, main commercial centre and gateway to the highlands
a beautiful city with breathtaking flights of bats in the evening (it is illegal to hurt them), and even more breathtaking diving
the 'wild-west' frontier town in the Highlands, which will introduce you to the cool, crisp Highlands weather and Highlands culture
the city at the foot of an active volcano which was evacuated and severely damaged by a major eruption in 1994
the border town if you want to make your way to or from the province of Papua in neighbouring Indonesia; popular surfing destination
one of the most popular experiences in PNG, a 96 km hike along a historic trail across the Owen Stanley Range, famous for its part in World War II
beautiful island group well off-the-beaten-path; world-class diving and yachting heaven
referred to by the anthropologist, Malinowski, as the "Islands of Love"
the Fjordland of Papua New Guinea with fascinating scenery, great diving, and tapa cloth made from mulberry bark
Places in Papua New Guinea on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
This region covers the National Capital District of Port Moresby and the Central and Northern provinces. The starting point for all visits to Papua New Guinea.
The Western and Gulf provinces. Fascinating but little visited provinces. Birdwatchers' paradise.
Madang has volcanic islands and good diving, while Morobe is beginning of the Highlands Highway and an original Gold Rush area
Consists of Enga Province, Chimbu Province and the Southern, Western and Eastern Highlands, amazing culture and the rare tribal fight
The Sandaun (West Sepik) and East Sepik provinces and the mighty Sepik river.
The eastern region with many fascinating islands.
New Britain still has many visible ruins from World War II, above and below water.
Land of the country's first human settlements. Fishing, diving, sailing and surfing, plus interesting culture.
An autonomous island region, culturally and geographically more akin to the Solomon Islands, expected to become an independent country in 2027
Public transport and paid services in Papua New Guinea.
By boat
People living in the archipelagos get around locally with the ubiquitous banana boat, a 30- to 40-ft fibreglass hull with an outboard motor.
By plane
Papua New Guinea has historically been one of the world centres for aviation and still features some of the most spectacular flying in the world.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Papua New Guinea.
Finding apps for Papua New Guinea…
Other ways to travel:By public motor vehicles (PMV)
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Port Moresby · International · POM
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Port Moresby
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 31° |
| Avg. low | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 21° | 20° | 19° | 19° | 20° | 21° | 22° | 22° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 225 | 153 | 292 | 139 | 75 | 69 | 24 | 42 | 40 | 47 | 70 | 109 |
| Humidity | 82% | 84% | 86% | 86% | 83% | 79% | 75% | 71% | 68% | 67% | 71% | 75% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$70
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$180
Per person, per day
Luxury
$475
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $100 | $275 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $40 | $95 |
| Local transport | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $65 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy. Exercise increased caution due to kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent availability of healthcare services, and potential for natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Violent crime, including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions, and armed robberies, is common. There have been reports of criminals attacking resorts popular with foreign tourists to steal goods and money. Tensions between communal or tribal groups may lead to civil unrest involving violence and can occur without warning. Police presence is limited outside of the capital, Port Moresby, and police may be unable to assist due to limited resources. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain authorization before traveling to certain areas, including the central part of Bougainville and the provinces of Southern Highlands, Western Highlands (excluding Mt. Hagen), Eastern Highlands (excluding Goroka), Hela, Enga, Jiwaka, and other areas of Papua New Guinea where one is unable to fly directly. Piracy is active in the waters surrounding Papua New Guinea. Travelers by boat should reconsider travel to the Bismarck and Solomon Seas along Papua New Guinea's north and eastern coasts. In 2021 and 2022, the Embassy was aware of at least three occasions in which sailboats operated by or carrying U.S. citizens were boarded by criminals. The…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces due to the high risk of tribal fighting Enga Province in the Highlands, except Wabag District Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Interruptions to water and electricity supply Papua New Guinea can experience interruptions in the supply of water and electricity to urban centres. The water supplier to Port Moresby, Water PNG, completed some planned maintenance works in mid-August. Consider personal preparedness and regularly check media updates from Water PNG for the latest information. Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts Enga Province Following wide-spread intercommunal violence in Wapenamanda area of Enga Province, the provincial government has declared all districts except Wabag District, which remains relatively…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Papua New Guinea.
ItinerariesThe Kokoda Track is a hiking trail in Southern Papua New Guinea.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyRugby football is a game named after the school in the English town of Rugby. There are two main versions: rugby union with 15 players a side (with a 7-a-side variant), and rugby league with 13 players a side (with…
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureVolcanoes come in many shapes and sizes, and their eruptions vary hugely in both frequency and intensity. Many volcanoes are tourist attractions and are worth a visit provided you take due care, in particular keeping a…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe Pacific War was a theatre of World War II including East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania, separate from World War II in Europe.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe following list contains a list of itineraries in Oceania.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureHiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails.
Wikivoyage
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